I hear a clicking noise when turning left or right. I have been told this could be the cv joints. Is this true?

I have a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport with the 3.8 V6 and 112,000 miles. How hard are they to replace and should I replace them now or wait until more issues arise?


Thanks, Jason

 

It could be c/v joints. They are not too tough to replace and it depends on how much your wife complains about it.

 

I doubt that both cv joints are gone at the same time. Do you hear any roaring noises or other weird noises at times coming from the front end?

Here's a possibility if this clicking is at slow speeds and moderate turns or maybe even straight ahead. What do you have for sway bar bushings? The new nylon insert type can click within two or three months of installation. The slit on them opens and closes, creating the noise.

The MOOG Problem Solvers (blue) will do the same thing if lubricated when installed. The instructions don't say to lubricate them, so best not to.

A temporary fix for either situation is making sure the sway bar is centered (bend in bar corresponds with bend in undercarriage) and spraying some Fluid Film at the bushing where the sway bar goes through, both sides, each side of bushing. I say Fluid Film because it's a very good lubricant, fairly heavy, stays in place, and penetrates with time. It works for me. Rust Check - Coat and Protect will work as well. Fluid Film is more readily available.

 

Yeah my wife wants them replaced now but i think we will be fine for a while.

 

Many times a cv joint will go bad because the rubber boot holding the lubricating grease around the joint splits open throwing the grease around the wheel well. Have a look.

 

i would like to know if there is any way to improve the gas mileage on a caravan other then the usual change oil, air filter, etc. I commut 120 mile daily.

thanks

 

what are you currently getting

 

The bushings are notorious for going, or the lower control arm bushing to cause such noises.

 

Was this ever resolved? I have the same clicking issue on my 2003 Dodge Caravan Sport, and I'm wondering what the fix was.

 

front end noise on 2002 grand caravan...

I have 162,000 miles on mine and all of a sudden I got a clicking noise on the passenger side front end.

I thought for sure it was the drive axle/cv joints.

I replaced the lower arm assy (ball joint and bushings) AND the complete pass. drv axle assy.

STILL A NOISE.

I found that I could get the noise by hopping on the pass. side rocker panel with the door open...

It turns out to be them damn sway bar bushings...
The last guy I had replace them didn't spray them with silicone or grease them!