I have been looking at 08 and 09 HHR SS models with a manual transmission and I am very concerned about the lack of vacuum pressure that is responsible for brake problems that I have read about. As far as I could tell it was confined to the models with auto trans, but I have also heard a couple postings on manually equipped vehicles as well. Needless to say, I love how the vehicle drives but I am kinda worried about getting stuck with a lemon.

Has anything changed now that this has been kicked around a bit? Is GM more willing to fix the issue at this point? Are there any other owners with manual transmissions that are experiencing this problem?


Thanks for your help?

 

with the manual transmission. Unless the turbo upgrade kit install had something to do with it. I've had mine for 19 months now with no problems. I still get up to 130 mph with no problems and the Brembo's are working great. Maybe the standard brakes have a problem. The auto trans needs a lot of vacuum on start up and initial warm up, that is why they installed the brake booster on those. I can't see why I need the turbo upgrade either. Now the brakes and clutch share the same reservoir, unless there is a servicing issue, I can see no problem for brake problems with the manual on start up.

 

Never had a problem with the brakes, as well as anything else for that matter. Nothing whatsoever in 16k miles, cold ambient temp or hot.

I have an out of the box '08 SS (except for the GM turbo upgrade kit) with manual trans and LSD.

 

I've got the manual and have never had any brakes issues.
Also added the turbo upgrade without any issues.

 

'09, auto...have had the brake issue. Resolved once....it came back...there is an updated fix now. Has a diff vac canister. Seemed to help.

 

I have an 09 5 speed and since I had the upgrade (turbo) installed I do have a slight issue with the brakes. In the morning when I start the car, the turbo makes a lot of noise for about 30 seconds then quites down. During this period the brakes don't have any power assist.

 

I take it you mean the Stage I upgrade for the turbo, and not the additional vacuum pump for the brakes?

 

its actually a gmpp turbo upgrade kit, people just call it stage one because they either don't care, or don't know any better. if the cobalt ss/sc didn't have different stages, noone wouldve ever even thought to call it a stage kit, there is no stage 2. sorry for the rant.

 

I had the brake fix done on my 08 auto about 6 months ago and haven't had any problems since. No turbo upgrade here.

 

21k on my 5spd with the TU and not a single brake problem.