I have a 2010 HHR I replaced the front pads and rotors with Powerstop drilled and slotted rotors and ceramic pads. The shake went away for the most part but braking above 45mph causes a shake in the wheel again. I am going to check rear brake adjustment to make sure their working, but i was wondering if anyone has had anything else cause this tie rods, struts, wheel bearings. The car has 43k on it it shouldnt have worn that stuff but just wanted to see if anyone else had this vibration when braking above 45 mph

 

Sounds like you rotors need to be cleaned up (turned).

CHeck and adjust rear. If your not comfortable checking out the rest of the front end, have it checked out. Non should need replacement at 2 years and 43K, but you never know.

 

These hhrs being based on the lighter cobalt overwhelm the front brakes at times. This is exacerbated by the forward cant most have stock due to the rear end sitting higher. Ths forces more load into the front brakes which heat up quicker. Adjusting your rear drums will help, these seem to not self adjust very well. When I lowered mine with cobalt ss springs and eliminated most the forward cant it also made a noticeable difference in the resistance to brake shudder. basically the heat doesn't build as quickly which is what leads to the shudder.

 

I would not rule out a worn out steering column either.
Mine did some strange things before the steering column was replaced.
whole new driving car with the steering column replaced.
Another words even a slightly warped or glazed rotor on a worn out steering column was magnifying it.

just a thought

 

I've actually got two relatives who are GM mechanics both warned me that if mine developed the rotor shudder too badly to have it checked for eps motor and steering column that the brake shudder if left unchecked would damage these parts.

 

I know i had to wait a few months when it first developed the shudder to replace the rotors. I just cant think that the new rotors could be warped already. Also where can I get just the springs for the rear to lower it I wanted to do that anyway. Also how can you test/figure out if the steering column is bad ? Thanks for all the help!

 

The way many lower the hhr, myself included is via cobalt ss springs. The earlier 05-07 ss/SC are softer and lower it a little more than the later 08-10 ss/tc. I found mine on cobaltss.net from a cobalt owner. You can also search on here for a set. Actually use the search and I recall a thread not,that long ago that listed the GM parts numbers for the springs and what years they applied to. Any cobalt springs will work or you could consider a set sold by some of our supporting vendors. As far as the steering column and eps motor I would take it to a trusted dealership or knowledgeable private shop. Yours being lower miles may be under warranty still so dealership may be best bet

 

So I was having another thought on this braking issue can worn struts contribute to this as well? I still know I have to adjust the rear drums this weekend hopefully and I found I can order the cobalt springs through my work so that may be a possiblity in the future too. I just need to figure it out soon since its primarily my wifes car.

 

It def can as this allows more weight transfer. Worn struts and shocks just don't absorb vehicle movement in lateral or accel/devel actions.it's possible the struts and shocks are worn out but it's relatively low miles for that.

 

It's the hubs. I replaced everything including hubs, rotors, and pads and it FINALLY went completely away. Cost about $400 for parts at NAPA.