2003 Grand Caravan Sport 3.3 - clunck in the front

Hi
When I go over a bump or a speed bump I hear a clunking or knocking from the
front. I think it comes from the steering column. It is more evident when
you go over the speed bump with the steering wheel turned a little and this
makes the van rock more to the sides and you hear the clunck more. Any TSBs
for this, or anybody with similar experience.
Tx

 

Tie rod ends or ball joins immediately come to mind.

 

Bet on it being the sway bar bushings. A common problem. They'll replace
them under warrantee.

 

Sway bar bushings or strut links is the most common cause of that noise,
covered 3/36 and some service contracts

 

I already haver changed the sway bar links. It seem ssomething coming
through the steering column. I think there is a TSB on steering but I don't
know the details.
Thanks again

 

There are 2 TSB's out for a complaint like yours, 19-001-03 Pop tick Creak
sound in the column and TSB 19-006-03 Knocking sound from the lower steering
column, the sway bar bushings will give a knocking sound when turning left
and right really fast as your swaying the vehicle. or by pushing up and down
on the side, and they had revised the sway bar links again to a different
design, so you could have that problem

 

Thank you all.
Maxwpower, since you are with Chrysler, I need some advice. Next time I go
for my regular service, there is no point going just for that unless it gets
really loud, do I tell the service guy about the TSBs or will they get
annoyed. MAybe just tell them about the problem and since they are a 5star
dealership they will find it. What would you recommend
Thanks again

 

If the dealer gets annoyed by your polite help, find another dealer or learn
to be more tactful. Getting an oil change or other paid service at the same
time won't hurt.

 

Don't confuse the link bushings and the sway bar cushions. The links are
the first think the dealer is likely to go after, but the problem is often
the cushions.

I've done cushions in every Chryco van I've owned for a similar thump and
have never touched the links. Problem solved every time.

My 2 cents.

Bob

 

Hi Bob
Where are these cushions located, are they some type of bushings. Did you
change the cushions with better afteramarket ones. I hope the dealer knows
about this, since I a m still under warranty.
Thanks again

 

Trust me the dealer knows about them, they are aware of the sway bar links
and cushions

 

Hi
Are the cushions part of the sway bar links or they are a seperate item
Thanks

 

they are a seperate item, just a strap mounts them to the sway bar, the sway
bar does not have to be removed to replace them

 

Are the cushions expensive. Should I go with an aftermarket one that might
be better than OEM. Also, if I ever have to change the links, are there any
better afteramarket one, that are greasable. Somebody I think mentioned MOOG
made links.
thanks again

 

Sorry for not answering sooner.

The cushions are not at all expensive from the dealer, but you can go
aftermarket if you prefer.

Replacement takes about 30 minutes total and can be done right in your
driveway.

Without lifting the vehicle, unbolt both straps and pop out the old
cushions.

Pop in the new ones and bolt it back together.

Hope this helps.

Bob

 

Thanks Bob, one more these cushions I assume they are the bushings that hold
the sway bar to the chassis
Tx

 

That is correct. They are shapped like the letter D with a split so they
can be put around the bar.