Clunking noise from front end

fjleiter · #1 09-21-2006, 11:56 PM

Just picked up a 2001 Grand Caravan, noticed a clunking noise from front end. Took it back to dealer
and they replaced sway bar links. Noise is still there....

It only occurs over bumps or if I turn the wheel back and forth (may the van sway back and forth)
it will clunk as well.

Any ideas?

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brandoncrone · #2 09-22-2006, 04:28 AM

Have them replace the sway bar bushings also, they are the other common source for noise.

floorslayer1 · #3 09-22-2006, 01:32 PM

Could be strut bumpers and or the strut bearing plates.

chopper · #4 09-22-2006, 02:41 PM

Try to get the noise to repeat itself while the van is setting still.Then take it to the dealer and have it fixed.

67cobain94 · #5 09-24-2006, 01:00 AM

The sway bar end links and sway bar bushings are by far the most common noise but I have noticed a bit of noise from the upper strut bearing. It's a plastic cased bushing and it will make the same clunking noise as sway bar end links. Get a buddy to turn the wheel back and forth sitting still and see if you notice it at the top of the strut tower.

fjleiter · #6 09-24-2006, 02:23 AM

took it back to the dealer, clunk also shows up if you move wheel from side to side while moving. Mechanic thinks its the steering
rack so they are replacing that, guess I will see if that fixes it or not (not holding my breath...)

floorslayer1 · #7 09-24-2006, 04:55 AM

If your rack was that whipped that it clunked over bumps, they should have noticed that doing the say links. Let us know when they do the strut bearings too

905ranger · #8 09-24-2006, 04:20 PM

Had the smae problem with my 2003, dealer replaced bushings, links and sway bars. They broke the sway bar when they were servicing the vehicle.

emailjohn · #9 10-11-2006, 08:32 PM

I have a dump question.

Where are the front sway bar bushings? Can someone point them out to me? Is it visible in this pic?

[IMG]local://upfiles/46493/B0FD6835199D43EF8F09457B45489256.jpg[/IMG]

disaray1 · #10 10-12-2006, 09:17 PM

The sway bar bushings are not shown in that image. If you look at the vertical link rod just forward of the strut, the top of the link is bolted to the strut. The bottom of the link is attached to the sway bar. Follow the sway bar to just out of the image...thats where the sway bushings live. One on each side of the car.

disaray1