Caravan clunk

[lansdowne]

I have a 2001 Dodge Caravan and just lately I have developed a sound in the front end that sort of sounds like a loose caliper but it isnt that. I had previously had a stabilizer link replaced on the passenger side.....this noise is on the driver's side but as I recall the sounds seem a bit similar and in the wheel area . A mechanic I know could NOT find anything. He didn't check swaybar bushings tho. Anyone have any ideas what a mysterious noise like that might be??? I'm certainly open to suggestions.
Many thanks lansdowne

[RIP]

What are you doing at the time you hear it? Driving straight or turning? Accelerating or decelerating? Applying brakes? Is it cyclic or random? Sound like metal to metal or otherwise? More info would help us.

Possibilities: upper strut mounts, various bushings, constant velocity joints, balljoints, wheel bearings, tie rod knuckle, brake components.

[lansdowne]

Originally Posted by RIP

What are you doing at the time you hear it? Driving straight or turning? Accelerating or decelerating? Applying brakes? Is it cyclic or random? Sound like metal to metal or otherwise? More info would help us.

Possibilities: upper strut mounts, various bushings, constant velocity joints, balljoints, wheel bearings, tie rod knuckle, brake components.

Actually its when driving straight ahead...maybe going over a small bump ,,,that sort of thing. More noticible on a rough dirt road..
Lansdowne/

[RIP]

That would make me lean towards struts and bushings. Living in Canada you probably have a lot of sand, salt, and moisture on the roads. This combo is ideal for rust formation. I've read several threads on this forum detailing the corrosion of the structure the upper strut mount is bolted to. Check there for severe corrosion. The upper strut mount components or the strut itself could be shot.

Have another set of eyes look at it up on a hoist. Torn bushing boots or seals should be the first thing to look for. The boots keep corrosion from destroying the joint. They need to do the grab and shake routine on every component. Noises can be tough to track down. Patience is a must. Listen even closer the next few days and see what other clues you can find.

[earlyrizr]

try replacing the sway bar bushings first it $16 for both and very hard to tell if there worn without removing them.I replaced mine 2 times already.they dont seem to last long

[mprtech]

+1 on the sway bar bushings. The ONLY way to check for bad sway bar bushings and/or links is to reach one hand over the tire with the vehicle on the ground and grab the link, then with your shoulder or other hand rock the vehicle side to side. If you feel ANY sort of knocking or moving sensation in the link that your touching then replace the bushings first, if it still knocks after that replace the links.