OEM 2008 Chevrolet HHR Brake Calipers

2008 Chevrolet HHR Brake Calipers Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to replace the rear brake calipers on 2008 Chevrolet HHR?

  A: You must check brake fluid in the master cylinder reservoir before continuing. Drain brake fluid until the fluid level stands at midway point when the reservoir has no maximum or minimum limits. Use your fingers to push inward on the sides of the boot retainer before pulling back the boot. Apply hand tools to loosen the park brake's tension nut completely. After lifting the vehicle raise support remove both tire and wheel parts at once. Run two wheel nuts quickly against opposite rotor studs so the rotor stays in place with the hub. Free the park brake cable from both its connection points on the caliper lever and supporting tabs on the caliper bracket. Span a large c-clamp across the caliper body toward its rear face and press against the outer Brake Pad. Only tighten the clamp just until the piston moves 1 mm (0.039 in) now. Removing the c-clamp lets you take out first the brake hose-to-caliper bolt then the brake hose. Throw out both brake hose gaskets and plug the brake hose fitting and the caliper inlet port to stop fluid leaks and protect the system. Place a wrench on the guide pin flats and unscrew brake caliper guide pin bolts to safely detach the brake caliper from its bracket. Look for easy caliper guide pin movement and check the guide pin boot for damage, restricted motion, loose bracket, stuck pins, or broken rubber boots. Replace anything with issues. Put the brake caliper onto its bracket and use a wrench on both guide pin flats to install the guide pin bolts into their mountings at 35 n.m (26 lb ft). Fit the park brake cable end fitting into the bracket on the caliper and push down the retaining tabs. Connect the park brake cable end to the caliper lever while avoiding the reuse of copper brake hose gaskets. Attach the brake hose fitting bolt with gaskets to the brake hose and join it to the caliper where you need to torque the bolt to 40 n.m (30 lb ft). Drain the brake hydraulic fluid before taking off the wheel nuts to reveal the wheel hub and mounting the tire assembly. Set the vehicle on its stands and apply 2/3 of the brake pedal force while avoiding engine start. Slowly release the brake and repeat the process for brake piston and pad seating. Tighten the park brake cable and place the park brake lever boot inside the floor console where it fastens through the boot retainer.