2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser vibration and whine

Tiny
PURRSYSTNT
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 76,000 MILES
I inherited this car at 73,000 miles. It now has 76,000. When I took it for state inspection, the mechanic told me that my "rotors" needed replacing. They brakes had been replaced at 71,000 without mention of rotors. They were replaced. It was right after this that I started feeling a vibration in steering wheel, pedals and overall car, mainly at speeds over 60 MPH. I also notice a very loud whining sound that seems to come from the front of the car. I kept hoping the problem would go away, but it hasn't and I need help. Being a single woman, I hate the thought of taking the car in for an exploratory service and diagnosis. Can you give me an idea of what the issues might be prior to me taking it in for repair? Thanks so much.
Friday, August 8th, 2008 AT 8:58 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
The rotors were probably needed at the 71,000 brake job. Some shops try to save a customer money to be a hero by ignoring them. But then if it sat for a while they may have just deteriorated.

Does the whine ever change pitch, is it always there?

Does it change at all when turning left or to the right?

Is it there when you aren't moving?

Is there any pull one way or the other when moving?

IS the power steering fluid full?
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Friday, August 8th, 2008 AT 10:36 AM
Tiny
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It is always there when I am driving, seems to lessen sometimes when going uphill. It doesn't seem to matter what speed I am going. It does not increase when turning, so I am assuming that power steering fluid is ok. It's is most noticeable when driving - I have turned off radio and AC and that did not affect it. The car pulls slightly to the left - so I was going to have them check tire balance and rotate tires when I get the oil changed this evening. I just hoped to have an idea if they are treating me like a "woman who knows nothing" (which I don't!) When I go this evening.
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Friday, August 8th, 2008 AT 12:54 PM
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
IF the pull was not there prior to the second brake job I would be surpised if something went on with the caliper that might include hardware rubbing on the rotor or something not right to cause a binding. Possibly the rotor has been overheated from a bind and is warped that can cause a vibration on some occassions.

The two symptoms may not be related however. I tire balance issue is certainly possible regarding the vibration as that is a common speed for a tire balance to occur. Hopefly this is the same place that did your brakes. That is where you should take it to have them check over their work.
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Friday, August 8th, 2008 AT 1:40 PM

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