2003 noisey over bumps

I have a 2003 Town & Country and lately, as I drive over bumps in the road or speed bumps, etc., I hear a knocking noise. It's a noise that is very rapid and sounds like it is coming from the front suspension area or maybe steering.

I put the van up on jacks and tried to wiggle stuff around to replicate the noise. The only thing that would could come close was the axles. Should there be any play in the axles? I can move them in and out of the CV joint area about 1/16-1/8 inch. There was play in both the drivers and passenger side axles.

Thanks,
MARK

If it is in the front it probably is swaybar bushings &/or swaybar links. Replaced both on our 01 voyager and noise from front end diasappeared

Did your bushings/links visually look worn? Mine look fine.

replace the sway arm bushings and end links the end links are most likely the old style they have plastic on the back side of the ball socket fit the new style does not they are metal replacing these items should get rid of you noise at the dealer links are about 45 - 50 dollars each and the bushings are about 8bucks each 120 dollars total

Neither one of mine either the links or bushings really looked worn they just knocked over bumps

Hi, The links and bushings are the problem, I don't care if the look ok, and by the way, have the outer tie rod ends checked, they also make the noise you are talking about. See Ya, Clay.........

I should have some time next week to work on it. Thanks for your replies.

MARK

I should have some time next week to work on it. Thanks for your replies.

MARK
Dear Noisy over Bumps,
Mine has started to rattle a bit too, but that is normal at 91,000. Perhaps before my next alignment I'll replace the entire system underneath as I have already replaced the CV shafts, hubs, and all new brakes (complete) at each wheel. The point is once you tie into it in my opinion you might as well go all the way do to what you have to remove etc to get to other items and you are looking at an allignment for sure.

Have you experienced any hub or ABS problems?

I have rotors and pads to put on but that's it. I was laid off from my job in October so I won't be repalcing anything else on it for a while. I can handle the noise.

It drives real straight, the tires look good and I haven't experienced any hub or ABS problems yet. I looked at the sway bar bushings and they look near perfect. Maybe it is in the end links but I'm not replacing those until Spring.

MARK

I replace a set of these on Caravans atleast once a week. They are terrible. Every Dodge/Chrysler van that comes through our car lot needs them replaced.

I replace a set of these on Caravans atleast once a week. They are terrible. Every Dodge/Chrysler van that comes through our car lot needs them replaced.

End links or what?

MARK

Yes. front sway bar end links. Its hard to tell if they are bad when you jack up the vehicle or put on a lift.

I replace a set of these on Caravans atleast once a week. They are terrible. Every Dodge/Chrysler van that comes through our car lot needs them replaced.


Are they difficult/dangerous to replace yourself? I'm concerned about having to remove the struts? I perform a lot of work on my own vehicles, but have never done a sway bar.

Are they difficult/dangerous to replace yourself? I'm concerned about having to remove the struts? I perform a lot of work on my own vehicles, but have never done a sway bar.

I am sorry, we found the problem with my ABS, and I ended up stopping after completly new brakes, new CV shafts and 4 bran new hubs. It was just an ABS system wire and the Dodge Dealer did not even know how to read the code for it!!! I was some upset, but hey I put the $450 he wanted into all new parts and since it gets 32MPG hwy and 20 city whose to complain. Met a guy the other day getting 22 hwy and 16 city yuck? My email is englishwgg@gmail.com
Gary
Good luck with the sway bar, let me know how it goes.

I am sorry, we found the problem with my ABS, and I ended up stopping after completly new brakes, new CV shafts and 4 bran new hubs. It was just an ABS system wire and the Dodge Dealer did not even know how to read the code for it!!! I was some upset, but hey I put the $450 he wanted into all new parts and since it gets 32MPG hwy and 20 city whose to complain. Met a guy the other day getting 22 hwy and 16 city yuck? My email is englishwgg@gmail.com
Gary
Good luck with the sway bar, let me know how it goes.


WOW, 32 highway? Do you have the 3.0?

Suddenly the 3.8 seems worthless.. :(

WOW, 32 highway? Do you have the 3.0?

Suddenly the 3.8 seems worthless.. :(

What, pulling a boat, and trailer etc. I don't think so. I love our 3.8 and if I told you the truth about what we really get for MPG you'd have a heart attack. Talk to you at my email site next ok?
Gary:smile: But I got to leave now to go and look for another leaking hose. Found one last week. Gosh these hoses crack a lot!

How in the world do you get 32 highway?
My 3.8 gets about 20-22 highway.

My little Neon gets about 32 highway/city mixed.

Now I'm confused. I don't quite understand what you're getting. You say you're getting 32 highway and now you're saying I wouldn't believe what you get?

Let us have it. How much do you really get?

WOW, 32 highway? Do you have the 3.0?

Suddenly the 3.8 seems worthless.. :(

Didn't you get my last message? I replied. Yes, I have the 3.8. The most incredible machine I ever owned. Especially now that I get about 30% better mileage than most others! Want details email englishwgg@gmail.com http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/images/icons/icon7.gif You will never believe how easy it is either.

Okay my thread is starting to sound like an infomercial...

So, what do I have to remove (after the tires) to only replace the sway bar end links? That's all I'm replacing right now.

-MARK

Didn't you get my last message? I replied. Yes, I have the 3.8. The most incredible machine I ever owned. Especially now that I get about 30% better mileage than most others! Want details email englishwgg@gmail.com http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/images/icons/icon7.gif You will never believe how easy it is either.

Why not just post it here so everyone can benefit from it?