2001 caravan clunking noise

[gonzoe]

I have been trying to figure this one out. Over bumps (ussually at low speeds), there is a clunking noise coming from the passenger side front end. I have had the wheel removed and tried to move things around, but can't find the anything. I was told it is the sway bar bushings by one. Another said the links. I don't feel any play at all around the links. Someone please help!!

[justuswood]

This may sound strange but we had something similar and come to find out it was something INSIDE the tire. The dealer took it off the rim and there it was. What is was I cannot remember but it fixed our problem.

[gonzoe]

I too thought maybe that could have been it. I took it off and bounced it all over the place. But didnt hear anything.

Thanks for your reply!

[Ed.Ski]

I have the same problem with my 97. I'm going after the swaybar bushings.

[gonzoe]

Are the sway bar bushings easily replaced by a non mechanic?

[2001CaravanOwner]

The clunking noise in question is caused by the swaybar links. I have had mine replaced once. I chose to have the links installed at a dealer. The noise has returned. I hope this information helps out alot. My van currently has ~98 K miles. No transmission problems so far. I HIGHLY suggest adhering to only using MOPAR transmission fluid and having a FULL fluid exchange performed. Simply draining the transmission does not remove 100 % of the fluid. For tons of information on MOPAR vehicles go to www.allpar.com. Very informative site !! Best of luck.

[mrlong]

Mine has a clunk too. Replaced the sway bar bushings and the control arm bushings, and still had it. Mechanic says it's the bearing plate in the struts. Tired of spending money so I'm leaving it. Don't think that there's a safety issue with that.

[EVH5150]

Could very well be the upper strut mount too.But yeah the sway bar bushings are a snap to replace. Just did mine this spring.

[conncarl]

Guess I'll toss in my 2¢ (not my $0.02).

My 95 Grand had this problem. I replaced the front springs with Moog Car-Go coils, replaced all four swaybar bushings with polyurethane Moog units, replaced the tie rod ends, the front struts, and the strut bushings. The clunk was still there.

I finally gave the van away. The new owner brought it in to a shop for an unrelated issue, and they discovered the front swaybar was cracked. $25 for a boneyard swaybar later, the problem was solved.

FWIW, Carl