Had to replace front passenger lower control arm and motor mount on same side. Now having to replace wheel bearing on same side. There is an obvious issue with the suspension on the Chrysler pt cruiser. I also put new brakes and tires all the way around. Chrysler should be ashamed of themselves for selling such a money trap. You would think that Chrysler would do a recall on the suspension with as many problems reported.
I bought the car used in 2012 and after a couple days I noticed the sounds of something loose, or shifting in the front suspension when I used the brakes for more than what I call a granny stop. If the light changed and I really had to stop hard to not be hit with the red light camera at the intersection, then I'd hear a distinct clunk. I would hear another clunk when I accelerated. When I lifted the car I could see the rubber tearing on the pivot points.
They are pretty tough to remove with the small collection of tools I have so my only option was to buy the complete control arm (metal and all) to fix the torn rubber. It was then I also replaced the upper and lower motor mounts. I didn't have a engine lift needed to replace the center mount.
I have read several different complaints from PT owners who have had the same problem. I find it hard to believe this is coincidental. I do remember that the dealership wanted to charge me almost double to fix the problem. Les Schwab was considerably less.
The Chrysler PT Cruiser obviously has an inherent design/engineering flaw in the front suspension. The lower control arm bushings wore out at 31,000 miles and have gone bad again at 66,000 miles. I am not going to pay $700.00 to fix a problem that Chrysler obviously knows about. I wrote to Chrysler and am going to keep writing until they pay for the repairs. I am in the market for another car, and was looking at the Chrysler 300, BUT after this problem, I am NOT going to buy another Chrysler product.
- Bradley C.,
Garden City, MI, US
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