MOTOR MOUNTS

2003 DODGE CARAVAN
104,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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DUPLABY
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I have a 2003 Dodge Caravan with 104,000 miles, and I have been having motor mount issues. I replaced all the motor mounts (at various times) with O'Reilly parts, but they always seems to fails within about 4-6 months. This will be my third time replacing them, but I am wondering if there an issue with motor mounts purchased at O'Reilly, or if the person installing them are not doing it properly. He's a very good mechanic, so I can't see that being the problem. Any help would be great.
Jun 14, 2010 at 11:13 PM
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RACEFAN966
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I would say buy them from another parts store make sure that they are factory style. Meaning that if factory is hydrolic type that get the same type. Also check to see that nothing it out of line.
Jun 16, 2010 at 10:49 AM
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WILEI001
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I am trying to remove the stud next to the tranny and it seems to be rounded and I can not break it loose I have tried a twelve point socket and a six point socket I am coming down behind the motor using eighteen inches of extensions is there a better way to get to this mount and how can I get this stud out
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:18 AM (Merged)
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HMAC300
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if you are talking about the bolts that mount to trans and is rounded there is a socket for that to get those off auto parts may have it and rent it or try a rent it shop. Otherwise you'll have to try vice grips . this is off of a 3.3L as you didn't give engine size.
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:18 AM (Merged)
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EVIL_SANTA
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what kind and size nut(5 sided) holds the right motor mount to the medal part of it on the motor side? have a replacement on hand but not the nut or bolt. got it removed but can't separate it for the medal part of it.
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:18 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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10 mm bolts are the motor mount bolts.

Roy
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:18 AM (Merged)
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EVIL_SANTA
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i wish they were that small this one has 3 18mm bolts but this it the bolt n nut that goes thru the mount. its 5 not 6 sided n its around 18mm but 5 sided. thx
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:18 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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are you talking about the diameter of the bolt or the socket necessary to remove it??

Roy
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:18 AM (Merged)
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EVIL_SANTA
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the socket
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:18 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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ok, the size of the bolt is 10 mm. the size of the socket is not the size of the bolt, just the external part of the nut.

Roy
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:19 AM (Merged)
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COMPUTERPULSE
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I am at a complete loss now. 1990 Dodge Grand Caravan 198000 miles. Replaced the motor mounts, replaced the full axles, replaced the struts, rebuilt transmission, new tires and rims, new brakes. Everyone blames everyone else! I don't know what to do. Here is the problem: when you hit the gas the van shakes, let off the gas and coasts fine. Any ideas?
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:19 AM (Merged)
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BRUCE HUNT
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How about the simple stuff. Plug wires can fail, air cleaner filter can plug to force the engine to shake. There are other things to check but the simple ones are where you should start.
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:19 AM (Merged)
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EVIL_SANTA
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thx i asked the question wrong i guess. where can i buy a "5 or 10 point wrench" say 18mm not a standard 6 or 12 point. the nut looks like the dodge emblem. Google search turns up nothing.
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:19 AM (Merged)
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1BIGG1
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is it motor or suspension?
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:19 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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can you send a photo??

Roy
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:19 AM (Merged)
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COMPUTERPULSE
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1990 Dodge Grand Caravan, 3.3 L FWD,

It is not a shaking like the motor. Idles fine and smooth. It's just when you apply the gas. To me it acts like maybe the axle is not square or a little bent. But after 3 axles and motor mounts I am not sure. Just put on all new tires and wheels. Smoothed out some but still there.
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:19 AM (Merged)
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EVIL_SANTA
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here ya go hope this helps. its shape it like the dodge emblem on my repair manual. the manual says not to remove the nut/bolt but to replace the complete unit but they don't sell the mount with the motor side medal mount piece. maybe i am reading to much into to there instructions. with all my tools I've got most wrenches/sockets but none with 5 or 10 points.
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:19 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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you can just use an open end wrench on the nut and use your socket on the other side to remove.

