Chrysler Town & Country & Dodge Grand Caravan - Front Strut Replacement

This is a short video show some of the process of removing and replacing front strut assemblies on a 2007 Chrysler Town and Country. Like I mention in the video this will cover a multitude of Chrysler / Dodge minivans ( I think 2001-2007? ). Remember to use your mind not your muscle. If the task appears to hard or you don't have the proper tools let your local shop do the job for you and remember after you replace the struts GET IT LINED UP! No, you will not have it close no matter how hard you try. Even if it feels like it drives good and doesn't pull it still needs a wheel alignment. Feel free to ask questions and if you like or videos, please subscribe!
-Enjoy!
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained.

[@edwoodard2884]

Had a 2005 grand caravan. 180k miles. Still Ran and drove perfect. Strut spring snapped off when I hit a manhole and left it stranded in a parking lot. Couldn't drive it, becuase the spring was poking into the tire. If I would have known this wasn't too hard could have saved it.

[@willt1963]

Good tip on the sway linkage. Turns out mine was rusted. wrenching off the top 18mm nut was a bear. I followed your tip and was making good early progress and it just welded itself to the stud. Wound up using a die grinder and cutting whell. On the passenger side I am going to chase the threads with a die first! Thanks for the vids!

[@edhopkins5594]

Very helpful. Took me about 4 hours using a scissors jack and hand tools. Maybe it's time for me to invest in an impact wrench! Thanks for a helpful video that saved me lots of dollars.

[@tomclark3592]

I don't care how much you know about auto repair, you will learn something from this guy. Awesome guy!

[@vincehollaway]

Best auto repair channel on the net.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Thanks :D

[@johnnsaad]

I had my struts replaced on a 2006 and I wore out front driver's tire in 4 months (5k miles). This is exactly what I needed to see. I need an alignment! Subscribed!

[@dixiechicdana1]

Busted a coil. Here I go! Thanks for the video!

[@trurider777]

This could not have been any better of a video.... I followed every step and everything went exactly how you demonstrated.... What a life saver about heating up the nylon on the sway bar link that help out tremendously especially since I live in Michigan with all the salt and snow as well. Thank you and keep up the great work!.... EXCELLENT VIDEO.

[@SouthMainAuto]

trurider777 Thanks, glad it helped.

[@bobmartin3]

No BS, just how you do it, step by step.Thank you for the video

[@stevehilton2934]

EXCELLENT! These type of KZbin vids usually don't work out too well for me. Something always goes wrong or there is always something different that I have to end up dealing with. Not so with this vid! It was perfect!!! I bought the Monroe Quick-Struts from Amazon at 1/3 the price of my local auto parts store and had both installed in one hour (not including the jacking and jack stand time and the time to look up the correct torque settings). Saved a little over $500--Nice!!! Thanks so much.

[@victorponce7238]

Hey thanks a bunch mister. You took out all the anxiety I had about attempting this on my vehicle. Looks straight forward. NOW I can do it. Ah ha. Nice shop you got there. 😃🇱🇷

[@eagleriver900]

Thank you for adding the alignment info.. needed that

[@rickdeere5000]

Thanks for the clear and professional video. The details are appreciated 18mm and 21mm sockets, removing top two nuts leaving the front one on but loose to make removal easier and lowering the vehicle onto the tire before tightening top nuts. Very well done

[@jwboilermaker]

I can’t believe I’ve never seen this video before Eric, but I just inherited a Town and country and will be needing to learn this vehicle too.

[@frankdenardo8684]

thanks for posting doing this on a 1997 Chrysler Grand Voyager.

[@johnmichaelgeorge6284]

Just replaced the front strut assemblies on my '05 Caravan. This video was a big help. Thanks.

[@ikalarash]

"in the perfect world" spoken like a true to the core mechanic :D looove it.

[@ronniegallub6559]

really enjoy your videos. I have followed your advice on several repair jobs and my car still runs!! I just wish you were closer!

[@gordiray6130]

You made that as simple looking as possible ☺️, thank you. I know it's supposed to be easy but when you don't have a garage or power and air tools nothing is easy:))

[@jessyoungquest]

55* in my dirt driveway today, in the Finger Lakes--- good day to do this job, thanks fer the tips---be back n three hrs--🤣- da Prof🎵

[@Sleotine]

I appreciate your time! I got half way through, found your video, Saved me from breakin a bolt! Thanks.

[@ChickensAndGardening]

Excellent video. I probably won't ever do this myself, but it's good to understand exactly what the repair shop does (and what they shouldn't do). Thanks for posting!

[@paulpeterson9796]

Awesome video. I learned enough to be able to do it on my own. You saved me like $200+ . Thank you again!

[@nicholaskrupa6259]

I love your content, and because of you, I actually think I can replace my engine by myself, but not yet, my grand caravan has 262k miles and still running strong, I was going to say two things: the stabilizer bar with the 40 torx I can use a pass through ratchet with a 40 torx socket head, and then for the strut bolts, I'm from Michigan, mine were way worse than yours, I actually used a tire iron with a cheater bar

[@cjdecarr]

Thank you so much for these videos. You have saved my life with these tutorials ( for my vehicle and my family's).

[@richardr9294]

I appreciate your putting this video together. I will have more confidence performing the task.

