2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Aug 25, 2009 · Steering · 98,000 miles · CT

In 2004 chrysler recalled pt cruisers with automatic transmissions for a fault with the power steering hose which caused fires in a few cars. They did not however cover 2001 pt cruisers with manual transmissions. *tr last week (8-20-09) my wife drove to the post office (2 miles from home) and smelled burning rubber, she drove the car directly back home. I examined the car that night and could find nothing wrong with the drive belts, tires, and there didn't seem to be any leaks. I took it for a quick test drive and everything seemed fine. The following day (8-21-09) my wife again drove the car to the post office, this time it started making grinding noises and was difficult to steer. She drove the car straight home again. There still didn't seem to be any leaks but when I test drove it I could tell the power steering was non functional. I opened the fill cap for the power steering fluid to check its level and the remaining fluid in the system drained onto my driveway. It seems like there had been a leak in the power steering hose that was being burnt off on the engine. We were fortunate that we were only using the car for local trips as it would have been much more dangerous if the hose had let go while we were driving on the highway. Recall 04v268000, the federal safety agency action number pe04028, should be extended to the pt cruisers with manual transmissions as well before someone gets hurt.

Filed Mar 25, 2008 · Suspension · 55,000 miles · CA

The front wheel bearings are squealing and need replaced. The dealer said that it was normal... They expect to replace them all at about 50,000 miles. They quoted $550 per axle, the bearings are $60 if not from the dealer!!! Should be no reason for wheel bearings to be "typical replacement" items! 2001 chrysler pt cruiser, 55,000 miles, garage stored.

Filed Mar 13, 2007 · Wheels · 70,000 miles · MI

(1) loss of tire air pressure noticed on two different wheels, three weeks apart. (2) pressure loss due to corrosion on chrome-plated alloy wheels on 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. (3) temporary correction was to grind corrosion and seal the bead with truck wheel sealer. Upon conversation with a chrysler dealership, I was told that ultimately the wheels will need to be replaced, as this is a common occurrence. I was further told that, in fact, they have experienced total wheel failure due to corrosion (holes all the way through the wheel). Upon further research, I found that this has also been the case with chrysler 300s and dodge durangos.

Filed Aug 2, 2004 · Brakes · 34,000 miles · OH

Brakes: noticed squealing and lots of brake dust (6/04). Had to replace pads and rotors. After repair, passenger front brake still squeeled. Took back, rotor replaced again. My front right break still squeels and both front brakes are shooting off much break dust. This is very frustrating. I would think after a month the semi-metalic breaks would have been broken in by now.

Filed Jan 6, 2004 · Brakes · 47,000 miles · AL

The driver heard a squealing noise when braking. Took vehicle to the dealer, and mechanic replaced the front rotors.

Filed Sep 18, 2003 · Brakes · 12,000 miles · CA

On 1/22/ 03 we took our 2001 pt cruiser (odometer 12,000 miles) into the dealer because the front disc brakes were squealing. We had previously noted that the passenger side front disc brake had locked when we tried to back the car out of the garage. After hitting the brakes several times, the brake finally unlocked. The dealership told us that the front rotors on both sides were grooved and could not be turned because the metal was so thin to begin with that there was not enough to machine even on a brand new rotor. The dealer also told us we didn't need to replace the pads yet, just the rotors. We opted to replace both the pads and the rotors at the time due to the labor costs. It is now 8 months and 5,671 miles later and the brakes are again squealing. We called the dealership to see if they would do something about the problem. They said their hands were tied and they could not help us other than to replace with the same parts. According to the service manager, chrysler is very much aware there is a problem with the disc brake rotors and premature wear, but they refuse to take any remedial steps. We have the same tires that originally came on the car and they are barely worn indicating we are not the kind of drivers who are hard on a car. The service manager appears to be just a frustrated with chrysler's lack of attention to this problem as we are. Our only reasonable and intelligible recourse is to have the rotors and pads replaced with after market products. We will not use oem rotors & pads again. This is not normal wear and tear. This is faulty manufacturing or faulty design or both. In checking your website for 2001/2002 pt cruisers, we see that several other owners have had the same problems with their disc brakes. This is a safety issue as well as a monetary issue. Please investigate.

Filed Jan 15, 2003 · Brakes · 24,800 miles · UT

Rear brakes on 2001 pt cruiser w/25000 miles makes grinding noises when coming to a stop as if the pads are worn out. Dealer has checked the brakes multiple times and said they're showing normal wear on the pads. I was told that they've experienced this problem on other cruisers and dodge neon's and there's nothing they can do.

Filed Jun 13, 2002 · Steering, Suspension · 7,525 miles · OH

Car pulls to the right and vibration. Dealer has switched tires from front to back, side to side, and have replaced 4 original tires and 7 additional tires. Dealer still claims it is a tire problem instead of something is wrong with vehicle. Vehicle still has a pull and vibration. Steering column squeaks. Steering column replace, lubed and still have a squeak. *ts *jb ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12-12-02 cut over to artemis***763033

Filed Apr 11, 2002 · Acceleration, Brakes · CO

Engine racing when starting,and at time when stopping. Also, transmission was slipping and brakes squeaked. Mechanic refused to do anything about the brakes. Vehicle has been in shop about 6-8 times in less than a year.

Filed Jan 28, 2002 · Brakes · PA

Brakes are warped, pedal goes all the way down to the floor. Dealership is aware of problem.*ak consumer is stating that the vehicle is driven only 2000 miles since brakes changed and new brakes already squeal and grind.