Since I've recently had a few problems with braking and shudder in the front end https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/problems-service-repairs-42/low-speed-clunk%3Bsteering-shakes-braking-39382/ I've started using the parking brake as a handbrake whenever possible (sound familiar to old VW Beetle owners?). By doing this I can avoid the shuddering steering at some speeds (anything has to be better than the "shudder"). I know this is avoiding confronting the real underlying problem, but it's a work-around I can live with. Besides, it brings back old memories of rat-racing in the old Bug(s). My question is: can I just disconnect the plug from the brake handle to silence the incessant dinging when I pull the handle? The wiring diagrams show it is connected to a BCM logic module, and I don't know whether it will cause other problems to do so. If I can disable it, and later fix whatever is making the car shudder, I will probably keep using the hand brake since I am becoming accustomed to doing so. Anyone know if it will be possible?

 

I apologize in advance, but ?


Are you going to add a brake light switch to the handbrake as well. Maybe a dragster chute? Maybe Fred Flintstone can help.

 

Use engine braking. Since I started that, I have no vibration issues, still on the factory original rotors and pads after 4 years. I bought nice slotted rotors and ceramic pads the second year since I read of the problem, but I havent had to put them on yet.

 

BlackknighT-prod-If I had a 5 speed, I would, but i'm not sure if the Auto could handle it...I've always just used drive (is there a full manual valve body for it?).

 

OK, you're going to get mad at me for saying this, but here goes. For the love of God take it somewhere and have it checked by another set of eyes/ears/butt, before you have an accident stopping it with the handbrake only.

I know you've been chasing a ghost in the machine with the judder in the front end, but operating a vehicle in a dangerous manner by intentionally throwing away 70% of its braking power is kinda silly.

There now you can be mad at me, but I'm saying this out of concern for your safety and that of other people on the road.

 

Not to mention that the parking brake only applies the trailing shoe.

 

Yup, you're correct Don, make that more like 80% of the braking power gone just stopping with the handbrake.

 

Since it's trailing, probably more like 95%, but I really meant wear and tear on the shoes & drums. I was typing at the same time as you were, I was not actually trying to jump on. More like parallel thoughts.

 

I never said that I was stopping with the handbrake only, just using it whenever possible to slow down through the shudder/judder zone before applying more braking. My foot is already poised on the brake pedal,or even applying slight pressure there. The brake lights are active, sometimes even sooner than I would be applying brakes if the system was behaving normally. I have no intention of being rear-ended by somebody else. Around here, it's common to see no brake lights...but not from my vehicles. I do like the drag chute suggestion though. Also, I've just talked to my mechanic buddy; we're going to re-check everything again, and even try new rotors (just to eliminate that possibility). He's arranging to have a Chevy service guy look it over (one we know, and trust) in a few weeks when I'm free from work a day or so. Guys, I've averaged well over 30000 miles a year for 45 years; I may be a hot-rodding leadfoot, but have no major accidents, no accidents were my fault, and only have 3 tickets (none in 25 years). I just want to find and fix the problem myself, as I have done with all my cars, whenever possible, for 45 years. Sorry if you assume that I'm a fool.

 

I don't, and would never assume you're a fool, and please accept my apology if it came off sounding that way. My concern is your safety, and I know that you're frustrated to the breaking point with the judder that you're experiencing.

Its a known issue with HHR's and every once and again there's one that defies the simple common fixes, sadly, you've got one of those.

I'd rather do all the work myself, and 98% of the time I do, but then I do(and will)swallow my pride and whip out the wallet if necessary.

Like I said, you're mad at me, and I know why....but I'm just trying to help and look out for you ya know.