STEP by STEP: Chevy HHR & Cobalt front brakes & rotors

Replacing the front brake pads and rotors. This video should apply to mosts Chevy HHR and Cobalt vehicles but the concept is similar among most vehicles.
Due to shaking issues that I believe are the brake rotors loading up with pad material I have decided to switch to ceramic pads. I am using Autozone Duralast Gold C-Max pads which include a hardware kit, backing on the pads, and caliper pin grease packet.
The tools needed are pretty simple...
- Breaker bar (a large ratchet might work instead)
- 14 mm socket
- 15 mm socket
- 19 mm socket (for the lug nuts)
Optional, but helpful...
- Flat head screwdriver
- Hammer
- 15 mm wrench
- 14 mm wrench
- Torque wrench (to tighten to bolts to manufacturer specifications)
I'm using only basic hand tools and the jack that came with the car for reasons of demonstration. This is not a difficult task to perform.
I am not a professional mechanic, just a guy who works on his own cars at home. The procedures shown in this video may not be correct or safe, always consult a professional and follow manufacturers guidelines and specifications. Use common sense, only you are responsible for your own safety.
Basic Steps:
1. Raise and secure vehicle, remove wheel.
2. Remove the two 14mm caliper bolts, Remove caliper
3. Remove two 15mm caliper bracket bolts, remove bracket
4. Remove rotor, install new rotor
5. Reinstall caliper bracket & two 15mm bolts
6. Install new brake pads
7. Compress piston, reinstall caliper & two 14mm bolts
8. Reinstall wheel, pump brake pedal to seat piston

[@ThatRedSSHHR]

8 years after you uploaded and you just helped someone (me) change his brakes for the first time ever and it was a success! Thank you!

[@danbrady1146]

That was the best and most extensive video I've seen on brake replacement, thank you!

[@MrMDee-si1bz]

Dear DoSompthin; Your explanation, wording, and visual video examples are impressive! Your communication skills are really admirable! Thanks for the vid!!

[@nicknack6042]

I wish KZbin added a feature to buy a creator a beer (or other beverage of his/her choice). I would totally buy you some beers right now. My boyfriend and I are young and broke. Brake Check wanted almost $700 for new pads and rotors. I watched this video twice and thanks to your calm demeanor and great explanations/instructions, we have new pads and rotors on for about $300 total, including about $120 in tools we did not have. So if we had the tools, it would probably be around $180 or roughly 25% of the price that a shop was going to charge. Now we are empowered to take care of this maintenance in the future. We have the know how and the tools. Thank you for this excellent, thorough video. I am still shocked that we managed to do this with no prior experience or training. Just a little bit of patience and pausing your video at each step along the way as we worked. I can't say thank you enough. He's able to continue to safely get to work and we're gonna make it without going totally broke. Occasionally you come across a KZbin video which makes you appreciate what this technology has done for us. This is one of those. You rock!

[@tommak6516]

Jobs are always more fun (and usually go faster) when you are all buzzed up on beer.

[@deepbluegxp]

Excellent video. TIP: You can use the C-Clamp and compress the caliper piston prior to removing the caliper, this will not be awkward trying to compress the piston while the caliper is suspended.

[@gvc56100]

Probably the most comprehensive video on doing the brakes for an HHR,,thanks

[@subteeninhumansamuraiamphi5019]

I wish people made more auto fix it vids like this. You keep it simple enough to understand and very thorough. plus great camera angles. thank you so much for making it.

[@fazilamzirf8887]

Concise, no extra chatter, good sound. This video should be an example for all U tube video people to learn from. Thanks.

[@rjfloyd8792]

Best tutorial ever. I’ve done my own breaks before but it’s been 10 years. Nice refresher video for me along with some tips and tricks I’ve never used before. I have an 07 Cobalt LT for my beater car pads were gone, and rotors were warped.

[@brentdreamer2025]

I don't know how anybody could possibly give you a thumbs down on that video. I would give you 2 thumbs up for sure. I have watched this topic a few times to make sure I didn't miss anything and found it is "THE BEST" step by step instructional video for this job I have watched. Great job "Do Sumpthin'"

[@sandiegopsychics6577]

I am trying to learn how to work on my own cars and this is an amazing video. Walks you step by step. I am fairly confident I can do this and not mess it up. Thank you!

