2003 noisey over bumps

sharkmonkey · #1 11-13-2007, 10:16 AM

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

usmailman956 · #2 11-13-2007, 01:55 PM

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

sharkmonkey · #3 11-13-2007, 08:08 PM

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

wayneo69 · #4 11-13-2007, 08:19 PM

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

usmailman956 · #5 11-16-2007, 05:24 PM

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

C. Cleve · #6 11-17-2007, 05:41 PM

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.........

sharkmonkey · #7 11-17-2007, 08:04 PM

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

MARK

2002TCvan · #8 12-25-2007, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharkmonkey

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?

sharkmonkey · #9 12-25-2007, 06:11 PM

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

repo2agent · #10 12-26-2007, 09:40 AM

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.

sharkmonkey · #11 12-27-2007, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by repo2agent

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

repo2agent · #12 12-27-2007, 08:30 PM

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.

MdPhoenix · #13 02-26-2008, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by repo2agent

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.

2002TCvan · #14 02-26-2008, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MdPhoenix

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 [email protected]
Gary
Good luck with the sway bar, let me know how it goes.

MdPhoenix · #15 02-26-2008, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2002TCvan

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 [email protected]
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..

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