Since buying a used GC a month ago, i have been struggling to diagnose a rather pronounced 'klunk' in the front end. This occurs whenver I go over small bumps, and can be felt through the steering column. The van has had new struts and mountings, as well as new wheel bearings. I've also checked the motor mounts, and they're fine. Others on this forum seem to think that the noise could involve the sway bar. I've checked the bushings, and they are good. My question about the link ends is this: can the links be bad even if they feel solid when checked by hand? If not this, what else is a possibility?
Chet42
02-21-2006, 11:09 PM
Sway bar bushings need to be replaced. Its a common problem with all caravans. Even the best bushings will only last on average, 3 years.
They may look OK, but looks are decieving, once you remove the bracket you will see the wear. These Bushings are subjected to a tremendous amount amount of stress and the material breaks down fairly quickly.
In the 13 years i've owned my 93 caravan, i've had to replace mine 4 times, that's just shy of every 3 years.
It's a fairly simple job, the hardest part is removing the bolts holding the brackets without the benefit of and air wrench.
Chet.
gas28man
02-22-2006, 01:04 PM
I'm hoping to make my end links last longer on my 96 T & C by greasing them more often. I only change my own oil about every other change, and I have no guarantee that the kid at the quick-oil change place is doing them. So I keep my grease gun at the top of my tool box, and about every 2000 miles or whenever I'm doing something on the van -- cleaning, vacuuming, service, whatever -- I re-grease them. They are usually fairly dry by that time and it takes about four good pumps to get them filled again. You can actually access the zerks fairly easily without getting under the vehicle by turning the wheels all the way to the right or left.
I just use a cheap grease gun, $10 at Auto Zone, and refills are 3 for $4. A flexible connector is on my wish list, but I'm getting by without one for now.
To the best of my recollection, I haven't had a new link put on in two years and 65,000 miles. For some of them, it's probably much longer than that. No problems yet. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and my grease gun at the ready.
Good luck.
Rick
Chet42
02-22-2006, 06:11 PM
Good idea Gasman i never thought of that, mabye i'll give mine a few pumps, i just installed new ones last October so there still OK, but i will try the grease.
Thanks
Chet.
donald7150
02-22-2006, 06:39 PM
My sway bar bushings were replaced in aug 2004 at 218,000 kms
now at 280,000 they were shot again had them replaced last week
i've also got a little rattling in the rear of my van
do the rear spring and spring shackle bushings wear out and cause rattling?
already installed 2 new shocks a few weeks ago
gas28man
02-23-2006, 01:42 PM
A rattle in the rear would be something new on me. My rear is silent (insert joke here), and there has been nothing done back there except changing the shocks, the left side bearing, and the brakes.
Perhaps you have a brake issue?
Rick
redman2743
03-21-2006, 10:39 AM
I too have a GC 2001 - had the same front end noise, even when driving over smooth pavement; yet no vibration in the steering was felt. Just replaced the front end struts and STILL have the same problem. The sway bar bushings need to be replaced seems to be the general answer here. Any idea on how expensive this would be? I just spend 400 bucks on the strut replacemnt. But, one question- do I need to further investigate before the sway bar bushing effort is done or should I start simpler with the less expensive solutions?
alaskavan
03-21-2006, 12:16 PM
I just replaced my swaybar bushings and links yesterday, even though my otherwise excellent mechanic said that they looked ok. The bushings looked only slightly worn, but the replacement was an instant and total fix. No more noise. Tighter road response. Problem solved.
This is easily done yourself, provided that you have access to tools (you'll need an 18mm socket and an 18mm open end wrench to remove the link ends-not a normal size). Also, the Chilton Guide tells you to remove the suspension cradle plate and then the swaybar, but I was able to undo the bushing brackets, remove and replace the bushings and replace the brackets without doing so. You can get a combination link and bushing kit on eBay for around 50 bucks. Good luck!
gas28man
03-21-2006, 12:49 PM
In front end repairs, there is no cheaper fix than sway bar bushings and links. Tie rod ends are about the same as long as we're talking outers, but the inners are an expensive part, and labor-intensive. I think struts might even be cheaper than inner tie rod ends.