[@Sabrina1589]

This is an amazing tutorial. I have been looking for tutorials that someone like me (doesn't know a lot about fixing my own car) could understand enough to feel confident to do it myself. Most of them leave large chunks out or start in the middle or they have the camera zoomed in so much you can't tell what you are looking at. You even show where to safely put the jack. I am a woman who lives on her own and I can't tell you how much it means to me to be able to learn how to do things like this myself. I once had a Tuffy tell me it would cost $400 to fix my serpentine belt because they had to remove the engine (I knew you go in through the passenger side tire, 2006 Cobalt and no he didn't mean the timing belt). Another place charged me $360 for a battery when actually the door lock switch was corroded and needed to be replaced (it was draining the battery because it was locking and unlocking the doors all night). I never write reviews but thank you so much, I can't wait to finally replace my brake pads and rotors, it has needed it for over a year but I was in no mood or financial position to get screwed around. :)

[@BuckeyeDavid1961]

Very clear, detailed explanation of each step. Also, excellent use to camera angles and spotlighting the bolts. Great video

[@kristybryant4914]

I really liked watching this tutorial. I have been wanting to learn more about fixing my car and one of the rotors and the pads needs to be replaced asap so I definitely came to the right spot so I can do it on my own. Thanks for this!

[@jacobfranklin820]

I’m doing this same job in 15 degrees northern Michigan. 2nd off someone called you the bob Ross of cars and I think it’s awesome. Subbed.

[@DougLavoie]

did front end brakes on an 09 hhr today, thanks to your video. Thank you for the step by step, appreciated!

[@jerryinskeep8444]

Great video never changed brakes before but had no problems at all watching this video and making it happen thanks a lot

[@costasstephanopolis1688]

Great video, thanks for taking the time to show us the job in a very simple way, very well done!

[@OutsideTheTargetDemographic]

You deserve more subs. Through, foresight, explained, and shown. Clear video quality, good sound balancing, no "umm Ahh errr"s. Subbed.

[@supersonique001]

Excellent DIY video and very well explained in an even succinct fashion, well done.

[@jeffreyzhu5670]

This is the best. Clear explanation, great presentation skills, the best!! Thank you very much for making this video.

[@Charles77598]

Thank you for this video. As soon as it warms up outside my son and I are going to replace the brakes and rotors on my HHR

[@Reason1717]

Hey wanted to thank you for such a great and helpful video! The easy step by step way to proceed was very helpful. I am indeed a beginner to brakes. And needed this to be sure of my work. Thank you sir.

[@sultanrichardson3919]

This was a great beginning job for me, I was able to save $125.00! Definitely worth a comment. Stay positive bro!

[@angelmolina-gonzalez4062]

Man, you are a professional.Thank you for this video. The best ever, so detailed and precise.

[@paulelliott5244]

Boy what a great video. I only wish other would follow his example. I have the confidence to do this job thanks so much for your efforts

[@dyna1955]

Great video. One thing that happened to me a few years ago; I was replacing the brakes on my 99 Buick Park Ave. And like you I would just push the piston in forcing the fluid back to the reservoir. After that I had problems with the ABS. After talking to a technician I know at the GM dealer, he told me to never push fluid back on cars with ABS. Any amount of contamination from the calipers will end up in the ABS unit. I had to flush my entire system to get it working again. Now I always open the bleeder when I push them back. And if you close it while fluid is still coming out you will not have to bleed the system.

[@allenmckinney9533]

This guy needs to flush his lines anyway. Did you see how dark the fluid was? New/good fluid is clear.

[@anthonypapaleo1940]

Yep you have to do that with abs and I’m surprised with a 2009 hhr didn’t have it ? It might be a ls model with 2.2

[@mariecharles6406]

Thank you I just replaced my rotors with your help. 😊

[@XXavierSin-XXs]

Just did my brakes with this video. Thanks for the help!

[@Pr_ncessxlv]

“Make sure these are as clean as they deserve to be.” You’re like the Bob Ross of mechanics.

[@dukejupiter9469]

👍 good advice. New Discs will arrive next wed. Looking forward to a smooth operation for my both left hands😂.

[@jerrycao8565]

Sir, this was informative and straight forward, thank you and you got another subscriber!

[@markmaguire3830]

wow, thanks. I got it done. I had the laptop out in my garage, replaying portions. Thanks again

[@samyz1660]

Excellent, step by step tutorial video . Thank you Sir . It helped a lot.

[@MC-kw5xu]

One tip. I have seen numerous videos where a person puts a c clamp or other clamp directly on or inside the piston. Do take a flat bar or the old pad and press against it instead. It wont cock the piston by unequal pressure. Also, in some applications fiber/organic pistons have been used. If the piston does have a weak spot or thinner material the caliper piston can be chipped, cracked, or broken.

[@leosimon1746]

This video is so well made that I wonder the author may have a background in Instructional Design.

