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Problems/Service/RepairsIf you have a problem with your HHR, want a tip on repairing or performing a particular service to you HHR here is the place to post!
could be caused by hard spoys on the drums, but more likely where the shoes rub against the backing plate can get rusted or corrosion and cause the noise.clean those points and add a little (LITTLE) bit of high temp grease or anti sieze to keep them clean. Be careful using any type of grease around brakes for obvious reasons. If the shoes are old, just put new ones on as they will get hard and crack with time and heat from braking.
You could follow our frequent advice to adjust them at every oil change. The self-adjusters don't work very good.
The shoes are worn out at 50%. If there are any hot spots on the drums or deep grooves they are bad. The Max inside diameter is stamped on the drum, use a micrometer to measure.
All of that seems obvious to old farts that remember 4 wheel drum brakes.
I treated my 2011 to a new set of brake drums , shoes and a hardware kit. Working much better and the auto adjusters work great!
I still inspect and clean and adjust every oil change.