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PT Watts linkage bushings
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glessd
Novice
Mar 28, 2005, 11:16 AM
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PT Watts linkage bushings
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My wife's PT Cruiser, 90K miles, is making a rattling sound from the middle of the rear end. I assume it to be the Watts linkage bushings. They were replaced under warranty and it now is making the same sound. My question is how difficult is it to replace yourself? Does one need special tools or is this reasonably simple, also would the bushings be a dealer or an aftermarket part? I would think the dealer would want an arm and a leg for the parts or to replace. Much thanks. Dave Gless Wayland, MI
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DanD
Veteran
/ Moderator
Mar 28, 2005, 4:03 PM
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Re: PT Watts linkage bushings
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Enlighten me as to what a watts linkage is??? I’ve been in the trade for almost 30 years and have never heard of this terminology. I’m not saying you’re wrong I just never head of it before. I also just did a search on my Mitchell repair program and it came back with nothing found? I hope it's not something being hidden from us Canadians. LOL Dan. Canadian "EH"
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carjunky
Enthusiast
Mar 28, 2005, 6:29 PM
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Re: PT Watts linkage bushings
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Lol Dan I've never heard of it either so it's not just being hidden from the canadians. If you could explain the location of the noise it may help. Such as what wheel it may be near or something to that point.
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glessd
Novice
Mar 29, 2005, 8:10 AM
Post #4 of 9
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Re: PT Watts linkage bushings
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The Watts linkage is used in the PT rear end. Look at the Chrysler page chrysler.com/PT_Cruiser/features/suspension.html This shows a picture and gives a chrysler blurb on the linkage. I just can't find any replacement or repair info and would appreciate any help. Thanks. DG
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DanD
Veteran
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Mar 29, 2005, 11:12 AM
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Re: PT Watts linkage bushings
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Well it shows you, you’re never to old to learn something new, it kinda looks like a track bar to hold the rear axle from moving sideways. It connects to a bell crank that is attached to the rear axle, and to the body at the other, there are two of them an upper and lower. I call a few of my local part suppliers and they all said dealer item and not available to the after market part suppliers yet. Dan. Canadian "EH"
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 29, 2005, 2:45 PM
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Re: PT Watts linkage bushings
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Dave - DanD just posted a very nice diagram so I too have some idea about what these things are. First you should check for recalls! Twice if the same item might just have one. Looks dooable - air tools can help with the strong nuts and bolts. First you should get under there and find a worn or loose part. Using a reasonably heavy rubber hammer can help you find the loose part - of course use judgement on what to whack to make it make the noise or see something move that shouldn't. If not clear and obvious try a place that specializes in alignments. You don't have to go back to the dealer, in fact some of them use the specialty shops themselves! You may need the alignment anyway with certain parts replaced. Good luck, I think you will find it's not out of control expensive, and PLEASE let us know what it was in your case so we know it for the next one that may come along,
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hellcat
New User
Apr 5, 2005, 10:13 PM
Post #7 of 9
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Re: PT Watts linkage bushings
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this is a very common problem on PT cruisers. in fact if you mention the symptons to most parts people they know exactly what you need. its easy to do and you can definately do it in your own garage. i suggest replacing it with MOOG equipment rather than an OEM. and then selling it because chryslers stink, hahahahaha.
(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Apr 6, 2005, 12:13 AM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Apr 6, 2005, 12:28 AM
Post #8 of 9
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Re: PT Watts linkage bushings
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My total appreciation for a great response. I did take out (just changed) one word (sorry) to keep this site totally family friendly. Again your input is important and informative, thanks, Tom
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nizmo13
New User
Aug 22, 2005, 8:00 PM
Post #9 of 9
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Re: PT Watts linkage bushings
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Ford has used a watts linkage in the rear end of the falcon since about 1987. one upper arm and one lower arm, one going to one side and one going to the other. if the linkage pivot is the same they might be compatible. this linkage was used in australian Falcons because of the camber of our roads it gives better stabilty through corners compared to traditional pannard rod or torsion bar set-ups.
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