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2000 gr caravan clunking in front end
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cama81z
New User
Mar 15, 2009, 11:25 AM
Post #1 of 8
(3266 views)
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2000 gr caravan clunking in front end
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hello ., my 2000 grand caravan sport has developed a clunking in front end. I hear it when i turn the wheel or go over a little bump/ curb.
I took it to Mavis tire & they had someone turn the wheel while it was on the lift . they said they hear it in the rack & pinion rack. this is an $800. job. second opinion I took it to goodyear . They said its either the strut or the front stabilizer or the rack . I don't want to spend hundreds on diagnostic charges & incorrect fixes . Is there any way to narrow down where the problem may be . or can you tell me where I can take it to get the right diagnostic the first time .
I live on long island ny . suffolk county , any help would be appreciated .
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 15, 2009, 3:55 PM
Post #2 of 8
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Re: 2000 gr caravan clunking in front end
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Arggh! You mean TWO places can't narrow it down to better than that? Find a front end alignment shop and get yet another opinion - wild guessing at that doesn't make sense for a clunk noise,
T
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cama81z
New User
Mar 15, 2009, 4:07 PM
Post #3 of 8
(3257 views)
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Re: 2000 gr caravan clunking in front end
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hopefully third times a charm. does anyone have any clue as to where a good shop for this would be ?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 15, 2009, 4:24 PM
Post #4 of 8
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Re: 2000 gr caravan clunking in front end
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There are things that are elusive to figure out and problems that won't misbehave when being checked. This clunk shouldn't be rocket science to a tech who does front end work which is why I suggested an alignment shop or one that specializes in alignments.
If you don't have confidence in the right place near you ask friends, neighbors or if new to the area ask your motor club for a cooperating shop with them. A parts store MAY suggest who is right for this work. There shouldn't be so much guessing IMO unless this simply won't make a sound, clunk or show up with testing, looking and prying on parts in front of anyone but you
T
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cama81z
New User
Mar 15, 2009, 4:33 PM
Post #5 of 8
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Re: 2000 gr caravan clunking in front end
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not the case , they all hear the clunk. thats why I am concerned why they cant commit to it being the problem.
i am wondering if i should just go to dodge dealer ( gasp)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 15, 2009, 4:58 PM
Post #6 of 8
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Re: 2000 gr caravan clunking in front end
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This stinks! With your complaint it should be hoisted, grab wheel and jockey one way then the other while another if needed watches where it moves and shouldn't. You can pry on parts to force some movement on parts that shouldn't and so forth. I don't know why this is so difficult for techs to commit to what IS the cause and not just throw a few may bees at you. It's possible to need more than one item but these are mechanical parts likely making the noise and with the proper testing even with the thing still should show the worn part(s) !!
Hey - I know folks always think dealers are more expensive and sometimes that's true. Being a dealer of the vehicle isn't a guarantee of the exact place or tech being any better than any other place though.
This vehicle is 9 or so years old already and aftermarket parts are out there for it galore so the independent shops should take this as somewhat routine.
Hey - I'm not there so I really can't second guess how fussy this is to diagnose. Perhaps it just isn't showing up with close inspection but I still don't think you should have to guess if there's a real "CLUNK" in the front end.
How about taking it to a dealer if you feel they will be more accurate for you and ask how much for a diagnosis and quote the total cost? You'd be out a diagnostic fee but don't have to agree to their price OR discuss it with someplace or person who can be more specific with this,
T
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Jeff Norfolk
Enthusiast
Mar 15, 2009, 7:05 PM
Post #7 of 8
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Re: 2000 gr caravan clunking in front end
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Just a note here. I have chased this exact noise on this model van for several days in the past. Replaced the rack three times. Same result even though the rack seemed to be moving around internally when turned on the lift. Th problem is with the sway bar mount bushings. Even though they look ok and not worn, they make noise. When the tech removes them the problem will be obvious. Have them replace them with a Moog aftermarket bushing. This should cure then noise and only cost $100-$150 or so.
Jeff
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 16, 2009, 3:33 AM
Post #8 of 8
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Re: 2000 gr caravan clunking in front end
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Jeff - Excellent and thanks for sharing your experience with this AND that it can be one of those elusive problems.
In light of that I would go ahead and replace the support bushings with improved parts as you mentioned and probably replace the pins at the ends as well if those are the typical end pins with insulators. Here those frequently rust and don't come apart without breaking them even if for some other reason to release those,
T
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