shaking front end when braking but not all the time
Thread Starter
Joined: 10-23-2013
Posts: 3
From: syracuse ny
shaking front end when braking but not all the time
i have a 2010 hhr which i love but when braking moderatly , the driver side front end shakes violently sterring encluded, but oddly enough if i just turn sterring wheel slightly either way it stops immediately. I have changed rotor 4 times, pads 2, bearing, lower control arm, caliper, complete strut assembly and connecting link. to no avail. also new tires and alignment. iam ready to give up . any ideas.
Senior Member
Joined: 02-19-2010
Posts: 1,529
From: Buffalo ny
i have a 2010 hhr which i love but when braking moderatly , the driver side front end shakes violently sterring encluded, but oddly enough if i just turn sterring wheel slightly either way it stops immediately. I have changed rotor 4 times, pads 2, bearing, lower control arm, caliper, complete strut assembly and connecting link. to no avail. also new tires and alignment. iam ready to give up . any ideas.
Deceased
Joined: 06-30-2010
Posts: 25,739
From: Kannapolis NC
When, if ever, have the rear brakes been serviced and adjusted?
HHR's are somewhat notorious for a problem called "Brake Judder", this occurs when the rear brakes fail to self adjust. This eventually causes your rear brakes to become ineffective, which transfers all of the braking effort to the front brakes, leading to premature failure, juddering, and other complaints.
Here's a "How To" on adjusting the rear brakes which should be done every 5,000 miles, or at every oil change.
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/brakes-%7C-suspension-%7C-shocks-%7C-struts-24/proper-rear-drum-brake-adjustment-procedure-36754/
HHR's are somewhat notorious for a problem called "Brake Judder", this occurs when the rear brakes fail to self adjust. This eventually causes your rear brakes to become ineffective, which transfers all of the braking effort to the front brakes, leading to premature failure, juddering, and other complaints.
Here's a "How To" on adjusting the rear brakes which should be done every 5,000 miles, or at every oil change.
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/brakes-%7C-suspension-%7C-shocks-%7C-struts-24/proper-rear-drum-brake-adjustment-procedure-36754/
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 39,900
From: Welland,Ont Canada
Just headed out to the garage to adjust the rear brakes on my 07 HHR LT, I did have this iss awhile ago, the outer tie rod was the issue for that time, but in general the rear brakes I adjust every time I rotate the tires 5,000 Klms or 3,000 miles, a bit if overkill to some but piece of mind and no brake judder for me.
Joined: 07-03-2012
Posts: 7
From: Michigan
A couple of experiences with brake shake, (1) stabilizer links were bad or broken, and (2) the struts and strut bearings needed to be replaced. I have experienced brake fading under wet conditions to the point that the next rotors will be cross-drilled. My car has the Brembo brakes on the front. Just wanted to share.
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,448
From: Fredericksburg,VA
Fade in wet conditions? You'd think the water would cool the rotors not add heat.
Are you road racing? Brembo in the front disc or drum in the rear?
Brake fade is just not something I've heard of on this forum.
Most people say that drilled rotors only look good with no performance advantage. I don't make any judgement 'cause I'm old and feeble, I just drive for a living not for fun.
Are you road racing? Brembo in the front disc or drum in the rear?
Brake fade is just not something I've heard of on this forum.
Most people say that drilled rotors only look good with no performance advantage. I don't make any judgement 'cause I'm old and feeble, I just drive for a living not for fun.