96 Caravan 3.0L - ?? steering shimmy ??

[96caravan]

While driving my 96 Caravan (75,000 Kilometers) I occasionally get a weird "knock" type feel on the steering wheel. I don't know what word to use when describing this condition. It does not always occur. It's not the Transmission, but rather it feels like someone is tapping on the steering column or one of the steering components with a hammer. I suspect it possibly being a cv joint problem, etc. but am not sure. Does anyone have any ideas on what it might be?

Thanks!

[caravan]

did you check alignment and balance?

[Chrysdriver]

My '94 GC with 152K miles developed a major shimmy under acceleration in the 25-38 mph range, especially under heavy load. Replacing one axle and aligning wheels did not solve the problem, but replacing other axle plus two engine mounts and one trans mount fixed it.

[lakeman]

Sounds much like the same thing happening with my 96'. I've also developed a banging noise in the area of the right front strut mount. Mine has 83k miles and I'm going to go the new struts/supports/bearings, etc route.

[5spd]

Try looking at the sway bar end links, sway bar bushings, and ball joints. To check the sway bar end links, just look behind the wheels. They are thin and stand on end. They have boots (rubber seals) at each end. The boots are prone to deteriorate and when they do, they help to contribute to front end noise. To check the sway bar bushings, you have to get under the van at the suspension cradle. The steering rack, sway bar, and I think the LDP (leak detection pump) are in the cradle. There are two bushings on the sway bar. Check for shiny areas on each side of each bushing (the shiny areas are called "witness marks"). Failed sway bar bushings make a knock noise during turning and while going over large and small bumps (a pretty loud knock type noise usually). To check you ball joints you need a good, solid jack, level ground, and a helper wouldn't hurt, too. You need to place the jack under the control arm (there is only a lower arm for each side in the front). If you are unsure about what these are then you shouldn't do this (no offense meant to you at all). If you are, then jack one side up only enough to get the tire off the ground a couple of inches. You're pre-loading the suspension. Take a pry bar or something like one and place it between the tire and ground. You want to pry up and down on the tire (gently as possible as it is on a jack). Have your helper look at the ball joint to see if there is any up and down movement of the ball joint relative to the steering knuckle. If you can eyeball play in the ball joints then its time to have them replaced. If you are not experienced with front end work then you should stay away from the ball joints - have a dealership/"indie" shop do them for you. You may need a Torx socket for the end links (so you won't damage the ends). DO NOT TURN THE TORX FITTING. It is used to keep the ends from turning. You tighten the nuts. The bushings are simple enough that looking at them are pretty self explanatory.