Front end noise 3.8l

JDGAUGEMAN

MEMBER
DODGE CARAVAN

1997 Dodge Grand caravan Sport (Sport and Van who are they kidding?)

three quick thoughts
I have a thunk type noise from the front passenger side. My first thought of course was axle. It is not the axle on either side. My next thought was ball joints, and they seem tight, after that I thougt possible bearings in the wheell, and they also appear to be solit. How about the Strut tower plate, I don't know how to check that with out taking it out, can some one explain that to me? Or any other ideas. The thunk only occurs when you hit a pot hole or somethign in the road.

Thought two, Ihave owned lots of chrylers with 3.3 motors and love them. The 3.8 is new to me, what can I expect from it? I notiiced that it is leaking oil, not sure from were. Looks like the front crankshaft seal or possible the oil pan and the axle is throwing it in that direction. Is their any known problems with oil leaks that may point me int he right direction?

Last thought powersttering leaks fluid out of the rack and pinion. Is this a servicabl eitem, or is it pull and replace only.

Thanks Jeff

2 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Can only help with part of you question, to check your mounting plate, put a finger on the shaft in the middle of the plate, under the hood, on the top of the strut, bounce the van, feel any slack in it? Or clicking?
As for the rack, replace it with a rebuilt, usually 80.00 - 100.00 dollars, plus labor! If you do it yourself, be very gentle when you tighten the lines to the rack! They crack easily.3.8 engines and oil leaks? Sorry. But if you steam the bottom of the engine you will be able to check where it's comming from easier! Leave it running!