Sorry,

I have a 2.4 LT with ABS, auto trans, XM Radio Bought in June 2006.

I have a 45 mile round trip commute, with some stop and go. That has only been in the last three months. Otherwise, my driving has been somewhat regular.

 

The rotors are simply crap. Mine warped at low mileage. I have a 5 speed, no ABS. I do not ride the brake, gear down to slow and avoid standing water at all times. My wheels have been rotated at the dealer so hopefully they torque them properly.

Here is more:

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/problems-service-repairs-42/crap-brakes-7649/

 

Mine is a 2.4 auto with abs. 7 mi round trip to work back roads. Put maybe 75 mi to 100 a week. mostly on weekends. My steering wheel shimmys when i come to a stop. I starts maybe the second or third time I hit the brakes.

 

And which wheels you have, steel (1LT), 16" machined Aluminum, 17" painted Aluminum, or, 17" polished, forged aluminum, or aftermarket..
Have your tires been rotated (and by who)
At what mileage did this start, what is current mileage.
There are so many variables it is very difficult to determin a cause

 

I have a 2lt with the polished 17's. This started around 1000 miles ago. Will be taking into the dealer soon and will have checked out.

 

Wheels may be a factor come to think of it. I had no problems with the OEM aluminium wheels (granted they were on for only the initial 10,000 km only). My problem began after installing the black steel wheels and hubcaps for the winter. For that matter maybe snow was a factor. If I recall the problem started before we got snow (it was late starting, end of January, but then all hell broke loose), but, like standing water, I suppose slush and snow could have the same effect on a heated up rotor.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

 

Impact wrenches + disc brake rotors = warped rotors

 

My car had the rotors turned at 400 miles, and again around 6000. The drums were replaced at around 13,000. I'm at 21,000 now and the brakes are again vibrating above 50. All the work, including mounting my American Racing wheels, was done at the dealer I bought it at. Interestingly enough, when I removed my rear wheels a couple of weeks ago to mount my Goldline leveling springs, they were way over-torqued. And no, I do not ride my brakes, but I have a hard commute and do use them. I've had similar problems under warranty with a 2001 Cavalier and a 2003 Malibu. In both previous cases there were no further problems after the rotors were replaced.

 

So what about everyone else with brake problems? Is it the ABS causing the problem?

I, too, used to downshift or coast out of gear while driving a stick. My brakes lasted forever! As a matter of fact, I still use the coasting method in my HHR even though it's an automatic. It was really irritating me last week while following a van that would brake suddenly even though no one in front of him was braking. He could have paid more attention, took his foot off the gas, and had the same result. That type behavior really affects your brakes!

 

I was asking if anyone had done anything in particular to fix or remedy the brake problems. I'm really interested in aftermarket options, ie, new rotors, ceramic pads, if anyone had tried these and how it is working out.

I have the 17" polished rims. I have the tires rotated by the dealer every 6,000 miles. I'd do it myself, but I don't have the equipment or time.

I'm at 22,500 miles now, and I noticed the brake noise at around 15,000 miles occasionally. It had increased to the point where all four wheels were squealing when I barely touched the brakes. In heavy braking, the steering wheel would vibrate hard and squeal during heavy braking.

In the end, they ground the rotors, and that has solved the problem for now.