Had mine turned last year. Now starting to act up again. I'll be going aftermarket soon.

 

I've also gone through the problem of warped OEM rotors.The dealer turned them and the problem went away, but at 65000 kms I needed to replace my brakes.
I decide to go aftermarket because I wasn't happy with the OEM rotors AND my mechanic said that the OEM rotors from the dealer also cost CDN$250 PER rotor.Unfortunately there are no aftermarket rotors available currently in Canada.Another Canadian forum member suggested EBC brakes that he bought in the US.
I contacted Bill at HHRBOUTIQUES and he was able to to provide me with both front EBC sport rotors (slotted style) and red stuff ceramic brake pads for US$276.90 in TOTAL.
This is an EXCELLENT deal!!!! I got the total performance package for little more than what one OEM rotor would cost me in Canada-from the dealer.I believe that shipping is free at the moment.
Bill is at present multi -tasking in Arizona (on holiday and also still selling HHR stuff) . He came through with my brakes in timely fashion ,despite an initial computer glitch with his supplier.I am pleased with his service and will give him my repeat business.
If you have to replace your rotors look at the EBC brand.They have a good reputation and competitive pricing.
Bernie

 

So thats $276 for 2 rotors and 2 sets of pads? Only 2000km on my OEMs, but I may get these for future use. Or put them on now and see the performance difference. Hmm.

 

Same here. Had mine done at about 5K, now at 18,000 they have been acting up for a while now, but I have delayed doing it because it means either being without the car for a day, or getting to my dealer at 7 AM and waiting in line so that my car will be seen right away and I can wait several hours for it. No matter how you toss it, it is a big inconvience. This is one of my few major gripes with the HHR. EVERYBODY knows the rotors are substandard and should be upgraded by the factory to avoid inconviencing all of the customers!

Down the road, I know I will have to go aftermarket if GM doesnt do the right thing.

By the way-another gripe is the HHR's minimal battery. But that is another post.

 

Brake problems seem to be common with new cars, not just the HHR. My old 03 Honda had terrible OEM rotors as well, and I know from what I've read of the Freestyle that we have, 06's and older had serious problems with the rear rotors and calipers. It seems that many makes+models have this problem, not just the HHR.

 

I guess the extrordinary cost is because you're in Canada.

I just looked up the costs on GM Parts Direct and they're quite a bit cheaper in the US. Roughly $80 a rotor (x2) and pads are $52. Of course shipping would need to be added and because of the rotor weight would need to be considered.

But, I can understand someone wanting a rotor manufactured by someone else.

 

NAPA auto parts have rotors for the HHR at $46 and some change. Don't know who makes them but bought some for my Silverado at Napa one time and they seemed OK

 

If you are going through the hassle of changing the rotors, why not go for an upgrade like the slotted rotors HHRange talked about. Personally, I hate the idea of spending time and money on my car only to have it restored to 'stock'. Even when it comes to simple maintance, like when I replaced the thermostat, I tried to polish up the bottle neck. When I do something to my car, I want it to either show or improve the performance

By the way, the SS comes with rear disks and an option for Brembo! I would love to do that upgrade!!!

 

Everyone can find cheaper rotors. My comment was in regard to HIS DEALER giving him a price for OEM's. Seemed high to me. My intent was to reason his price, not to go into the endless debate of I can get replacements for $xxxxx. There is enough threads and posts providing that info.

For example, was wasting time in PEP BOYs looking for something specific. Checked the parts counter for HHR rotors....and they had cheapy rotors for the HHR for $39. An upgrade for $65. Don't think I want either on any of my cars though.

 

As I was at the dealer today picking up my OEM oil filter (cdn$13.68 with tax)I double checked the OEM rotors and they are cdn$260.00 per rotor.They had AC/DELCO rotors at cdn$120.00 per rotor,though.
My point is to shop around - when you can.Get the best price AND the best quality
When the dealer is the only game in town, you have no choice.