Torsion bar vibration damper on dodge caravan

Harvey N Tawatao

• 3854 Answers
• Posted on Apr 19, 2009

SOURCE: want to change torsion bar keys

The torsion keys are supposed to give 2-3" additional drop vs.the "free" method. I know adjusting the torsion bars kills the ride but how bad is it and how far can you go???

Believe, 15/16 socket would be the correct size. Also, be aware that they are probably pretty rusted and VERY hard to turn at first. Air tools do no good, so you'll need a 1/2" drive breaker bar and a long pole to put on the end. This is the fastest way to get the torque you need to break those suckers loose. 

I suggest measure and writing down the height about 3-5 spots on each side, whether it be the frame, body, or whatever. Crank each side a few FULL thread turns, then measure again. Once you get about the height you want, measure both side to make sure they're equal. After that, it's best to get a full alignment as some of the suspension will now be at different angles (of course).

SOURCE: 1996 dodge grand caravan vibration 45 mph to 55

Vibrations while driving like you are describing can come from tires that have defects (internally broken belts) (wheel weights that have fallen off) or a bent rim (perhaps from another driver [not you :-) ] hitting a curb) Are the tires worn? Have they been balanced and rotated regularly? You report no vibration in the steering wheel.
Vibrations during braking can be warped rotors or discs (but this doesn't sound like your problem since these kind are usually felt in the steering wheel during braking).
If and only if you feel like you can do this safely,
you can try getting the car up to 55, placing the car in neutral, then switching the "engine off" but leave the "key on" (be warned the power steering will go out but the vehicle can still be steered though the steering wheel will be much stiffer) if you try this (do it perhaps in a vacant parking lot or on an empty road) and the vibration goes away with the engine off but while the vehicle is still moving, then the vibration is engine or transmission related. If this is the case you might hope for maybe a bad engine mount. Bad engine mounts can be diagnosed with the vehicle stopped as well. However, if the vibration remains with the van moving forward but with the engine off, the vibration is likely a problem with the tires or suspension. Try to provide some more info.
If you don't feel comfortable trying the above suggestion, please take the vehicle in to an ASE certified suspension and steering professional for further diagnosis.

Finally, I had a similar situation happen to me today. I was riding with a friend in their van and the vehicle started vibrating more and more around 55 mph. We stopped and carefully checked the front tires (including the lug nuts for tightness) but
found a tire defect. (it had several broken steel belts that caused a bulge in the tire and thus the vibration) We changed the tire and the vibration was gone. Good luck to you.

SOURCE: 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan, 69k miles, vibration at idle in D

check the motor motor mounts for movement,
watch how far engine rocks forward or back with it running and foot on brake

SOURCE: I can't get the crankshaft damper pulley off.

Download this link and find your Service manual for your vehicle. It will serve you well and to keep for future reference

http://ezinearticles.com/?Find-the-Free-Auto-Repair-Manual-You-Need-Online&id=92717

SOURCE: 2004 dodge ram 4x4 front end shaking problems when

Could possibly need the steering box adjusted. It might be a little loose. And tire balance usually makes it shimmy. Could have a broken belt in one of the tires. Jack up the wheel and spin the tire and check the run out. (look for a wiggle when spinning the tire).