tried a search couldnt find any thing to help...

08 SS - 56K - i have developed a shrill brake squeal on the right side that comes and goes...even without braking i get rotational squeal sometimes and even a chirp when hitting small bumps or road reflectors - not constant yet but seems to be getting worse - i checked for anything loose without pulling the wheels - nothing found - no change in performance in the brakes

wheel bearings?? since i can sometimes hear it without braking - i've never heard a bad bearing give such a shrill sound but may be so on this vehicle

i saw no scores in any of the rotors - any quirks i may be missing here??

thanks in advance for your thoughts

 

First thing to check is whether you're down to the wear indicators on that side, the pads have built in "noise makers" to squeal when you're almost out of friction material. You need to pull the wheel and check both the inner and outer pad, it might look fine from the front only to be worn out on the backside, hence your squeal.

 

X2..... What he said!

 

perfect! - thanks guys i appreciate it

off to the lift i go...

 

just in case ...
faulty bearing hub is not screaming.
It produces a continuous howl, the sound is very similar to the aerodynamics. Howl begins with the rotation of the wheels and subsides after stop. Volume and tone do not depend on the speed and the steering.

 

Greg .. Interesting.....

I have a new 2011 with what sounds like a wind noise on the front passenger side. I would call it a Howl of sorts. Never thought about it being a bearing hub.
Mostly noisy at 50-60mph which is as fast as I am driving it now because of it being new...under 500 miles.
Sound seems comming from behind the dash area near glove box as far as I can tell. I closed the vents to see if they reduced the noise but not much if any.

Thoughts ??

 

if the howl does not appear immediately, if the howl disappears after 60 mph and then reappear - it's not the fault of the bearing.
Tires can produce a howl.
But most of all - an aerodynamic howl. Not always vents. Most likely - the gaps between the plastic shield (Lockers), and the car body. Or the gap between the plastic protection under the belly of the car and front bumper.
remove the bumper - it's easy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldlJdh3M8fs
Test trip to stand dot on "i"

 

Dear 08 bowtie,

I have read your post about your situation with your Chevrolet HHR. I am curious if you have contacted the service department at the local Chevrolet dealer. The only reason that I am asking is, that in my area there are some General Motors dealerships that will provide a person of what could be happening even if the owner wants to fix the issue themselves. Just food for thought.

I hope that you have a great weekend!
Michelle, Chevrolet Customer Service

 

thank you for your interest Michelle...

i rarely use the dealership service departments unless it is a warranty issue
for a number of reasons - for routine maintenance issues i generally do it myself or if i am not equipped (lift for example) - i have a personal technician
that will do the required service - i beleive in this case routine brake replacement is all that will be required

 

Dear Silverfox,

With you having such a new vehicle, it might be worth your while to take it to the dealership to have it looked at. It might be something that is covered under your warranty.

Michelle, Chevrolet Customer Service