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Caravan/Voyager Suspension

88 messages,  Last post on Nov 28, 2008 at 1:41 PM

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What is this discussion about? Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Voyager, Plymouth Voyager, Van

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#39 of 88 Re: 98 Grand Caravan Strut Life [mrbizness1] by shipo May 02, 2006 (3:28 am)
Replying to: mrbizness1 (May 01, 2006 5:38 pm) My comment regarding your "bad advice" was referring to your claim that folks should replace their shocks and struts at some arbitrary mileage.   I have no idea who wrote the article that you referenced, however, there was zero scientific evidence presented to support its claims. What I'm looking for is someone to step up to the plate and explicitly call out the gradual failure mode.   Is it the inner pressure seals? (usually causes obvious oil leakage) Is it the upper oil seals? (always causes oil leakage) Is it that the oil looses its viscosity? (not real likely) Is it that the inner valves fail? (usually causes obvious leakage)   FWIW, our 1998 DGC has 112,000 miles, 72,000 in and around the NYC metro area and the remaining 40,000 miles in and around the Boston metro area. So far, no leakage and no gradual failure of the damping capabilities.   Best Regards, Shipo Replies to this message: user777 (May 06, 2006 3:05 am) 97xpresso (May 06, 2006 5:50 am) Mr_Shiftright (May 06, 2006 12:01 pm)
#40 of 88 Re: 98 Grand Caravan Strut Life [shipo] by user777 May 06, 2006 (3:05 am)
Replying to: shipo (May 02, 2006 3:28 am) the monroe homepage suggests replacement at 50K i wonder why?   maybe when he got his struts replaced, they also replaced the springs?   i'm not sure how struts fail myself, but might you guys have a terminology thing going on as "struts" to some may mean the entire assembly (including the springs and all mounting HW), and to others, just the inner-most hydraulic or gas cylinder and rod?   i would think a "strut assembly" may require replacement without the strut proper cylinder showing signs of leakage, but i admit to being very nieve about the topic. Replies to this message: 97xpresso (May 06, 2006 5:50 am) Mr_Shiftright (May 06, 2006 12:01 pm)
#41 of 88 Re: 98 Grand Caravan Strut Life [user777] by 97xpresso May 06, 2006 (5:50 am)
Replying to: user777 (May 06, 2006 3:05 am) You wonder why?? To sell more struts! Replies to this message: Mr_Shiftright (May 06, 2006 12:01 pm)
#42 of 88 Re: 98 Grand Caravan Strut Life [97xpresso] by Mr_Shiftright HOST May 06, 2006 (12:01 pm)
Replying to: 97xpresso (May 06, 2006 5:50 am) A lot depends on the quality of the replacement struts, too. Some brands are pretty mediocre quality and this will show up in a shorter lifespan.
#43 of 88 Re: 98 Grand Caravan Strut Life [badgerfan] by dodge01 May 26, 2006 (2:37 pm)
Replying to: badgerfan (Apr 27, 2006 6:11 am) I had that problem with my 99 caravan se sport when it was just 2 years old. It was the sway bar links and bushings. Although still under factory warranty this was not covered since it was considered and "normal wear item"   I believe they charged me around $275 to fix. The parts were not that expensive but they nailed me for 2 1/2 hrs labor.   It is starting the clunk again
#44 of 88 Re: 98 Grand Caravan Strut Life [shipo] by engr2go1 Jun 27, 2006 (6:22 pm)
Replying to: shipo (Apr 29, 2006 1:03 pm) I guess I agree with shipo. My struts appear to be in good condition, they are not leaking and seem to be not too different in bounce from a van on the showroom floor. Having not been convinced otherwise, I will get a wheel alignment done (at a Toyota dealer because our Dodge dealers rig is temporarily closed) and new Michelin Harmony tires installed. Thank you all for your much appreciated input !!!   Joe
#45 of 88 2005 T&C Touring by fish8 Apr 28, 2006 (3:57 am)
When I get my wifes van serviced I plan on having the dealership address the steering whine that we are still experiencing as well as the front suspension seems to be groaning slightly. Anyone familiar with this groaning problem? We love the van, but these issues have my wife a little nervous on how long this van will last. We plan on keeping it for at least 5 or more years.   BTW: The van only hav 16K miles on it. Replies to this message: 97xpresso (Apr 28, 2006 4:34 am) fish8 (May 01, 2006 4:17 am) gino45 (Apr 28, 2006 2:03 pm)
#46 of 88 Re: 2005 T&C Touring [fish8] by 97xpresso Apr 28, 2006 (4:34 am)
Replying to: fish8 (Apr 28, 2006 3:57 am) What ever the cause, get it fixed now while it is still under warranty. Don't let the dealer stall you by saying they can't "duplicate" the problem, or that sound is "normal". If it was out of warranty, they wouldn't stall you if you needed a steering rack replacement, costing big bucks. Replies to this message: fish8 (May 01, 2006 4:17 am)
#47 of 88 Re: 2005 T&C Touring [fish8] by gino45 Apr 28, 2006 (2:03 pm)
Replying to: fish8 (Apr 28, 2006 3:57 am) I've got a 01' that groans when turning the steering wheel at slow speeds or when the vehicle is stationary. My mechanic did not notice a steering fluid leak and therefore ruled out a problem with the steering rack or pump. I later took it to a dealer who recommends changing a return line and the steering reservoir ($60 for parts with 1 hr labor). There is a tech bulletin out on this topic, so I guess it's a fairly common occurrence.
#48 of 88 Re: 2005 T&C Touring [97xpresso] by fish8 May 01, 2006 (4:17 am)
Replying to: 97xpresso (Apr 28, 2006 4:34 am) Well, I have slight comfort in the fact that we purchased an extended warranty. So, we are at least covered for many years to come. The dealer has already replace the steering fluid resevoir, lines part of the steering shaft. The last time I was in the service rep said that some noise is normal, but if it gets worse bring the van in and they will look into it. Since I get a loaner with the extended warranty, I don't hesitate to drop off the van.

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