New PT, some questions

[YouPutz]

New member here, looks like you guys have a great site here!

Wife just got a 2004 PT with 142,000 miles

I was told front and rear bushings are bad. The front ones I believe are the control arm bushings, looks like they are ripped. The rear ones I am told go into a central bracket that looks like a number "8". Is this the watts linkage? Does anyone have a diagram or FAQ on how to change these out? Also, can someone recommend the best place to buy the bushings?

Also was told to replace the timing belt. Is there an FAQ or how-to on that?

Any other suggestions on what to look for, or common issues?

Thanks guys!

[quicksilverdon]

Welcome.
!42,000 and timing belt wasn't changed?
Here's some good reading on it:
ever replace timing belt in a pt cruiser - Tampa Racing

The best are "booger bushings" or Energy bushings.

Yes, I believe you're talkling the bell crank.
Search here on "bushings" - lots of posts.

[YouPutz]

Thanks for the reply,

We got the car from a bank (re-posessed), so there is no history. I was told by the mechanic to change the belt, assuming it has not been changed.

It's a 2004 with 142,000 miles on it, and we got it for $1000. Front bumper has a hole in it, and the bushings and timing belt may need to be changed. Other than that, some dash lights out, and needs tires.

I did some searching on bushings and timing belt, and lots of good info here.

Where can I learn more about this bell crank? I found the all around bushing kit for $125 from energy. Would that take care of everything, or do I need to change that pivot point contraption? The car has a banging/rattling from the back when hitting bumps.

[quicksilverdon]

Here's info on bell crank
PTCrew.com - Learn it or Burn it.

[soonercruiser]

Welcome Putz!
Use polyurethane bushings.
(Prothane, Energysuspension, etc.)

[rspiegel]

Watts does not need bushing you can not change the bushing. It will need replaced it is from 60-100 bucks. Not hard to change it is like a panham bar. It is infront of the rear axle. Look it is in the center. Not to hard to pull.

[quicksilverdon]

Originally Posted by rspiegel

Watts does not need bushing you can not change the bushing. It will need replaced it is from 60-100 bucks. Not hard to change it is like a panham bar. It is infront of the rear axle. Look it is in the center. Not to hard to pull.

I believe that's Panhard bar.
panhard bar