My 2006 HHR had brake pulse (front to back) and steering wheel shimmy at all brakng speeds at 20877 miles due to warped front rotors. They were resurfaced - as GM policy prevents dealiers from replacing rotors that have enough depth to resurface. If the dealer replaces "good" rotors under warranty, GM bills the dealer for the parts! Guess what, I now have 41,000 miles - and need new rotors.... because there is not enough metal to resurface again. But, I am out of warranty - and even under my "covers it all" extended warranty - wear items are excluded and brakes are wear items. In contrast, I have a 1993 ford escort wagon with the ORIGINAL rotors/drums - so it's NOT my driving. HHR brakes stink.

Just before first rotor resurface, the left front wheel hub assembly failed causing an ABS failure. This was replaced under warranty. Just before the second rotor problem, the right front wheel hub assembly failed causing an ABS failure and resulting in a single-car accident with side of road (almost 9k in damages). This time GM said it was operator error - so no warranty coverage.

NOTE TO SELF - buy a toyota hybrid next time.

 

boy, you sure are trolling here...joined today 4-19 all five posts in three different threads all about your brakes failing and how you should buy a toyota next time.

Sorry to hear about the brake issue dude...but my goodness, I think you made your point.

 

HHR owner is just venting steam...A lot of steam. Pulsing brake are a real pain in the butt

 

Then the scenario changes only slightly:

You will find yourself having to purchase very expensive battery packs and motors when they wear out!

Hang in there - and get your problem fixed. You'll be much happier.

 

My experience in the past few years with brakes is telling me that OEM rotors generally warp easily, for most car companies. The only exception was my Cherokee, because of the size of the rotors. I've stopped trying to get them fixed under warranty, because I refuse to have rotors turned; it's a waste of time and money. On my former Elantra, after 2 years I had bought 4 aftermarket cross-drilled rotors & pads for under 250 $CDN shipped, and I installed everything myself. The difference was phenomenal, to the point where I had to get used to wet braking again with the HHR.
If and when my HHR rotors warp, I'll do exactly the same thing. At that price, I don't mind having to change them every couple of years.

My warped rotor on the Elantra was due to a "brake inspection" performed by the dealership: a wrench monkey had tightened & stripped one of the bolts to the point where I had to break the stud to get the wheel off. Since then, nobody else touches my wheels or brakes - ever.

Yves

 

I'm not trying to say I'm right and you're wrong, but you shouldn't have the issue of getting off the gas before getting on the brake in the first place. You should only be driving with one foot unless you have a manual....or if you're road racing like Boris Said does!

 

I agree!

 

At just shy of 11000 km I just had to have my rotors machined. I have to say of the 12 or so domestic cars I have had, without exception, Chrysler, Ford and GM, within the first year I have had to have rotors done. Only the Mazda that I turned in for the HHR never had to have rotor work.

It's not my driving. I do not brake exceptionally hard, I do not ride the brake. I always buy manual shifts so I gear down from higher speeds and I avoid pooled water and such especially after braking.

I am in the camp that OEM rotors just suck generally speaking.

My dealer said they will repair/replace as often as needed at no charge as long as I keep haveing my GM Goodwrench barke maintenance performed. At $60 bucks a year I suppose that's not too bad of a deal.

 

There's been a lot of threads about brake problems. Do all of you have ABS? I just passed 10,000 miles on a 1LT w/o ABS but haven't seen any kind of problem with the brakes.

 

Almost 13,000 kms on mine and no brake issues so far.

I do not have ABS. Every GM vehicle I have had that was ABS equipped had early front brake issues, so I made sure this one did not have ABS.