I read the Stock Rotor thread (How To Section) and I have a question:

Are there "performance" rotors that will make it so my HHR will stop quicker? My Honda Accord stopped on a dime (4-wheel disc brakes). Yes, I know the HHR has front disc and rear drum.

I was wondering what I would use to beef-up the brakes to make the HHR stop quicker. I don't mind putting on all new brakes, I'm just not sure what all I need to purchase. Anyone have any suggestions??

Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions and advice.

Peace,

 

Barry, until they come out with a rear rotor kit you could try tossing a boat anchor out the back . See you loc is Germantown, thought you were further east when you joined. Did the dealer fix that brake problem and roof liner problem?

 

Your front brakes apply most of the braking force, so I guess if you wanted to drop some coin there's a guy in the Classifieds section advertising a Wilwood brake kit.

 

The dealer called yesterday and asked if we could postpone the work...for a good reason.

Rather than turn the rotors, thereby shortening their life, they ordered brand new rotors and are going to put those on. They will have the new rotors in by Friday or Monday, so they are going to do the work next Wednesday. They will fix the headliner then too. Plus, they will have the body shop put on the scripts (if they are here by then) and they said they would do that for free since I have to drive so far.

Germantown is pretty far east...it's Germantown MARYLAND, and Maryland is on the Atlantic Coast. (There is also a Germantown, Tennessee and and Germantown, PA.)

I will keep you posted on the brakes and headliner rattle issue.

Peace,

 

Thanks!!! I'll check it out!

 

The OEM brakes should be strong enough to lock the wheels as it is (no ABS, of course). So getting larger brakes or pads/rotors with more bite might improve pedal feel and resistance to fading & warping, but it won't help you stop any quicker. The HHR is a heavier car than your Accord was, and mass is mass. Looking into getting better (more grip) tires (some that'll lock up later) might be a better idea if stopping distance is your main concern.

You can always improve the brakes down the road, but my feeling is that the tires are the limiting factor here.

I switched my OEMs to "summer performance" and I had a hard time loosing traction last summer (i.e. braking is scary quick).

Yves

 

Once the warranty is over, if you need new rotors you might think about aftermarket. In the past, the rotors from GM have not lasted me very well, they have a tendency to warp. Happened to me on a malibu and cavalier.
If you get some brand name performance rotors, perhaps cross-drilled, I can pretty much guarantee they will last longer and perform better. They may cost more, but you wont regret it.

 

If you want to spend the $$$.

Powerslot rotors (no cross drilled)

Hawk or ceramic pads

Braided lines

 

Yes, I knew that. I just thought you were sort of N N.E of Rockville in Montgomery County. Been there also
PFYC one of the sites vendors carry rotors you may want to look at.

 

Everyone's opinion on the following would be greatly appreciated:

EBC Rotor part number GD7375

EBC Brake Pads part number DP31763C



"The secret behind the EBC Sport Rotor’s cooling powers is simple: wide-mouth slots. Like fans, these grooves draw air over the rotor’s surface to chill the discs. Plus, dirt, grime and dust pass through these slots out to the rotor’s edge. And, a cleaner rotor means you get even pad wear, extended durability, and better looks.

To block brake fade, your EBC Sport Brakes sport precision dimples. They breakdown brake gases for firm pedal response. What’s more, the gold or black anodized-zinc coating fights off surface rust and adds Grand Prix-inspired style to your rotors. Backed by a 6-month/5,000 mile warranty."