I have a problem with the brakes(?) on my 2011 HHR LT, 135,000 miles. The left front wheel(?) seems to shake on braking. In the last 9 months I replaced....rotors twice....pads....calipers (all NAPA). Replaced both wheel bearings and hubs. Both struts (shocks). Rotated and bebalanced tires. Replaced the u-joint section of the steering columb. No matter what I have done, it seems to help for about two weeks, then the shaking starts again.
When I am driving about 40-60mph and brake lightly the left front wheel starts rattlinng and the steering wheel shakes violently. There is also a rattling noise that seems to be coming from the anti-lock braking BS on the driver's side, under the hood.
Could the anti-lock BS be the problem? How do I diagnose this piece of equipment? Am I off entirely?
This is my wife's car, driven sanely, but impossible to drive on the curves in the mountings in western NC.
Thanks,
NauticalNaturist

 

ABS is all 4 wheels and makes a noise you will notice, not a rattle.

I would suspect the LCA bushings or the ball joints

 

Welcome to the site, Have a close look at the upper engine mount.

 

I was thinking inspecting; LCA bushings, balljoints and tie rod ends.

 

I had a mechanic inspect the front suspencian. He said everything is tight but found the loose connection between the steering box and the steering colume. (How do you spell columb? colume? help!!) It has been suggested that I check the motor mounts. I will do that as soon as this winter rain stops (NC winters). Still I have the rattling sound in front of the steering wheel under the hood, in the area of the brake controller. Is that a possibility?
Still Hoping for a miracle,
NauticalNaturist

 

When you are driving how can you pinpoint a sound under the hood? column does not get flagged by spellcheck.

 

I'm hoping for that miracle. :)

 

Between the steering rack and steering column is the intermediate steering shaft.
before you change it, inspect the input shaft to the steering rack, see if it moves when you turn the steering wheel left then right.