1991 Dodge Caravan Please Help!!

1991 DODGE CARAVAN

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Drive Train Axles Bearings problem
1991 Dodge Caravan 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 130K miles

Ok... so I have now spent 500 dollars on a cv shaft repair on my caravan. I took one cv axle out, the axle itself had broken. I put another one in, tightened everything down, drove 2 feet and the Axle seems to have slipped out . So I took it to a trans shop, they repaired the cv axle, I got it back and my wife drove it not even 2 miles and it seems to have slipped out of the trans AGAIN!!! 3 tows, 2 shops and 500 dollars later? PLEASE can you tell me what is going on? Why is the axle not staying in the trans?

Mar 28, 2009 at 7:31 AM

MERLIN2021

CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
17,250 POSTS

Most likley cause is the enginge mounts, or engine/transmission isnt centered in the bay correctly, any accident damage? Is the inboard joint spring loaded? Spring could be weak on it too! AXLE SHAFT POSITIONING ADJUSTMENTS 1. Engine mount bolt holes are slotted for side-to-side positioning of engine. With vehicle completely assembled, ensure front wheels are in straight ahead position. Vehicle should be on platform hoist or alignment rack. 2. Using a tape measure, measure distance from inner edge of outer boot to inner edge of inner boot on both axle shafts. See Fig. 2 . This measurement must be taken at bottom of axle shaft only. Fig. 2: Measuring Axle Shaft Position Courtesy of CHRYSLER MOTORS. 3. If both axle shafts are within specifications, no further service is necessary. If either left or right axle shaft is not within specification, support engine/transaxle assembly using a floor jack. See AXLE SHAFT POSITIONING SPECIFICATIONS table. 4. Loosen right engine mount fasteners, front engine mount bracket and front crossmember fasteners. Pry engine right or left as required to obtain the correct axle shaft length. Refer to the below AXLE SHAFT POSITIONING SPECIFICATIONS table. 5. Tighten mounting bolts/nuts to specifications. See Fig. 3 . Recheck axle shaft length. Install damper weight (if equipped), and tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table. Fig. 3: Identifying Engine Mounting Bolts/Nuts (Typical) Courtesy of CHRYSLER MOTORS. NOTE: Check axle shaft positioning if engine/transaxle is loosened or moved or if front structural damage has occurred. Incorrect axle shaft positioning may result in premature failure of components.

Mar 28, 2009 at 8:09 AM

CARADIODOC

CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
34,309 POSTS

One more comment. Why did you take it to two different shops? Sounds like they both did the typical repair. Neither shop would look further for additional problems if they didn't have a reason to suspect something.

All good shops warranty their work so you should try to go back to the same place. I would also expect them to test drive their repair. If there is an underlying cause, you might be asked to pay for additional parts and labor, but any place I worked, they would take care of the repairs you already paid for. Dealership repair departments will also usually not charge for towing if the problem was their fault.

caradiodoc

Mar 28, 2009 at 7:49 PM

Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.