How to Change the Rotors & Brake Pads on a Chevy HHR

Replacing brakes and rotors on the Chevrolet HHR is something that you should do yourself if you want to avoid the high labor rates that repair garages charge these days. You can expect each wheel to take you about 30 minutes and you can do it in your garage or driveway. Inspect the brakes and rotors periodically so that they do not end up wearing beyond recommended thickness. If the rotors have any damage such as grooves, or if they are too thin, you need to replace them.

Instructions

1

Open the engine compartment and drain one-half of the brake fluid from the master cylinder with the turkey baster. Put the fluid in the drain pan for recycling later. Place the wheel chocks behind the rear wheels of the Chevy. Raise the vehicle with the automobile jack. Place a jack stand under the automobile near the jacking point. Raise it to the frame.

2

Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench and pull the wheel from the vehicle. Remove the brake caliper from the mounting cradle using a socket and ratchet to loosen the bolts.

3

Remove the front pad from the brake caliper. Insert the jaws of the C-clamp over the back brake pad and the caliper. Twist it closed until the caliper piston seats itself into the caliper housing.

4

Set the caliper aside but do not let it hang by the brake hose or you will damage the line. Pull the brake rotor from the wheel assembly. Install the new brake rotor onto the wheel assembly. Place the new brake pads into the caliper.

5

Place the brake caliper on the mounting cradle and tighten the retaining bolts with the socket and ratchet. Place the wheel back on the Chevy and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Remove the jack stand from under the vehicle.

6

Lower the Chevy to the ground. Repeat the process on the other wheel. Pump the brakes several times until the brake pads are settled onto the surface of the brake rotors when the project is complete.