How to Troubleshoot Brake Problems in a Chevy HHR

When your Chevy HHR is experiencing brake problems, you should not drive it. A critical failure of the braking system can lead to a serious accident or possible death. The brake system on your HHR uses a caliper to clamp down on a brake rotor, or disc, which in turn stops the vehicle. There is a small tab on the brake pads that makes contact with the brake-rotor surface (it produces a squealing sound) when the brakes need to be changed. Replacement brakes can be purchased from any auto-parts store. But, before you replace the brakes, troubleshoot the problem.

Things You'll Need

• Jack
• Jack stands
• Impact wrench

Instructions

1. Open the hood of your Chevy HHR and check the brake fluid in the master-cylinder reservoir mounted on the firewall. The brake fluid level should be between the upper and lower marks on the reservoir tank. If the fluid level is low, this can cause decreased brake performance by introducing air into the brake lines.

2. Jack the front of your HHR up using the floor jack under the front jack point behind the radiator.

3. Place a jack stand under each of the front supports on the HHR and lower the HHR onto the stands.

4. Remove the lug nuts on the wheels with an impact wrench. Then, pull the wheel up and off of the wheel hub.

5. Inspect the brakes. If the pad material is less than one-eighth of an inch thick (roughly) or the tab on the brake pads is touching the brake rotor, replace the brake pads. If the brake rotor looks and feels excessively scored, replace the brake rotors.

6. Put the wheel back on and lower the HHR to the ground.

7. Press on the brake pedal. If the brake pedal feels spongy, there is air in the brake lines. You'll need to have the brake system bled. If the brake pedal is firm at first, and then slowly sinks to the ground, you may have a failed master cylinder. This needs to be replaced.

References

• "Chevrolet Chevy HHR 2006--2008 OEM Factory Service Manual"; General Motors; 2007