Wobble-1996 Dodge Caravan SE 154,000 miles

Tiny
JULIANN2351
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 DODGE CARAVAN
I have a 1996 Dodge Caravan ES that we bought new and I dearly love. It's just lately developed a "wobble" in the front end that you can feel in the seats, more than in the steering wheel. I happens on acceleration, only and You felt it at 30 mph and it smoothed out at 40 mph. We've tried: new tires, rotating tires; 2 alignments; CV joints, struts. Today, at a different place, up on the hoist they made the tires spin 32mph and you could see the right front tire shaking and the right trans axle appeared to be "bent". He rotated the tires again, replaced BOTH trans axles (both had already been replaced in 2001); and checked the alignment (it was ok). $451.00 later, the "wobble" hits at 35 mph and smooths out at 42 mph. It's about 10% better. Now what? Engine mounts? "Master mechanic" says mounts look ok to him and that the "vibration?" Of the engine doesn't appear to be more than normal. Please give me some good suggestions! Thanks
Saturday, July 15th, 2006 AT 3:54 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
MIKEYBDMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 623 POSTS
With the front wheel drive cars, if the engine mounts allow the car to sag, it can mess with the alignment of the drive axle. I had a grand prix that had bent the "U" portion that holds the rubber mount. It would vib really bad on acceleration.
Good luck on finding your fix.
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Saturday, July 15th, 2006 AT 6:39 PM
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
IF I remember right, the mounts had to be centered in the front when the axle shafts were replaced. There may be a technical service bulletin on that or there may be paperwork in the axle shaft boxes that allude to it.
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Monday, July 24th, 2006 AT 9:25 PM

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