Grand Caravan FWD V6-3.8L VIN L (2001)
Axle Shaft: Testing and Inspection
Half Shaft Rear
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HALF SHAFT
VEHICLE INSPECTION
1. Check for grease in the vicinity of the inboard tripod joint and outboard CV joint; this is a sign of inner or outer joint seal boot or seal boot clamp
damage.
2. A light film of grease may appear on the right inner tripod joint seal boot; this is considered normal and should not require replacement of the seal
boot.
NOISE AND/OR VIBRATION IN TURNS
A clicking noise and/or a vibration in turns could be caused by one of the following conditions:
-
Damaged outer CV or inner tripod joint seal boot or seal boot clamps. This will result in the loss and/or contamination of the joint grease, resulting
in inadequate lubrication of the joint.
-
Noise may also be caused by another component of the vehicle coming in contact with the half shafts.
CLUNKING NOISE DURING ACCELERATION
This noise may be a result of one of the following conditions:
-
A torn seal boot on the inner or outer joint of the half shaft assembly.
-
A loose or missing clamp on the inner or outer joint of the half shaft assembly.
-
A damaged or worn half shaft CV joint.
SHUDDER OR VIBRATION DURING ACCELERATION
This problem could be a result of:
-
A worn or damaged half shaft inner tripod joint.
-
A sticking tripod joint spider assembly (inner tripod joint only).
-
Improper wheel alignment.
VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS
This problem could be a result of:
-
Foreign material (mud, etc. packed on the backside of the wheel(s).
-
Out of balance tires or wheels.
-
Improper tire and/or wheel runout.
