Caravan Front End Noises

[xxoorrgg]

Hi board. This is my first post on the board and I wanted to ask if anyone else out there has that irratating (knock) noise coming for the front end of their Caravans. It happens when you barely turn the wheel and usually only when you're moving. I have a 2003 SXT and a 1999 and both have a similar noise. I brought the new SXT to the dealer and they said it was all normal. The funny thing is, is it didnt make that sound when it was new. It only has 12,000 miles on it. I've been under the van trying to find the noise and it seems like its coming somewhere around the rack & pinion steering box. I do want to add this is my 6th Caravan i have bought from this dealership and the service there is terrible. The service advisor is a young punk with an attitude and i got into an argument with him about this being normal. It is far from normal. If anyoe out there knows of this problem , maybe you can shed some light on it for me. TIA

[xxoorrgg]

I do want to note that it is not the swaybar bushings and the tie rods.

[spansier]

I have a 03 Grand Caravan w/ the exact same sounds/problems as well. It didn't make noise when first bought but developed them and will be taking back to the dealership on Thursday, September 2. I'll let you know what they say.

[vmag83]

I bought a 2001 Grand Caravan which started making the same noise you describe @ around 60,000 miles. I replaced the sway bar links, the strut mounts, and an outer tie rod. Made no difference at all. As you did, I have also identified the steering rack as the source of the problem. A friend of mine had an '02 which also had a bad rack. This is really unacceptable and obviously a design flaw. Chrysler should step up and correct this issue or their business will suffer.

By the way, has anyone replaced their rack and how difficult was it?

[wireman2]

Don't hold your breath that DC will step up!

[music3089]

Check the CV joints My dad had an 88 caravan that made that noise and turned out to be the CV joints.

[RIP]

Check the dates on the posts. You just tacked on to a nearly year old thread. Looks like the predessessors were worse.