Question for auto mechanics…
Aug 21, 2022 13:00:42 #
This is the front end of a 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser. I was driving and this scraping noise from underneath started so I pulled over and found the cause. My knowledge of cars doesn’t include this so I don’t know what happened! I thought I’d take advantage of the tremendous knowledge base available on the HOG. Whatever it is, it’s both wheels.
Aug 21, 2022 13:12:19 #
Aug 21, 2022 13:17:51 #
13
Loc: I am only responsible to what I say..not what
Time to get another vehicle!!! The rust on it looks bad!
Aug 21, 2022 13:22:33 #
Looks like a bad tie rod. I suggest you get a new one. Just make sure it's attached to a good car when you get it.
Aug 21, 2022 13:40:39 #
It is a suspension part.
Due to the extreme rust damage, it would be a waste of time and money to attempt any major repairs.
Get it wired up out of the way so you don't snag it on anything and do anymore damage.
Drive with extra caution as this is the beginning of the end.
Bottom line: Understand this,
"You need a part for your car. The part between the license plates!"
Due to the extreme rust damage, it would be a waste of time and money to attempt any major repairs.
Get it wired up out of the way so you don't snag it on anything and do anymore damage.
Drive with extra caution as this is the beginning of the end.
Bottom line: Understand this,
"You need a part for your car. The part between the license plates!"
Aug 21, 2022 13:56:06 #
It's not a tie rod, looks more like a sway bar. But the other responders are correct that the amount of rust visible in your pictures indicate the sooner you get rid of this car the better (and safer) for you.
Bill
Bill
Aug 21, 2022 16:28:51 #
Aug 21, 2022 17:20:17 #
Aug 21, 2022 17:29:28 #
Mr. SONY wrote:
A few ty-wraps will fix that right up.
Might need some duct tape, too.Aug 21, 2022 19:26:38 #
JacksonHD
Loc: NorCal
billmck wrote:
It's not a tie rod, looks more like a sway bar...
Bill
Bill
Yup, it's the sway bar. If it was the tie rod, the car would have to be unwrapped from around a telephone pole. The bolts were badly rusted and failed, probably one side (unnoticed), then the other.
And, yes, with that much rust, it's time for a new ride. That failure was kind of a warning. Could be more serious next time. (Like maybe a lower control arm.)
All the best.
Aug 21, 2022 23:42:19 #
bikinkawboy
Loc: north central Missouri
Sway bars help keep the vehicle level when going around corners. Being broke off doesn’t make the car undrivable, but you must live in the northeast where they use calcium chloride on winter streets or near the ocean where it gets a constant dose of salt air.
For safety’s sake you need to have the car checked out. I suspect there are serious problems elsewhere.
For safety’s sake you need to have the car checked out. I suspect there are serious problems elsewhere.
Aug 21, 2022 23:57:49 #
It’s a sway bar - the links have failed on both sides, but no need to replace it - replace the car. Given the amount of rust that’s showing and the fact that suspension parts are literally falling off, the next suspension part that fails may result in a crash.
Aug 22, 2022 05:21:13 #
Dannj wrote:
This is the front end of a 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser. I was driving and this scraping noise from underneath started so I pulled over and found the cause. My knowledge of cars doesn’t include this so I don’t know what happened! I thought I’d take advantage of the tremendous knowledge base available on the HOG. Whatever it is, it’s both wheels.
Actually its a sway bar not a tierod!!
But the bad part is the "K"frame is all but rusted away, junk it before it kills you or someone else!! or if there is any body left get the "K" frame replaced.
"Me"retired after 60+ years as a mechanic and now dabbling, To keep from getting rusty.
Aug 22, 2022 05:38:04 #
'SWAY BAR' Never heard of those before, but then twigged (correct me if I'm wrong) it's what we call an anti-roll bar. But I've only seen them running the full width of the vehicle, that looks like it serves one side only.
Aug 22, 2022 05:39:00 #
chrissybabe
Loc: New Zealand
Swaybar ends. But for this to happen the rest of the vehicle needs to be condemned for yours and everyone elses safety on the road. Looks like probably salt. I don't think I have seen a car this bad since I was a kid. In NZ with that much rust it would have been apparent several years ago, failed a warrant (of fitness), and removed from the roads.
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