2002 dodge gran caranvan, regency edition, strut mount problems

[redddogg60]

I have a 2002 dodge gran caravan w/80k miles. I bought the vehicle w/65k miles on it. When I purchased the vehicle it had a "clunk" in the front end. I had to replace the mounts. I think the mounts are blown again(clunk) @ 80k miles. My question is...is this a common problem? Is there a cure for these things blowing out so frequently??? Thanks!

[Cntrysthbst]

The strut mounts are not a common problem, however rust at the top of the strut mount is.

The mounts in these newer vans are much better and last longer, they are not like the old mounts. I have been to many different shops/dealers for one problem - like a clunk, and everyone has a different story about what is causing it.

I don't know how sure you are that your clunk is the shrut mount but I would check into other more common problems with these vans, like the sway bar bushings and the sway bar end links. You could possibly have weak or defective coil springs. All this being you don't have a rust issue at the top of your strut mounts.

Most common clunks in the front are from the sway bar bushings and sway bar bushing end links. Sometimes the end link nuts come loose somewhat from where it mounts to the strut or the bar, other times the ball joint on the end link goes bad. You can check that as well with jackstands and a jack. Other times its worn sway bar bushings, that is more of a visable inspection - bulging and/or dry rot are signs. However, mine looked just fine when I had clunking at one time, I took it to the dealer and thats what they said was wrong - so I had them replaced and that fixed the clunking till the end links went.

Make sure your rims are on tight, aways use the criss-cross tightening sequence.

Check sway bar bushings/endlinks, then but in no order, check lower control arms - mainly the ball joints, inner/outer tie rod ends, struts/shocks, motor/trans mounts, ride height for coil spring issues.

Hopefully it's something simple. Who is the maker of the strut mounts you just put on?

[redddogg60]

I have had sway bar bushings and links replaced. This is definately related the strut mount area, I have newer kmc struts and rear shocks on the vehicle. However, I do not know who the strut mounts are made by. There is no rust on or near my strut towers. My mechanic is a friend of the families. He allows me to help out as he's working on the car. So, I know that everything has been gone over. I wonder if I'm blowing strut mounts because of the added weight of the conversion roof(Regency Edition Converion Van)??? Thanks For Your Insight!!!

[Cntrysthbst]

Interesting. You said you replaced the rear shocks. What kind was on it before you replaced them? Where they the big ones? Nivomats? Seems like you would being you have the raised roof.

[redddogg60]

I had given the wrong information about my current rear shocks. They are KYB gas-adjust shocks. However, I'm not sure what was on my van previously.

[Cntrysthbst]

The Nivomat ride has softer springs in front, and if you are not at the proper ride height in back you may get a clunk in front. If this is the case it would be cheaper to get stiffer springs in front then replace with the Nivomats. Nivomats should be replaced with Nivomats. I guess before I go any further I should stop. If all possible can you find out if you had the Nivomats first? The dealer can check - phone call.

[Altabessie]

My 2002 Gr Caravan Sport has the same front-end clunking noise and the post by Cntrysthbst that refers to the bushings is exactly what is the matter with mine according to the service team. cost is between 300-400 to replace.

[triplethreattt]

i had this same clunking on my 98, and I just replaced my Stablizer links, and it has corrected the problem. (not to mention that it steers a WHOLE lot better!!!)

I used the MOOG replacement links, because they were greasable, where the other ones were sealed.

my $.02