[@catchthecarp]

Very thorough and helpful video, a big thank you along with a hat tip for taking the time to do this.

[@RightousKarma]

I love your video!!! So very detailed I feel confidence with doing my own brakes. You are awesome at providing instructions. Do you have a video for the rear brakes??? Thank you.

[@kojuggalo]

Really great job. attention to details, editing , great

[@ARCSTREAMS]

i think that packet that comes with the kit is only to lube the hardware or pad ears that glid on the hardware and for the shims but i think you need a special silicone grease for the rod guides

[@305CID81]

Thanks for this video. just did my breaks and rotors.

[@albion502128]

Perfect tutorial! Thank you.

[@hectorherrera7889]

Thank you veeeeeeeeeeeery much i change my rotors and my pads thanks to you, keep going!!!

[@alplumbingspecialistsllc7161]

Great instructions. Got it done in an 1hr. Thank you

[@richardnavratil9661]

So, you didn't go to a shop and pay them 2hrs of labor, north of $150? Just got a quote, because I live in an apt. Welp, I'm doing it myself tomorrow right in the parking garage, because screw paying $300 for the job when I can get away with $95 in parts.

[@semperfi8075]

Great Video, ready to change my pads today! Very informative!!

[@bosanovaboy]

excellent video, thanks for taking the time to show us.

[@Nozoki]

Great video. Gotta do this job today and you made it look easy.

[@tomference4618]

..very nice presentation!

[@nickpanico5441]

Thanks for your video . Very easy to follow!!

[@terrygatch6588]

Excellent work

[@dieselwrench3621]

Why did you stop posting? I enjoyed your videos. Very informative. 👍

[@robertnovotny1749]

Great video ,explained step by step only thing I didn't see was you didn't show bleeding the brakes when completed.

[@mntommy2265]

Doing my son's hhr brakes after seeing this later today.

[@drober05]

Excellent video. Thanks for making.

[@phubans]

The torque wrench I have only goes to 80 foot pounds... Is that okay even though you recommended 85? Also, you mentioned that the lugnuts should be tighter... How many foot pounds for those?

[@ztmalinowski]

You're also the mastermind behind The Ammo Channel, yes?

[@rafebond1788]

great step by step. thanks for the video

[@JoseRamirez-pt6cb]

Excellent job

[@caseyalm475]

Well thanks I managed to snap my caliper bolts

[@disgustinghandsome1282]

awesome clear video, thanks for saving me $150,-.

[@ARCSTREAMS]

good video but i would clean and remove the old grime and build up on those rods before applying fresh grease which should be silicone based so as not to damage the boots,i would also try to swab clean the holes where they go in as well,and why did you not lube the hardware pad guides rails where the pads slide on? you should also clean the outer rim of the piston between the boot to remove any debris that may make it back into the system before you push it back in and make sure the rubber boot edges remain on the outside of the rim once the piston is pushed back before you put the caliper on

[@tommak6516]

Great comments, I agree with you. I would like the person who made this video respond to this comment to see if he has any reasons for not doing the steps you suggested. When he took the pads off near the beginning of the video it looked like uneven wear on the pads. Leaving out the things you mention could cause that.

[@ARCSTREAMS]

@@tommak6516 ty

[@georgemungai3813]

Excellent job Thanks

[@davidbretz6345]

So not sure if you are on here still. Did you ever hear of the HHR having issues with break warping? Did you hear of any solutions? Thnaks

[@ZombieSC]

Thanks, if I ever need to replace my pads or rotors I know where to look. :)

[@atticus1107]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@crj567]

Really great video! Great explanations!

[@heatherdominguez8257]

Very professional video! Hat is tipped

[@RiverFiasco]

Thank you very much.

[@jefferygrant2538]

Great video 👍

[@tarstars588]

Clear, thank you

[@turkculezg8738]

Nice video what kind of tires you got on your hhr??

[@jvamerica1703]

Very good video, informative to the detail!!!!! Thank you.P.S You should be paid for endorsing Disc Break Quiet LOL thanks again.

[@kanelee1871]

Thanks for a great vid

[@kevinsheeler6]

GOOD VIDEO, THANK YOU

[@lorimogk6128]

excellent tutorial

[@DadGummitMan]

Well done bro! Thanks so much!

[@miguelcango6592]

great video, congratulations.

[@jasminemills2346]

No need to bleed the breaks?

