I have heard of some issues with the brakes, did people get the new brembo's from the dealer because of problems or is this a fix you do on your own. ever since we got our car when it is cold the brakes don't work well, the chatter like you are on ice even on dry pavement, sometimes i think the car wont even stop and I am not going fast as i am just starting to get going and have to stop. when it first started happening i was on gravel and never thought anything of it, but it is just getting worse and only when the car is cold, also does this after car wash. opinions would be great i need to take in for some warranty work for rattles again.

 

Well, part of that could be from rust... The rotors will rust after you wash them when they get wet...this happens to any car, but for some reason the HHR does it worse... Even if it sits for a day or so it can rust too. That might be some of your problem......

 

If you have an HHR SS 2008 with an Automatic then take it back to the dealer for the vacuum pump!!! There is a problem where there is a lack of vacuum right after startup and it seems to be worst when the weather is cold and may decline as you get several thousand miles (perhaps some of the clamps loosen up). The first fix from GM was to reprogram the brake control module to use the ABS to help with brakes. I think that made it worse. They FINALLY came out with an axillary electronic vacuum pump to ensure there is vacuum for the brake booster all the time. With the upgrade the brakes seem better than ever before and it is much more consistent. Before the upgrade on an 08 automatic you can't trust the brakes and have to drive with the expectation there won't be any assist, the pedal will be hard, and you may not be able to stop within the distance you should be able to otherwise.

To date this is the only issue I have ever run into with the HHR SS and it really bugged be that the problem was there in the first place since it is a safety issue. I'm past that now since it has finally been fixed and am very happy with it now. If your car needs this done get it checked out as soon as possible! If not you may be sorry down the road when your brakes don't work as you expect.