So i have noticed some problems with my '02 Neon. The brakes are squeaky for one, which the mechanics tell me is normal due to dust. HOWEVER, when i travel over rough terrain (downtown [railroad tracks and speed bumps]) my brakes will almost feel like they are grinding when i make a short stop. They tell me this is normal too, so is it? :confused:

I also have a question regarding my cold air intake. I bought one off ebay (my friend recommended it) but i have no clue how to put it in, no directions were provided and the seller has been of little help. Can anyone at all please email me some directions or something with regards to how to install this and remove my stock intake system?

And the last bit. My friend has a 2001 neon and her mom has an 02. Ive ridden in both of them and driven both. Her moms car has everything that mine has, plus a cd player and foglights. So how come my car sounds like its in a race when i accelerate? i can mash down her gas and it STILL sounds like a wimp. hers meows and mine roars and we have done NO mods to it yet. Hers does the 0-60 in like 15 seconds, mind does it in 9.... so whats the deal? :screwy:

Thanks for all your help...

FuelS1ut

How many miles are on your car?

sxt are quicker.

76,000 miles

brakes should never grind! i recommend replacing your pads with somthing decent. squeeking is normal and a sign that your brakes are working. try running a set of race pads, they will make you cry!!! replace your pads with somthing like Hawk brand pads or even an expensive (thats how you know they are a decent quality) set of raybestos. just avoid ceramic pads, they dont stop as well AND they will warp your rotors significantly faster. you want a semi-metalic pad. they may make a little noise, but my Hawk pads were silent on my srt4 (EBC green stuff pads wernt) and on my tahoe. wilwood also makes great brake pads, thier Q-form pads are silent and stop really well on my sartie!


the intake should be cake to install. remove your factory air box and intake piping. place the new one in. depending on the brand of the intake, you may have to jack the front of the car up, remove your wheel/tire and inner fenderwell. the intake should just slide in. be sure to tighten up all of the hose clamps, and reattach all of your hoses and lines connecting onto the intake track.

76,000 miles


With that many miles on your car I would say you are in need of a brake job. The grinding is probably metal on metal when you apply the brakes.

i agree also. you can go the cheep way out on alot of thing, but NEVER go cheep on breaks and tires. It coulod be your life or someone else's if you do!