Hi there all. I'm new to the boards. My wife and I own a 2005 Grand Caravan SXT. I read when we got it (used at 28K on the clock) that people had a few issues with the suspension bushes. at first there was a minor clunk on compression in the front. over the years and mileage its gotten worse. It reminds me of the sound of a blown strut. I have not yet taken the wheel off to inspect the dampers to find if they're leaking oil.
If the sway bar bushings are going, like another thread on here questioned, would that account for the oscillation I feel in the steering when the van is at speed? ( as if the wheels are going back and forth)

Any help is appreciated

Chris and Ivy

 

Replace both sway bar bushings and both sway bar strut links too. and at the same time add grease to the ball joints. The sway bar links maybe what you are feeling in the steering. While you are ck'ing the front end, also ck the steering colum nuts too. Loosing and tigthen.

 

Caravans are well known for their sway bar bushing wearing prematurely and it can definately sound like bad struts but have the sway bar bushings replaced and you will most likely see the 'clunking' sound go away. I changed mine a few months ago and all symptoms were the same as everyone else has been complaining about.

As far as the oscillations you feel in your steering wheel, I'd have to say that is a separate problem as sway bar bushings wouldn't cause something along those lines. You should either have your tire balancing checked which is most likely the case here ( should feel steering wheel vibrations around 115-120 kph ) or another cause could be a broken belt in one of your front tires. Another cause could be warped front brake rotors but you could rule that out if you feel pulsation in your brakes when stopping, especially from higher speeds.

 

thanks guys. I'll be checking soon!