How to Change PT Cruiser Brake Discs

Iskandar Blogger 1:58 PM

Changing the brake discs in your PT Cruiser is a common part of a brake job on this vehicle. The brake discs from the factory are thin and have a tendency to wear below minimum thickness specifications within the life of one set of pads. If the discs are not changed when they are below thickness requirements, symptoms, like pedal pulsation and severe vibration when braking, can occur. The average home mechanic can replace the brake discs in an afternoon and restore safe operation of the vehicle.

Instructions

    1

    Park the vehicle on a level surface and turn off the ignition. Secure the wheels on the opposite end of the vehicle with wheel chocks. Raise and support the PT Cruiser using a floor jack and jack stands. Remove the appropriate wheels using a lug wrench and lay the wheels aside. Put the lug nuts in a safe place to prevent losing them.

    2

    Remove the two caliper slide pins with a 7 mm Allen socket and a ratchet. Slip the C-clamp over the caliper and position the screw shaft of the clamp on top of the outer brake pad. Tighten the caliper to compress the caliper piston into the caliper bore. Lift the caliper off the rotor and hang it from the front strut to prevent damage to the rubber brake hose.

    3

    Remove the two caliper bracket bolts using a 13 mm socket and ratchet and lay the bracket aside with the brake pads. If you are also changing the brake pads, install the new pads onto the caliper bracket.

    4

    Remove the rotor by sliding it off the hub assembly. Clean the hub surface that makes contact with the inside of the rotor with a wire brush to remove any rust and scale that has accumulated.

    5

    Install the new rotor over the lug studs and hub assembly. Secure it to the hub using a lug nut. Bolt the caliper bracket in place over the new rotor and fully tighten the mounting bolts. Squeeze the inside and outside brake pads together against the rotor. Slide the caliper over the rotor and into position on the caliper bracket. Install and securely tighten the caliper slide pins.

    6

    Remove the lug nut that secures the rotor and install the wheel. Repeat the procedure for the remaining side. Raise the PT Cruiser off the jack stands and remove the stands before lowering the car to the ground with the jack. Pump the brake pedal slowly until it is hard to push. Test drive the vehicle to verify that the problem is fixed.