Drive train

1999 DODGE CARAVAN
200,000 MILES • 3.8L • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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JAMES HAMILTON
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Okay, I removed the rear drive-line as well as both CV axles eliminating rear differential from equation. Van still makes a grinding noise and bangs really hard on undercarriage. When I turn the rear drive-line output shaft it makes a partial revolution 1/4-1/2 revolution and thinks.
Dec 23, 2018 at 11:16 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good afternoon,

Do you mean the it stops or locks up?

please explain what you mean by thinking?

Did you check the axle or hub bearing on all the wheels?

Roy
Dec 23, 2018 at 11:40 AM
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JAMES HAMILTON
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It thunks. sorry the auto correct put thinks. Yes, I checked the bearings . I thought that it was rear differential. Please refer to earlier question as it's the same problem.
Dec 23, 2018 at 3:12 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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okay, back to my first response.

does the output shaft lock up when turning? if it does then it is internal in the differential.

Roy
Dec 23, 2018 at 3:13 PM
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JAMES HAMILTON
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No it does not lock up it just makes a thunk noise . the play is with van in park and not running.
Dec 23, 2018 at 3:32 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Okay.

Does it make the thunk when you turn the shaft back and forth? It does sound internal in the differential.

Roy
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Dec 23, 2018 at 3:47 PM
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JAMES HAMILTON
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Yes, it make the noise when I move shaft back and forth
Also when driving it grinds and thunk gets faster. Transmission shifts fine. Occasionally when cold it starts moving then stops for a moment shift manually to reverse and nothing back to drive nothing then it engages after moment. Seldom occurs.
Dec 23, 2018 at 3:58 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, that makes sense.

you will need to open the differential and see why there is too much play in the ring and pinion. it could be bearings or just worn out.

Roy
Dec 23, 2018 at 4:03 PM
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JAMES HAMILTON
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Okay, thanks I will check.
Dec 23, 2018 at 4:05 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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you are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
Dec 23, 2018 at 4:12 PM