How To Change Struts On A 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan?

Question

My moms van has just begun making those squeaky front end noises and you can feel the front,when you hit bumps or dips in the road,really bouncing 2-3 times so I know the struts are shot.I've changed struts many times before,but I've never dealt with this type of strut/spring setup.The spring sits on top of the strut.There are 3 nuts on top of the strut tower then it looks like there might be a large nut on the strut rod.Do I just remove the 3 smaller nuts and then remove any bolts or nuts attaching the strut to the spindle?After I remove those nuts and bolts,does the strut and spring 
come out in one assembly?Or do I have to install a spring compressor in order to seperate the spring from the strut?Thanks for the help.I'm very experienced at mechanics,but I haven't been given the chance to work on this type of strut/spring assembly yet so just lookin for some pointers

lagarbo89fxrs · Accepted Answer

You'll need a spring compressor to replace the struts. Don't attempt replacing them without it or bad things will happen. You can buy the entire strut assembly from Mornoe if you dont have a compressor, but they tend to be pricey. My advice to you is to rent a spring compressor from a tool rental place, purchase a manual for the vehicle, and buy a set of KYB struts and be carefull when doing the job becuase your life and body parts depend on it. Good luck and hope this helps.

The Devil · Answer

This is not a job to just talk your way through. Go to the library tomorrow and look in Chilton's Auto Repair manual before you touch any tools. 

There are kits for replacing the shock inside the strut and you must remove the spring to do that. If you do it wrong the spring can pop out and tear your head off. Yeah, you need a spring compressor. I did one once without a proper one and it took all day to just mess up one strut using spring clamps. That's my sacrifice so you don't have to  suffer that way. Still needed to have the wheels aligned after all was said and done. 

Have a shop do this job.

bandit_60 · Answer

you slide a jack under the lower control arm. take the top nuts off and before taking the lower big bolts out spray some paint around the bolts before taking them out ! that way you can put the new struts back in the same place without messing up the alignment !

? · Answer

I haven't changed a strut on a Caravan either. But I am a mechanic.

My suggestion is to go to your Chilton or Mitchel service manual, and read up on it first. That is what service manuals are for.

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How To Change Struts On A 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan?

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