1998 Dodge Caravan front end clunk

1998 DODGE CARAVAN
120,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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REOJEFF
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I've recently replaced front hub / wheel bearings, calipers and rotors. (Drivers side bearing was toast.) Now the car has a clunking while driving when the wheels are turned back and forth. I can't find any obvious loose bolts, tie rods etc. The struts seem to be solid. Axle nut is torqued close to the 180lbs listed.
Just looking for ideas of what else to check. Noise was not there before installing new parts. Could tightening up the bearings cause something else to be moving now?
Help!
Aug 27, 2008 at 12:18 AM
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BLACKOP555
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 10,386 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
hmm sounds like it could be a bad tie rod, worn steering knuckle. or possibly bad ball joints most likely thats the cause.

another thing is if you used a impact wrench to tighten and loosen the hub nut, you could have damaged the cv joints and possible bearing!

jack her up and check for play.
Aug 27, 2008 at 9:05 AM
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