Greetings, I am having an issue with my 07 HHR and need some help or information. My vehicle has a 5-speed transmission and recently I have noticed a thrumming/low pitch roar coming from the front passenger side. At first I thought it was tire noise due to normal wear. I rotated the tires, but the noise still persist and did not change location. The noise starts to be noticeable at 20-25 mph, gets worse at around 35-45 mph, and becomes a higher pitch thrum at highway speeds. You can even feel a slight vibration sensation in the pedals. The noise does not change when you rev the engine, under braking, or turning maneuvers. This has been going on for about two weeks now and it is starting to get a little louder. Any help and/or suggestions would be appreciated. I plan on taking it to the shop this next week. Thanks, Tigger

 

Sounds like you could have an issue with the passenger side hub... How many miles are on your HHR?

 

Thanks for the fast reply. Currently, I have about 48,300 miles on it. Prior to the start of this issue I had a slight wiggle on that side under normal braking. Now that the noise has shown up the wiggle has dissipated and sometimes is not noticeable.

 

Could it be warped rotors? (Sorry, I don't know much about this type stuff, but the wiggle would sound like a rotor to me...)

 

A warped rotor would account for the wiggle under braking. But I am not sure if it would account for the noise that has showed up. The brakes are not overly hot on the side the noise is coming from. In fact they feel the same as the other side. So I am under the impression that I do not have a caliper stuck or a brake pad rubbing.

 

Warped rotors are a very common problem on the HHR...that's what also would have led me to believe that could be the culprit....

 

Yeh they are an issue. Had to have the rotors replaced at only 12,000 miles. Pads replaced not to long after - they put ceramic ones on it. I think that may be an issue it the rotors are warped again. Oh - mines orange also, just love the color.

 

That was a must have for me!!!

 

Just took a look and have a correction on the mileage - It only has 43,400 now. I am beginning to lean towards a worn bearing as being the problem. In my opinion - If you own an HHR it should stand out from the crowd. Custom graphic are next.

 

Sounds like the hub to me also. You have to replace the hub assy. you cant just replace the bearings. Its a sealed unit.