Hey guys, new to the Caravan section but not the forum as you can tell.

Anyway, bought a 2005 Grand Caravan SXT with the works. 91,000 miles on it and it run and drives great. The only concern I have is this sound it makes. It's definitely louder with the AC on but also makes it when it's turned off. And, it's louder when it's idling in gear vs neutral. I'm adding a video so that you can hear it.

I'm thinking it's possibly the bearing in the A/C clutch? Speaking of which, where is the condenser located? There's a little trickle of water on the passenger floor near the firewall.

Thanks everyone!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ziWJ-wjwxI

 

regarding the water on the floor, u need to get under the car and blow air into the drain, it is probably clog. and check ur cabin air filter if u have one. behind glove box.

that noise sound like a bad pulley, I would say an idler pulley or alternator. But can't be sure until u remove the belt and inspect all pully by hand. I dont think it could be an A/C compressor tho.

 

I agree with steak59, the condensor is in front of the van.

 

Awesome, thanks for the tips guys!

 

I have a 2005 GC with the same throbbing noise that you have. I have replaced all the pulleys, the belt, the A/C compressor to no avail. The A/C guy said that the former compressor had seized, heated up and thrown a plastic residue everywhere and he thinks somehow this plastic has lodged into the belt system somewhere and is creating the noise. Another guy swears it's the alternator. The alternator is the only item I haven't replaced. If anybody has the final answer to this noise, I'd be happy to hear about it.

 

http://youtu.be/fNp3_11a_WM

I'm noticing the same sound beginning on my van at 92K miles. I don't know what the MTBF on these alternators is, but if it is probably going to die soon I may replace the whole unit, not just the pully.

Any gurus know the typical life on these alternators?

I purposely change batteries every 2-3 years based on advice from an alternator pro, btw. Said all batteries go to crap way too soon and kill the alternators by working them to death, so it is worth a new battery every few years as proactive maint.

 

Wow, that's the exact same noise. From that YouTube video all he did was change the decoupler pulley. I might give that a shot.

 

Happydaddy, I have an original alternator in my 03 neon with 245,000 miles, an original in my mom's 06 Caravan with 191,000 miles, and an original in my 00 G Voyager with 154,000 and an original in my 05 ram with 170,000 miles. Battery was original in the Neon until March of last year, I don't think it hurt anything. The only Dodges I have had alternator/starter problems with are my 83 Ramcharger, and my 84 350 dump truck. They eat one or the other every 2 years or so, but I just chalk that up to remanufactured Chineese/Mexican made crap parts. If I could get OEM for those trucks the next time, I would be really happy.

 

I have replaced the alternator on my 05 due to bad bearings--removed the belt and the pulley just flopped around in the alt. I have changed two belt tensioners in 150K miles. All made the same noise unable to see your vid so I am uncertain of your "noise". As far as the leak--if you can find a piece of preformed hose at 90 degree turn (works the best) or a longer flexible hose you need to place it on the existing drain in the firewall. The water instead of dripping is running back along the bottom side of the drain spout into the van. Make sure to pull your carpet up for a few days to dry or you will have one smelly mess.

 

This is a followup to an earlier post. If you have a spare broomstick handy (is your name Hazel?) find the alternator, and with the engine running, put the end of the broomstick on the alternator. Put your ear to any point along the broomstick and presto, you have a stethoscope which will enable you to hear any aberrations in the sound the alternator makes. In mine, I can definitely hear the thudding rumble that's obvious when the car idles, especially under load.

Don