Caravan Mystery Shake

[mchelius]

I am at my witts end! . I have a '95 Dodge Caravan that has developed a front end shake from about 30 to 45 MPH. It only seems to do this when accelerating, back off on the throttle and it smooths out seems to be a side to side shake. I have had the wheels and balance checked and they were fine. Jacked up the car and all bushings looked good. checked for steering play and the steering was tight no play. Grabed the wheels while attached and can't detect any freeplay anywhere? Am I missing anything? This has developed just in the past week. So I thought I would post in hopes somebody might have some insite as the wife want's to start driving "MY TRUCK" Doesn't trust the van!! Any Suggestions would be greatly appreciated!



Thanks, Mark

 

[Hammer]

You have, I assume, checked the front hub bearings then correct??. One thing I read here that you may have missed is the CV joints. You may want to pull the axles and have them looked at. Depending on the miles and your weather or drivng styles I have seen them come apart and does this. let me know how you make out... ... . Andy

 

[illflem]

Sounds exactly like one of the motor mounts needs replacing or the bolt is loose. Sometimes it's hard to tell just by looking at them, have someone floor the truck while you watch the engine, you'll see if the engine appears to move too much.

 

[A Johnson]

Just had this problem on my 94 Caravan. It was the axles, cv joints I assume. Local Pherd/Chrysler dealers took care of it for @ $700. Mine would start in around 30mph and quit @ 40mph, and you could really feel it if you were making a turn at the same time. Also was only under acceleration like yours.



A Johnson



p. s. Probabaly should check the moter mounts also as this would torque the engine over during acceleration, mine were fine.

 

[mchelius]

Success!!!

Thanks for the input! Turned out to be the drivers side axle. I didn't consider the axle because I had replaced it 7 months ago?(busted boot) Checker auto (lifetime warranty). They exchanged it no problem. My question now is this going to happen again in another 7 or so months? The passenger side is still the original? Must be the angle of the shorter shaft? LT warranty is good just wish it covered labor. Who says TDR is limited to CTD's.



Thanks again!!



Mark