'01 PT Cruiser clunking noises in rear

Vehicle has about 75K miles. On bumpy roads we hear a clunking sound --
that's about the best I can described it -- coming from the rear of the
car. I've raised it and looked for something obvious like a worn bushing,
loose wheel bearing, and so on, but can't find anything. It has been
present for some time and seems to have gradually gotten more frequent.
Has anyone experienced this problem and found what it is?

 

More then likely the rear sway bar links are causing your problem.
Part number 4656932AA

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

 

there is a swaybar link in the middle that is well known for getting loose and
making noise over bumps. some call it a watts link it's about 5 1/2 inches
long

 

Also a good time to swap in a pair of new bushings as well.

Richard.

 

I just took my 2001 PT Cruiser, with 48000 miles, in to the dealer (again)
for the same issue, plus squeaks from rear. Dealer says new busings will
fix the squeaks and link will fix the clunk. Since this is a problem I
have heard of repeatedly on 2001s, I asked if the parts had been
re-engineered or would they install the same thing that had failed - reply
was "not re-engineered", same old part number.

Given the original parts started failing at around 34k miles (dealer
couldn't hear the noises when they drove the car), I have elected to go
elsewhere, in search of longer-lived parts. I know bushings are available
from third-parties and will be talking to NAPA (maybe others) soon about the
link. Anyone know of links other than from MoPar?

 

Thank you all. I'll check the Watts Links & bellcrank, and bushings. I
have the "Haynes" book.

Jim H.

 

Given the original parts started failing at around 34k miles (dealer

The only source for the links is Chrysler. One of mine actually snapped in
half on its shaft!

I replaced the bushings myself with the following and recommend them to you.

http://www.autotrucktoys.com/ptcrui...iser-Rear-Sway-Bar-Bushing-Set-P3809C625.aspx

Use a synthetic brake pin lube on any bushing to extend their life and
reduce the chance of noise.

Richard.

 

Thanks for the info and recommendation. My son used Energy bushings on his
Mazda RX-7 a few years ago and was very pleased with the improvement they
made; sounds like a good choice for this application.

 

Can these bushings be replaced while the car is on ramps? Are any
special tolls needed? Thanks in Advance Jim

 

Can these bushings be replaced while the car is on ramps? Are any
special tolls needed? Thanks in Advance Jim