2002 GC Front End a MESS!

Hi all -

Just wondering if anyone else is experiencing the following:

We have a 18-month-old 2002 Grand Caravan Sport, with 19,000 miles.

- Front Brake pads are completely shot: (we've never had to replace brake pads this quickly - we don't drive hard)

- "whirring" noise consistently around 30mph: local mechanic thinks it is a problem with the differential.

And for the grand finalle:

- Severe rattling of the wheels in front. Local mechanic thinks this is some problem with the "steering linkage" - does not think it's loose tie rods, but maybe something with the rack and/or struts? All I know is that when we go over minor bumps/potholes, the front tires are rattling around so much they feel like there going to fall off!

Obviously we are having this addressed by Dodge/Chrysler asap - can't get in until next week. In the meantime - thought I'd ask to see if there is an epidemic.

I assume the whirring differential and steering linkage problem can be successfully diagnosed, fixed, and covered under warranty, but the brake pads really have me fuming. Many have told me that only 19K is ridiculous to have to replace - but Dodge is already claiming this is normal for this car (heavier than a sedan, etc...)

Am I going to have to replace front brake pads every 19K miles???

I know I've covered a lot here - thanks for any insight/replies...

Best -
Brad in MA.

Dear discouraged, I to had constant brake squealing and wear on my 2002 Chrysler. I demanded it be replaced for the neibours were calling me Mr. Squeally. I put this in writing and finally left the car at the dealership and refused to take it home. They replaced the front pads and replaced the reardrums and shoes with after market parts. Many Dodge vehicles wear brake pads abnormally fast. It solved that problem. Call another dodge dealer and get a second or third opinion. You can take it to any dodge dealer you want. Also I am still in the process of having my transmission repaired for the third time, and trust me this will be the last time. If your hounest, polite and persistant they will serve you before some bad publicity gets out.
Keep track of the date time, who you spoke to and share a copy with them. You will be surprised how many different answers you will get from different dodge dealerships.
Good luck Wayne.

did the steering rack have to be replaced? that's what my mechanic thinks after eliminating tie-rod ends, ball joints, struts and engine mounts as the cause of my clunking. But I have 94K on my 2001 caravan SE. still looking for a solution. Help!

Thanks for reminding me I needed to post a follow-up to this:

The clunking: Sway-bar links. Don't know why I would need to have these replaced at 19000, but whatever.

Did I also mention a "loose" steering column? Felt like I could fee every little bump and pothole right up through the steering column. I could also hear a click if I purposely jiggled the steering wheel up and down. Turns out there is a bulletin for this - a "shim" had a faulty original design. The Dodge mechanic performed the bulletin - it's about 95% better, which, at this point, I'll take.

I also had a differential replaced. There was a "whirring" noise right around 30mph, +/- 5mph or so... They replaced the differential (rebuilt...?) - noise gone. Also don't know why I would have a faulty differential at only <19,000, but, as I've said before: whatever.

That's my attitude now toward this van - whatever. I may or may not ever buy another Dodge. Whatever.

Brad in MA

Hate to burst anyones bubble .... I own a GC 2002 with major problems. Alarm issues and door locks not working at 4,000 miles, ABS sensor replaced at 10,000 again at 10,800, again at 10,900 along with every rear hub and bearing. Battery at 15,200. Transmission at 16,800. Alternator at 21,000. Brakes and rotors at 23,000. Rear heater tubes, ANOTHER battery, sway bar links and bushings, spark plugs and all wiring at 35,000 miles!

Makes you want to buy a Dodge!!!

Would love to get rid of it .... it kills me because we paid $26 for the thing 3 years ago and I can maybe get $8000. I really want to cut my loses because this is a money pit --- a piece of junk. The first time we ever bought an American car and if you didn't figure it out yet the LAST TIME!!!

I Totaly Agree With All You 2001 - 2005 Dodge Caravan Owners Dodge Screwed These Vehicles In 2001 & Up