1994 Dodge Caravan Drive shaft replaced

TRITM

MEMBER
1994 DODGE CARAVAN

Drive Train Axles Bearings problem
1994 Dodge Caravan 4 cyl Automatic 160354 miles

Hi, I was making a left turn from a full stop and went into a small drainage dip when it felt like tires turned sideways and the stearing wheel started jerking. It felt like the tire was going to fall off. So I was told that my drive shaft was broken and they replaced it. Got in and it was driving fine for about 3 miles, made a left turn on flat street and it happened again. My shade tree mechanic says something is broke inside, might be my tansmission.
Have any ideas?

4 Replies

CH112063

MECHANIC
1,320 POSTS

Sometimes things like this occur, not because of one thing, but general high mileage failure. There are measurements for alignment of the engine, the differential in the transaxle, and the other axle could also be worn. You must remove the axles or the pan on the transaxle and inspect them. At 160,000 miles, it may not be worth fixing, but I hope it is.

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Saturday, October 24th, 2009 AT 6:23 PM

TRITM

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3 POSTS

Thank you for the info. That makes more sense than the transmission. Thank you for being available and caring.

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Sunday, October 25th, 2009 AT 2:10 AM

TRITM

MEMBER
3 POSTS

One more thing. Can you replace the axel and trans action and if so how long would it take to do the job.

Thank you.

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Sunday, October 25th, 2009 AT 2:14 AM

CH112063

MECHANIC
1,320 POSTS

Hi, you know I do care.
I am sorry that at the time that this happened, the transmission did not show any trouble. I will try to explain some things to help you understand my first reply better.
A transmission is called a transaxle on a front wheel drive vehicle. Same part. Have its cover removed by your mechanic to check the damage. The new axle may still be salvageable. And the other may also. The ends may be broken. They can be replaced seperately from the axles. The transmission(transaxle) may or may not be repaired.
You must evaluate the whole van as it may not be worth repairing. You could get all these parts from a junk yard and have them installed. May be cheaper. I hope you do not have any more trouble having your entire drivetrain looked at by removing the transaxle differential inspection cover.
My pleasure to reply. Good luck. Any other questions, let me know.

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Sunday, October 25th, 2009 AT 9:05 PM