Help with bell crank replacement needed

[stratman]

Hello all!
I have a 2002 PT Touring Edition with a rattle in the rear end getting progressively worse. I'm 95% sure the bell crank is the problem, with 87K miles on it.

From an earlier post, it looks like this could be only a 2-3 hour job.
Are any special tools required to change the bell crank? Dealer wants $140 for the part (which is back ordered) and another $140 to install it. If I can do it myself, I will. Also, is the part only available at dealers or can I get one at an auto parts store?

Thanks much....

[02ltdpt]

I replaced mine myself it's pressed into the control arms or whatever you want to call them, i just replaced everything. If you're not going to replace those you will need to press it out. I'm sure you could go to your local parts store to get the tool. And every parts store around me didn't have it, it's a dealer only item. But you could always check first.

[stratman]

Thanks!!! I got the bellcrank and arms off today in about 45 mins. I 'cheated' - was able to get to 2 of 3 bolts with an impact wrench. Your idea of taking the whole ass'y off was great! I used a puller to get the pressed/tapered joints apart, though one popped apart with a couple smacks from a hammer. So far so good. Now to get a new one (oredered online) and get it put on. Did your press-fit arms go into the bell crank OK?
Thanks again!

[02ltdpt]

Yeah putting them into the new one was easy. I'm glad i was able to help out! Mine was really bad, just lane changing on the highway the whole car would shift from left to right.