Roy
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:19 AM (Merged)
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CRAWLER
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HUB BEARINGS REPLACED?Lower control Arm Bushings and Ball Joints Sound? (In good to excellent condition) How about the K Member mounts. The Factory Manual has dimensions measured diagonally to Frame Points. You have to Loosen the Bolts on the Left(Driver's Side) and Pry the front portion of the "K" Member down to Get the Forward Lower Control Arm Mounting Bolt Out. What A Nifty Design.....
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:19 AM (Merged)
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EVIL_SANTA
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nope. the nut is "5 sided" not 6 sided so an open end wrench only would have one flat surface to grip too. they need two flat surface to get a good grip(already tried it didn't work).
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:19 AM (Merged)
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CRAWLER
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I USED a 12 Point 18MM Socket(After I tried everything else and rounded the corners a little, HAD TO PRESS (an 8" "C" Clamp and a 2 pound Persuasion implement) the socket on to the nut. Not A Fireman, or Plumber(Water Box KEY) so it worked. My Bolt was a 12MMX 1.75 pitch thread. so, I bought a 10.9 12MMX1.75 NYLOK Nut and it worked Just Fine. The New nut was a 19MM Socket. I did this on 10-15-2017
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:19 AM (Merged)
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CANDI JOANN KENNEDY
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How to change motor mounts?
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:19 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good morning,

I will attach the procedures for you.

Which mount do you need?

Roy

Left

LEFT SIDE MOUNT

REMOVAL
1. Raise vehicle on hoist and remove left front wheel.
2. Support the transmission with a transmission jack.
3. Remove the insulator through bolt from the mount.
4. Remove the transmission mount fasteners and remove mount.

INSTALLATION
1. Reverse removal procedure for installation.
2. Tighten mount to transmission bolts to 55 Nm (40 ft. lbs.).

Engine Mounting-Left
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3. Tighten through bolt to 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.).
4. Adjust engine mount, refer to Adjustment.

Rear

REAR MOUNT

REMOVAL
1. Raise vehicle on hoist.
2. Support the transmission with a transmission jack so it will not rotate.
3. Remove the insulator through bolt from the mount and rear suspension crossmember.
4. Remove the four transmission mount fasteners and remove the mount.

INSTALLATION

Engine Mounting-Rear
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1. Reverse the removal procedure for installation. Tighten through bolt to 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.).

Right side

RIGHT SIDE MOUNT

REMOVAL

NOTE: Right mount should only be serviced as an assembly to prevent noise, vibration and harshness concerns.

1. Remove the purge duty solenoid and wiring harness from engine mount.

Engine Mount-Right
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2. Remove the two right engine mount insulator vertical fasteners and loosen the horizontal fastener, do not remove the large nut on the end of the core from frame rail.
3. Remove the load on the engine motor mounts by carefully supporting the engine and transmission assembly with a floor jack.
4. Remove the vertical and horizontal fasteners from the engine side bracket. Remove the engine mount assembly.

INSTALLATION
1. Reverse removal procedure for installation. Tighten assembly in the following order:
a. Engine mount to rail fasteners to 68 Nm (50 ft. lbs.).
b. The vertical engine fastener to 102 Nm (75 ft. lbs.).
c. The horizontal fastener to 150 Nm (111 ft. lbs.).
2. Install the purge duty solenoid and wiring harness to the engine mount.
3. Adjust engine mount, refer to Adjustment.

Front

FRONT MOUNT

REMOVAL
1. Support the engine and transmission assembly with a floor jack so it will not rotate.

Engine Mount-Front
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2. Remove the front engine mount through bolt from the insulator and front crossmember mounting bracket.
3. Remove six screws from air dam to allow access to the front mount screws.
4. Remove the front engine mount screws and remove the insulator assembly.
5. Remove the front mounting bracket, if necessary.

INSTALLATION
1. Reverse removal procedure for installation and tighten fasteners (Fig. 24) to the following torque.
(A), (C) and (D) to 68 Nm (50 ft. lbs.)
(B) to 102 Nm (75 ft. lbs.)
(E) to 54 Nm (40 ft. lbs.)
2. Install six screws to air dam and tighten to 12 Nm (105 inch lbs.).

Track

REMOVE
1. Remove the track bar from the track bar mount.

Track Bar Mount
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2. Remove the three bolts attaching the track bar mount to the body.

INSTALLATION
1. For installation, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts to 61 Nm (45 ft. lbs.).




Apr 16, 2020 at 10:19 AM (Merged)
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MORRIS2010
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Shakes or Wobbles problem
1997 Dodge Caravan 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

