Questions and Answers

Dodge Caravan Popping And Knocking Q. I've got a 2002 Dodge Caravan Sport. 70,000 miles, original everything short of changing the oil. About 5,000 miles ago a faint knocking from the front left end became apparent when going over small quick bumps. Now the sound is much louder, happens over bumps, train tracks, etc and when sharply changing direction.

I would describe it as a pop or knock, kind of sounds like it does when you normally go over train tracks. It does not happen over smooth bumps, only when the wheel is forced upward quickly. I don't know much about suspensions or CV joints, or anything cars so I want to know what to tell a mechanic and not sound like a fool! Help me!

A. It sounds like the front MacPherson struts are going bad. At 70,000 miles, they are just about due for replacement. Sometimes you can see fluid leakage on the outside of the shocks which is a definite indication they need replacement.

I would also look at the CV joint boots to make sure they are not torn and allowed dirt to enter the joint and damage it. But a bad CV joint will not make the kind of noise you described.