Owners of 2001-05 Chrysler Town & Country, Caravan and Voyager minivans built on or before Feb. 1, 2005, may come into your store with a complaint of a rattle or knocking sound from the front end.
According to Chrysler, the noise usually occurs at low speeds while driving over bumps or rough roads and is due to the front sway bar making contact with the frame.
Updated sway bar bushings are available to eliminate the concern. Order part No. 04743024AD for 26mm sway bars or part No. 04743041AD for 26.5mm sway bars.
If the noise is still present after the new bushings are installed, replace the sway bar links as well.
"Factory Fixes" is written by Jim DePalma, a 30-year veteran of the auto repair business who has served stints as a service manager, parts manager and ASE-certified technician. His column provides vehicle manufacturers' authentic factory technical service bulletins (TSBs) that have been condensed for easier reading. Mr. DePalma advises that techs always check with a dealer or repair information system for the latest revisions before starting to work on a vehicle. He can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].