97 grand caravan shakes violently when accelerating levels out when take foot off gas keeps slinging s-belt off; replaced motor mounts, stabilizer bushings & tires; axles, wheel bearings, tie rods all good was told torque convertor was bad; has anyone else had this problem? trans rebuilt 3 years ago
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:19 AM (Merged)
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CH112063
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Hundreds os transaxle repairs, but not once did this ever happen on a 97. It won't hurt to remove the inspection cover to look at the flex plate and converter to see if there is any looseness or any of the balance weights fell off. If you find anything let me know, if the transmission was out beware. Good luck though. If I hear of anything I'll get back to you for sure. I would really need to feel, hear, and try to locate the source. Unhook the converter to see if it still does it, this will tell you if its the engine or trans. It's very possible the converter is bad, but I honestly never saw one vibrate enough to throw a belt. Take it off and check the pulleys for any runout or accessories for looseness.
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:19 AM (Merged)
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MORRIS2010
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ch112063, i have replaced the alternator,tensioner assembley, water pump, & the belt. it didn't come off until van started shaking, should there be any play in the idler pulley?
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:19 AM (Merged)
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CH112063
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the idler pulleys should have the tiniest back and forth movement, they have a preset preload so they may move a couple thousands of an inch. But here is what I would do. Take it out and since this is a steady vibration, your going to do a few things for me so we can get this taken care of. I'll ask a few questions, you try it and get back to me, I can't relax until I know your sure you'll be fine with this.
Trans, as it is vibrating and your accelerating, try dropping it into nuetral, or low, does it ever shake in reverse? then try taking the belt completely off and let me knoww, it won't hurt anything on a quick testdrive. It is constant so do a short stretch. It's gonna be up to you to locate it by trying these things out. No belts, then try the different gears, is it RPM(engine) related, in other words can you get this standing still, I take it not, or watch your rpm's, in low, try it, as it vibrates tell me the RPM's, then D2, D3, OD, or low instead of 1. Then reverse. Is the steering wheel shaking? If you have to disconnect the torque converter, I doubt if you'll need to go that far, if the engine, while standing still never vibrates, its in the drive line, each seperate gear selection applys a different hydraulic, so I can tell you if it's in the trans, shut the car off as its vibrating and see what happens, it takes alot for the whole car to vibrate the way you say, not just an out of balance converter. But since it was done, anything is possible. I just want to rule the engine and pulley system out. And pinpoint the transaxle. Get back to me with as much info as possible. Drive line will vibrate with everything off. Trans will change with the gear selections and well the converter is always turning so if it was so bad you could feel it shake in any rpm at any gear, it is bolted to the crankshaft, we will go slow and safe, this is the key, safely, don't lock your steering when you bring the key back from run. We'll get it, this I promise. ok
thanks for the reply. You may have excessive input shaft end play, or the pump may be bad. Or the differential area.
Is this a 3.0L or 3.3L?
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:19 AM (Merged)
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MORRIS2010
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joe, great news! just wanted to say thank you for all your advice. we found the problem. it was the inner bearings on the drivers side front axle. they were completely gone. the axle didn't give when you moved it by hand. we put the van on jack stands and put it in drive and you could see it wobble. new axle installed already, she runs smooth as ever. thank you so much.
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:19 AM (Merged)
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CH112063
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It's really tough to find any problem you have while driving when the van is on the ground. I don't know how I helped you but am sure glad it's ok. Good luck and thanks for taking the time to let me know.
Your quite welcome. Anytime.
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:19 AM (Merged)
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LAMONT.PARRISH
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How Do I Replace Motor Mounts? Passanger side broken!
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:19 AM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Basically, it requires that you safely remove the engine weight from the mount, secure the engine, and unbolt and replace the new mount. It really isn't too hard.
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:19 AM (Merged)
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EIDSONJR
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How many motor mounts are on a 2000 town and country v6 3.8 front wheel drive & how do you take off the passenger side 5 point bolt on motor mount.

i cant find anyone who can tell me where to get the 5 sided bolt on the passenger side motor mount for this van. All idiots keep saying its 6 sided and it CLEARLY IS NOT. anyone who has this answer please let me know. this was a earlier problem for someone on this site and they did NOT get the answer they were looking for.
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:19 AM (Merged)
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HMAC300
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There should be three, to remove the side mount, a long bolt that goes through trans that has to be removed as well. if you are removing the engine here is a tip on our tips page. altough if this is all wheel drive all bets are off on this tips.

You do not have to remove engine and trans as a unit from under the vehicle to replace engine:

Remove all front accessories from engine (W/P, PS. A/C. idler pullies,etc) remove front motor mount assembly from engine and under radiator, remove radiator assembly, and upper cowl where wipers are. unbolt rear exh manifold (the one next to firewall). Slide engine over toward pass side as far as it will go. Watch flexplate as you pull engine forward and up.

You have to change all this stuff anyway when installing a new longblock, so what difference does it make if you install it on the engine on a stand or in the vehicle? Saved me alot of time since I didn't have to mess with trans and axles and subframe
Apr 16, 2020 at 10:19 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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I listed all the mounts in my response with the procedure. What step has you confused?

Can you post a picture of the 5 sided bolt?

Roy
Apr 16, 2020 at 11:12 AM