Hi Everyone, I'm new to this group and this is my first time posting here. Hopefully I'm posting my question in the right area.

The back story: About 1 year ago, I replaced both front rotors and pads. Experienced no issues during the repairs. Around 8 months(?) later I began to feel a bad vibration coming from the front when braking. To me, it has always felt like it was coming from the left front. I assumed that the rotor had warped and left it go until a more convenient time for me to take it apart and replace it. I replaced the rotor under warranty a couple of weeks ago. The shake is still there. The caliper slides are all working fine, there are no cracks or swollenness in the brake hoses or anything like that.

Someone had suggested that it could be a symptom of a bad wheel bearing assembly. I personally figured that would be a continual noise and not one that only occurred when braking; but I went ahead and replaced the left from hub assembly anyway. The problem is still there.

I tool the right front wheel off this morning to see if I can see anything obvious, but I don't. The only thing I do see are a couple of dark centrifugal rings on the rotors (both of them), but they aren't grooves.

Can anybody suggest what I might look for. I thought perhaps strut bearings or struts, but why would that only occur during barking? I'm lost. Help please.

 

Use the search tool, there is an overabundance of info on this problem. My current theory is that ceramic brake pads cause a glazing either on themselves or on the rotors that causes a "skipping". Also, be sure to keep your rear drums properly adjusted.

 

just a quick note . mine did same thing twice. buy really good rotors and it should stop
mine did antway and its a cheap fix ,just a thought.

 

Have you had the tires rotated/balanced lately? If someone put the lug nuts on using an air tool, the rotor(s) could have been damaged. Other than that, I'd look close at glazing on the pad/rotor. "The only thing I do see are a couple of dark centrifugal rings on the rotors (both of them), but they aren't grooves". There is your problem. Those rings are deposits from the pads. Turn the rotors and buy a set of quality pads. And follow the instructions for "bedding " the pads. Each company has SPECIFIC steps for "breaking in " the pads. Failure to do this will just cost you more money. Good luck!

 

Thanks for everyone's input. I guess I'll go ahead and replace the rotors and pads again. I'll let you all know if it fixes the problem.

 

If you use the search tool, you will find an over whelming amount of info! Please give it a try.

 

It will but only for a short time, your troubles lie in the rear brakes.

HHR's have "self-adjusting" rear brakes that really don't self-adjust, so over time your rear brakes become less and less effective until they're just along for the ride.

When that happens, the front brakes are doing all of the braking instead of their normal 70% or so, that leads to overheating, excessive wear, and the dreaded brake judder AKA shaking.

Give this thread a read, and then get into the habit of adjusting the rear brakes at every oil change or 5,000 miles, whichever works better for you.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/brakes-%7C-suspension-%7C-shocks-%7C-struts-24/proper-rear-drum-brake-adjustment-procedure-36754/

 

I have also found that over adjusting the rears will cause mine to judder. It seems that the rear drums may be slightly off center or out of round or the rear hubs are wearing out, so if over tight they cause a shudder.

I am still fighting the urge to jump on the "cheap rotor" bandwagon!

 

Over-adjusted is never a good thing, it can cause hot spots in drums, not to mention premature brake shoe wear..

I adjust till I can barely hear just the lightest 'sprag'..

Some have issues, & some don't. I'm still on stockers & stops smoothly..But I also have SS front rotors on my Panel...

I can tell by how many clicks the E-Brake needs, if my rear drum brakes need adjusting.. I'm good at about 3 clicks on the handle....

 

Of course I had used the search tool. In my mind I had ruled out the brake equation because of what I had already done. But thanks for responding.