Newbie Suspension Issue & Kit advice

[Sarasmiles]

Hi,

Please forgive me if I make a mistake, this is my first post here.

I have an 01 PT Limited. I just love my little baby, and have logged just over 125,000 miles to date.

I have had several problems lately on my front end, specifically the right front.
Here in The far western Chicago burbs the roads are horrid. I managed to bend a hub hitting a pothole. It appears that this has also caused premature wear to other items as well.

I have had the sway bar bushings replaces, the hub, wheel bearings, 1 axle shaft, and tie rods but still have a problem.

The Mechanic says the control arm bushings are shot. It has a horrible squeak over even the smallest bump, or even when turning the wheel.

So, I was thinking of getting a bushing kit installed,

Does anyone have a specific kit that is known to be of good quality, or should I just get the Energy Kit At this site?

Also, does anyone have a guesstimate as to the cost of doing a re-bush job?

Sara

[quicksilverdon]

Welcome.
Everyone raves about the Energy kit, like you posted.
Don't know cost - it's several hours labor.
Dealers and a lot of places will sell new control arms because they can just unbolt & bolt in new rather than do the bushings...

[Sarasmiles]

Thank you for the quick reply.

I guess I will try hitting a couple shops for installation costs. The thing that bothers me about the shop that replaced the sway bar bushing, hub, bearings and tie rods was they seemed more than happy to find ways to keep me coming back.

The sway bar bushings were totally shot. The Front end was knocking pretty bad on bumps. they replaced it, about 10 days later the knock was back again. Apparently the bushings (aftermarket) they used were defective and it pulled apart.
They did replace them with OEM the second time around. But that is when the new squeak/squawk noises started. When I went back they told me the control arm bushing were the problem.

I'm Like WHY did you not advise me of this when it was in last time??

This will be the 5th time the car has been in for front end work in 2 months!

We have 3 PT's in our household, (2) 01's and an 06. Nothing but luck for the most part. Though lately it seems like we are starting to see a few bills on the 01's.

[mopar_man]

It sounds like it's time to find a new shop. As QSD mentioned, that Energy kit is popular and it's a good one. I put mine in myself about a month ago. I'm not sure of your mechanic capabilities but here is a how-to if you decide to do it yourself (you might have to join to see that link, I'm not sure). It's advisable to get a wheel alignment done after those bushings are changed too. Also, if you're an eBayer, this seller has the bushings cheaper. I bought mine from them. The transaction went smoothly and they shipped quickly. Good luck!

[THS_Cruiser03]

Welcom Sara!

I just had the complete front end Energy kit installed recently. See my post on the review as it may be helpful for you to make your decisions. Ride quality is different than stock...

Read on:Poly bushing upgrades for PT - Reviewed...

Tom

[Sarasmiles]

Well, I have my 2001 officially getting the Energy bushing kit intalled.

I found a new mechanic to do the work and hopefully all will go well. He inspected the car and found some interesting things.

#1, the original right front bushings are badly worn, left front not so much.
#2, the last mechanic told me the grindy squeaky noise was just the bushing. They said the ball joints were fine.
But in reality, the ball joints are bad/dried out and creek when the steering wheel is moved even the smallest amount.
So, new ball joints, new control arm bushings, and I should be rockin N Rollin.

In the meantime, I just ran out and bought an 08 base with 9,000 miles.

Now between my daughter and I we have 4 in the driveway, 2-01's, an 06 and an 08.

Yahooooooo

[808]

Sara, you made me run outside to see if my Cruiser was still there because I've also got a an 08 Base with ~9,000

[Hooligan]

Welcome Sara to the Forum. Let me see, 2 people, 4 PT's, sounds like you enjoy them, Good Luck with the one you are working with at this time. Once you find a good mechanic stick with him!!!

[Sarasmiles]

Originally Posted by Hooligan

Welcome Sara to the Forum. Let me see, 2 people, 4 PT's, sounds like you enjoy them, Good Luck with the one you are working with at this time. Once you find a good mechanic stick with him!!!

I think this new mechanic is going to be a good resource. They just opened a week ago in a nearby industrial park and he is trying very hard to make a name for himself.

On my new one, my 1st ordrer of business is going to be getting an ACC outlet for my phone. I need one thats always on, and there isnt one in the center console, or cargo area either.

People next door say its starting to look like a PT dealer lives here LOL
I might let the one of the 01's go next year for an 09, but ya know? there is just something about my 01 Limited that still feels special, thats why I did not trade it off yet.

[Hooligan]

Your 2009 must be a LX or base model. I have a 2008 Touring and had to install a power outlet in my between the seat console. Got the outlet & cover from the dealer (to keep it stock) and ran a HD power wire right from the battery. I do have 1 ea in rear compartment and under the radio area, but they go off when the key goes off. I needed one that stayed on 24/7.