[@johnfigueroa947]

The Bob Ross off car repair and maintenance

[@sharonnicola1401]

Nice video, but there are two things that bother me. We always clean the rust off of the hub before putting on new rotors. I have seen rust build up make rotors run untrue. When we compress the piston we always do it with the bleeder screw open especially if the car has ABS....don't want to push that dirty fluid back into the little ABS passage ways...better to let it come out the bleeder screw and then add fresh clean fluid. Thanks for the video

[@slyboots1984]

I noticed you didn't use any penetrating oil to help loosen the bolts. Is that a big "no-no" or was it just not needed?

[@LuisGuzman-xk4gy]

you can use penetrating oil

[@chasephillips00]

My car instantly died after I did one side and then died again when I did the other but jump started work no problem this there a reason for this?

[@TheBbeckie]

What do you do if the caliber won't go in?

[@tommak6516]

Did you remove the cap on master brake.

[@jimbuford4147]

Since the rotors were original why not reuse? Were they warped? Thanks, good video.

[@tommak6516]

I agree, the rotors looked ok from what I could see. Blindly replacing parts? Maybe the parts guy was a good salesman.

[@friedelt]

you can save yourself some time by turning your steering wheel so you can access the hub better

[@josemascarenas682]

Amazing

[@Artictoyo]

Great video

[@geraldf4193]

Great job. I figured u had to live down a dirty road with those nobby tires and MUD!!!!

[@bobosmith2083]

very good video

[@JoelGambleMusic]

Well done.

[@robertwillard1883]

How about cleaning the grime than grease those pins so the caliper floats 😄 just a thought other than that good vid for the beginner

[@crackertracker1176]

Helpful thanks

[@MS2000LIGHTMARKERDISTRESS]

what happened to the ammo channel?

[@BigSkengerTheStreamSniper]

You make it look so easy👴♿♿👴👴😕😕

[@ericwows8629]

you da best !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ARCSTREAMS]

instead of using your hands for the jack tool i am thinking of making an attachment bit to my power tool to make it fast and easy to jack up or down ,,idk why no one has ever mentioned this

[@tommak6516]

It may be so the jacking goes slow and steady, especially with these cheap jacks.

[@ARCSTREAMS]

@@tommak6516 you can adjust a power tool drill to go slow

[@tommak6516]

@@ARCSTREAMS Actually I replaced some pads yesterday, and that is why I was looking at that youtube. And, I was using the cheap jack that comes with the car, and as I was doing it, I thought about your comment. I guess if would have been nice if I had an electric powered drill/wrench to do it. Using that combination jack handle lug not remover giving is very difficult to use and I ended up using a socket on a manual ratchet to crank the jack. Since I do things like this so infrequently I guess I just do it manually, but your idea is credible.

[@ARCSTREAMS]

@@tommak6516 yeah i got the same jack if your car is also a pontiac ,mine is a 2006 pursuit, so using the crank that comes with the jack is a pain in the ass ,i also used a ratchet and socket that fit the nut on the jack and just cranked it back fourth ,so yeah if i could find or rig some kind of adapter that would fit that nut and my power tool then its easy peazy sparing time and labour ,i am not sure if anyone else thought of doing that but i have not seen it on yt

[@tommak6516]

@@ARCSTREAMS I have a chevy cobalt, so might be the same kind of jack. I do not work on cars much, only if it is something necessary, like brake pads once in a while. Just did an oil change but did not need a jack, I use some ramps, home made from old scrap 2x10s that I nailed together 40 years ago, and still use them (but they are heavier than hell to move around).

[@b.rhoisington2252]

5Star Video

[@mabast007]

Why people are obsessed with torques?? Only engine needs torque.

[@LaMasLinda8808]

Seriously! It's an epidemic. lol

[@mabast007]

That's correct... It's an epidemic that people are torque everything. Even the wheel lug nut, they torque that too...

[@Pooska-bd3nz]

Chris Samurai it makes that cool clicking sound and that's what makes you a bestest mechanic!

[@MC-kw5xu]

Torque is more important on some applications more than others. Having said that, tightening the bolts or lugs by hand is less accurate. What feels tight may be off as much as 15-20 foot pounds unless a person is very consistent in the tightening. The torque wrench takes almost no extra time and is just a precaution against over tightening (stretched and weakened lug bolts) and under tightened (wear on the champher for the lub nuts). Just saying. This comes from over 45 years in the industry

[@markk2532]

Easy to follow video but missing a very important piece of information. You must ALWAYS do brakes in sets. The video implies one side. Do both!

[@allenmckinney9533]

He had a set of pads didn't he? It makes sense to skip filming the other side because there's nothing new.

[@TwistedIntentions79]

My driver side hose blew off

[@tommak6516]

might need a new one