2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Nov 21, 2021 · Steering, Wheels · NY

Answers and explanations to all of the above questions: My power steering assembly is leaking pretty bad and is only getting worse. I have a bad shoulder that I had surgery on and if it goes completely out I am afraid i wont be able to turn the steering wheel & cause an accident. The rims on the vehicle are cracked/cracking & I believe one has a hole or 2 & another 1 is forming one. It's also scratching & ruining the rotors. Its not the pads they are fine but I need at least 1 new rotor & can't because the rims are defective causing it to happen again which can easily damage the calipers locking up the wheel causing a crash plus sometimes theres a loud crunching noise not grinding like the pads are bad cause they are not. I know the difference. The trac off & airbag lights are on then they go off then come back on again.The dashboard is cracked and it caused the vent to break where anything can get in it.The clear coat is peeling and yet the paint under it is in great shape.I also believe that the instrument cluster is causing the lights to come on the dashboard.The vehicle can be picked up when ever you have a spot open for it. I would like 48 hours notice due to work. This is a safety issue if the power steering goes while driving I cant steer it because I didn't know it was leaking it went out and I was stuck blocking traffic and couldn't turn it the passenger had to do it for me, If the rims get worse or hole bigger it can crack or break in half while I am driving. The defrost vent is open to particles that can get in there that shouldn't. The airbag light on could be a defect or the air bags defective. Nothing has been inspected on it since I just found out when looking up this make, year and model a price on power steering to find out there's a recall on it as well as other issues. There were no warnings and the only code that came up was the high fan relay switch. Since then the trac off light goes on and off as well as airbag light and now is currently on.

Filed Apr 17, 2014 · Steering · 100,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that power steering fluid was leaking and causing a grinding noise. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed a steering hydraulic power issue. No repairs were made to the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileage was 170,000.

Filed Sep 5, 2006 · Brakes · DE

Rear brakes have not worked correctly since car was bought new in 2002 (pt cruiser). Rear brakes have always made a grinding noise for first or second use and then the grinding noise goes away. Car has 69,600 miles on it and I bought it new. I recently pulled the rear wheels and found that the brake pads were not worn (for both rear wheels) and the drums had rust streaks on them. Also, rust dust was covering everything. It appears that the brakes are not working correctly and I plan on replacing the calipers.

Filed Mar 16, 2006 · Brakes · 40,000 miles · TX

Dt*: the contact stated the brakes squeaked and brake dust was observed on the hubcaps. The brakes pads have been replaced and the rotors have been turned frequently at every 3,000 miles. The braking capability of the vehicle is defective and causes the vehicle to swerve all over the road. The dealer and the manufacturer determined the brake pads and the rotors are not compatible. Three dealerships and have admitted this is a design defect but because it does not affect the functioning of the brakes they are not qualified to issue a recall. According to the contact this failure does affect the function of the brakes.

Filed Dec 21, 2005 · Airbags, Brakes · 3,001 miles · FL · crash · 1 injury

Dt: the contact stated the driver's side and passenger's side air bags deployed while driving down the highway. There was no prior warning. Also , the right front brake had a loud popping and squealing noise, this caused the steering wheel to vibrate. The right front brake overheated, it turned the rim red hot. He could smell the brake dust from the right front brake. He contacted the dealer, they have repeatedly replaced the brakes, brake pads, disc caliper, and rotors. He was still having the same problem with the vehicle. *ak updated 12/7/2005. The battery had to be replaced at 14972 miles.

Filed Nov 10, 2005 · Airbags, Brakes · FL · crash · 1 injury

Dt: the contact stated the driver's side and passenger's side air bags deployed while driving down the highway. There was no prior warning. Also , the right front brake had a loud popping and squealing noise, this caused the steering wheel to vibrate. The right front brake overheated, it turned the rim red hot. He could smell the brake dust from the right front brake. He contacted the dealer, they have repeatedly replaced the brakes, brake pads, disc caliper, and rotors. He was still having the same problem with the vehicle.

Filed Aug 22, 2005 · Electrical, Lights · 92,500 miles · CA · fire

Hello. I tried copying and pasting my letter into this box however, my letter is too long. Therefore, I am completing this online form and then will mail in my entire letter, documentation and the like to your mailing address along with a copy of this online form. The complaint is regarding my 2002 chrysler pt cruiser, VIN# [xxx] and it is relating to the fact chrysler refuses to repair my vehicle under the current and active the federal safety agency recall # 01v288000 (instrument cluster problem). Today, 8/5/05 I will mail my letter detailing the entire problem but I am submitting this portion online to get the process started. Thank you for your time and attention. Sincerely, [xxx] . *nm the vehicle was in motion when a pop noise was heard caused by a spark within the dash above the speedometer. White smoke had come billowing out of the instrument cluster. The overhead lights in the headliner did not work properly. The circuit board was burned. Other problems: transmission fluid leaked and squeaks were coming from the rear suspension. The sway bushings had worn out and were replaced. *sc information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Oct 28, 2004 · Brakes · LA

While applying the brake pedal consumer heard a loud squeaking noise coming from the front. Also, when applying the brake pedal, the vehicle jerked. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, but mechanic could not duplicate the problem.

Filed Oct 27, 2004 · Brakes · 36,000 miles · MD

Consumer took vehicle to dealer for a 36000 miles check up. Two months later, the brakes started to squeal metal to metal. Mechanic stated they had only examined the brakes, and wanted to charge the consumer for the repairs. Consumer went to another mechanic, and was told that the rotors had been turned too much.*ak the consumer was made responsible for repairs after being told the rotors where turned to much by the mechanic.

Filed Oct 22, 2004 · Steering · MD

No power steering after vehicle was repaired. *bf upon backing into a parking space the consumer noticed a grinding sound when she turned the steering wheel. When the consumer turned off the ignition she noticed a cloud of smoke. The consumer was told that her power steering column was broken and in need of repair. The vehicle was repaired, soon after the consumer heard a squealing sound and discovered the power steering had failed again. The consumer was then told a fitting was not properly installed when the previous work was done. *tc

Filed Apr 3, 2004 · Brakes · CA

I have excessive rear brake noise. It sounds almost like there is grinding metal to metal. This noise happens more in the cold weather but still happens all year around. I have taken it in to the shop numbers of times and every time I'm told that there is no problem with the breaks and that "some" noise is normal.

Filed Mar 22, 2004 · Brakes · 22,000 miles · MI

Grinding noise when applying brakes, cracking noise when anti-lock system activated. The brake pads have been replaced at approx. 22,000 miles and the pads where worned on the driver's side to the metal. There was no pre- warning of the condition. I purchased a ptcruiser when first manufactored the brakes had the same problem.