1998 Chrysler Town and Country Rear end shakes at speeds ov

Tiny
GZUSGEEK
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 158,000 MILES
Rear end shakes excessively at speeds starting around 60-65mph. I have had all wheels balanced 3 or 4 times with little improvement. I even replaced the wheels and tires with a completely different set and still the same shake occurs. My mechanic keeps thinking that balancing is needed but I'm convinced it is something besides this. This shaking started after I had some brake work done so I'm suspicious of something that happened during that process. I have since rebuilt the rear brakes thinking this might help but still the same shake. Could something be bent or warped? How could I tell. I thought about replacing the shocks on the rear as another "test" but they are around $200 a piece so didn't want to gamble that much without good reason. Any advise greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Joey
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010 AT 7:32 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Joey:

Shocks won't cause that. I need you to check wheel bearings. Also, make sure the tracking bar bushings are in good condition.

Let me know what you find. Also, if you balanced the tires that many times, that can't be the problem unless he doesn't know how to balance them.

Joe
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Wednesday, July 21st, 2010 AT 10:05 PM
Tiny
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Thanks for the reply Joe!

I jacked up the rear end and could not find any free play in either of the rear wheels. Does the rear end have a tracking bar? Or are you saying the front tracking bar could cause the rear end to shake?

Thanks!
Joey
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Thursday, July 22nd, 2010 AT 9:34 PM
Tiny
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Honestly, it doesn't have them. Sorry. The only thing I can think of is alignment, a bad tire. However, since it started since the brake work, I failed to ask, do you only feel it when the brakes are being used?
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Friday, July 23rd, 2010 AT 12:27 AM
Tiny
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Does not happen when applying brakes. Just when traveling at higher speeds. I have changed tires and the van does not have any alignment adjustments to the rear. I've never had an issue this confusing. One note. Which seems odd but my mechanic did not think anything of it. The wheel cylinder sits staight up on top of the wheel on one side and it is a couple of inches off center on the other. Could something be warped? How can you test this?

Thanks again!
Joey
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Friday, July 23rd, 2010 AT 7:09 AM
Tiny
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That doesn't sound right. Are you sure one of the retaining bolts that hold it in place isn't broken?
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Saturday, July 24th, 2010 AT 12:25 AM
Tiny
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I'm sure it's not broken. I actually noticed this when I replaced the wheel cylinders. I'm not certain what the assembly is called that the wheel cylinders are attached to but could that be installed incorrectly or could it be warped somehow?

Thanks again!
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Sunday, July 25th, 2010 AT 10:31 PM
Tiny
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The wheel cylender is attached to the backing plate. I believe 4 bolts hold it on. There us usually no reason to ever remove it. My only thought is a brake is hanging up on a warped drum and as it gets hot, you feel it.
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Monday, July 26th, 2010 AT 1:52 AM
Tiny
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I have already replaced the drums as I suspected that as well. This did not remedy the problem.

Thanks!
Joey
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Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 AT 9:05 AM
Tiny
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If the tires are good, brakes are good, tire balance is good, and there are no bent rims, the only thing left is a bad wheel bearing. There isn't anything left on the rear.
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Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 AT 11:58 PM

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