Sup guys. So I bought a used 03 Black Sxt a few weeks ago...41k miles on it. Pretty nice car. Before i bought it, checked the oil..tranny power steering fluids and everything looked pretty decent...besides the fluids being a little dark. About two weeks ago...i started hearing some clanking on the passenger front side..sounding like i was dragging chains. Its been doing it for the last two weeks now, mainly when I brake or when Im at low rev's and off the pedal. Took it in for an oil change today, and the news came...So. Lets start with 4 quarts of burnt black oil in my engine, power steering fluid was the darkest he's ever seen...same with the tranny fluid. So after some more minor things and 300 dollars out of my pocket..I decided while I'm there we'll look at my brakes and rotors. Brakes...geez..I have about a quarter inch left, but my rotors were fine..slightly glazed..not to much to worry about. I was wondering what you guys would suggest...replace the brakes and rotors for about 275 and see if the noise goes away, or just replace the brakes? If so, 275 seem reasonable for that? And has anyone else had this problem before. Thanks.

Also, does anyone know if any ECU/Chip works in 03 Neons or Neons in general. Saw one that was running for about 250, which they said a 15-25 percent increase with horsepower. I already put an AEM cold air in, and soon putting in a dual cat. Trying to look for little things to increase performance because rather increasing the performance I dumped 4k into a Pioneer N3 Dvd/Nav touch screen, Ps2 with wireless, 1000 Watt Audiobahn subs, Replaced the Rear and Front speakers with Crossfires, and put 12 disk changer in and customized the center console with and acrylic box, to store the ps2. I also put in a Viper Alarm, with remote start and keyless etc.. I think it's time for an Optima as well. Thanks, Scott

 

theres no good chips for 03+ so dont bother wasting your money and id say if your roters are still good theres no need to change them

 

[:-] mother of god... $275 for brakes and rotos!?!?!?! maybe at midas or some crap... if you can change a tire and turn an allen wrench you can do-it-yourself and have brand new front brakes and rotors for about $30 or $40. also if you have a buddy handy you can go ahead and change out your brake fluid. im sure there are any number of people on this forum or amongst your buddies to help you change your brakes.

 

I just replaced my front/rear rotors and put on ceramic pads for $300 or so...and i'm only at 41,xxx miles, so you could go ahead and change them if you wanted to, but the rotors should still be fine at low mileage.