[@markpressley2893]

Thanks for the info. This was very helpful, especially for removing the stabilizer bar link.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Mark Pressley Cool glad it helped

[@megaloogy]

Once again Eric, Thanks! I,m going to be replacing struts an shocks on my 06 this weekend. Good review before I get started.

[@michaelsolozano11]

Your video was very detailed I like that thanks very much man I didn’t think it would of been that easy lol I did then both in 35 min

[@WallysPlace66]

Thank you. I'll be doing this job myself. I didn't know it could be done that easy.

[@saltydecimator]

Nothin is ever “thAt easy “. He’s a skilled master of his craft! Now yes, straight forward, simple, but it’s never easy. Haha

[@pitaeata8493]

Thank you for the tip on using the vice-grip. It worked perfectly. Real life, real easy, KISS. Thank you!

[@testosteroneinc.3800]

87 comments in 2 years? Now you get that in 2 hours. Way to go with your channel Mr O.

[@stevefowles6383]

Fantastic video. Thank you for the detailed explanation. Nice job.

[@ronaldruckman7592]

Hopefully mine come apart as easy as that one did I don't have a torch but I'll get er thank you I'm so glad I don't have too compress the springs or anything

[@YOPHILLYYO]

I picked up a 05 caravan the other day which needed a left strut. I don't know why the guy didn't fix it himself. He sold it as a scrap vehicle which I inly paid just under $250. I got the strut for $60 new online. I've been messing with cars for over 30 years but I never had to do a strut. This video helped me out. Especially with that sway bar link. That thing was a pain in the ass ! Luckily I had a plumbing torch and was able to heat it up and get it off. The brake like was also rusted and attached to the old strut. I had to cut that bolt off. Good vid, thanks !!

[@samfernandes8629]

I have done most of my car repair by my self by watching the videos good job I am saving a lot of money

[@robertbell525]

I wonder if there is a way to mark alignment prior to taking things apart.

[@michael-dm2bv]

from the days before u became ur own cameraman.

[@drivewayy]

Super good mech video for the public. High five!!

[@davidemley1509]

this repair by you made me confident best way to do this job excellent.

[@wayedkararr]

Thank you for the clear explanation

[@imgonnagogetthepapersgetth8347]

I wish the elongated lower hole had a reference point to match the oem non-elongated hole. I shoved mine for max camber, pushing the strut and knuckle IN towards the engine before tightening. I couldn't notice any "knock-knees" in the front, but I would like to match oem. I did a wheel alignment but they didn't say anything about camber, only the toe was out a bit. Maybe they will have records of what they found.

[@brucea4185]

I'll give you "Oldies but Goodies" title on your video. I checked around several strut replacement videos on KZbin. Yet, you are the only one mentioning alignment after installation. For tire damage it could cause, how can no one else mention algnment in an 'instruction video' for strut replacement? You ROCK again.

[@Ian-of9oi]

Cool to se how your videos and your style has evolved.

[@grapeknutz]

I have just discoverd your channel and it is very good, lots of changes since I retired from the industry. The only thing that I cringed about was the close proximity of the torch to the brake hose, other than that outstanding job!

[@279spirit]

First video with the torch hell yea!

[@hankschrader149]

great tips! will definitely help me out on replacing the struts on my 01' town and country

[@JoeZyzyx]

The way those struts are made, you can pretty much self align them. I leave the two bottom bolts on the struts tightened just snug. I air tires up to 40 psi and install. I then lower the vehicle, drive straight back and forth in level driveway, which causes the adjustment bolt to move where it belongs due to the flat tread of the tires leveling, centering the strut properly. I tighten that adjuster bolt up as the vehicle sits after that. I then jack up and torque both bolts on both sides to specs and lower the psi in the tires between 32-35 again.

[@allangillis7585]

Great tip. How did your tires hold up?

[@teodysseyemery5368]

Thorough and precise! Much appreciated. Thanks!

[@mikechiodetti6737]

Great Video. I sure don't miss that salt, sand, rust and corrosion!

[@williamgrissom9022]

I put the strut nuts on the aft side to better protect from corrosion, though may not matter. Most quick-struts have slotted bottom holes for camber adjustment as shown. Best to buy special cam-bolts to allow adjustment. The Mopar ones are pricey ($50 ea), but another company (Specialty Products?) has affordable ones ($25/pair, ebay or Amazon). Camber adjustment is somewhat a preference. Slight lean-in (

[@Mosin-lf7wl]

Thanks! I'm so glad I watched this.

[@21Piloteer]

I used to use white out on the knuckle to mark the original location of the old strut. Then I simply align the new strut to the mark. Gets it really close.

[@eddiethompson2691]

💯💯💯💯💯👊🏾 now that's how you make a video without any of the bullsh**

[@therealdonaldtrump9567]

This guy is really smart

[@ChrissieGarber]

thanks for the tip about getting an alignment !

[@jmrodri69]

Excellent video, love the tips about using the torch etc. NIcely done.

[@fivefatcats]

thank you SMA! You just saved me $750!!

[@Lockemeister]

Thanks for the video. This was VERY helpful. Have a happy new year.

[@jaberwocky6669]

Replace your sway bar links people! They aren't expensive. They save your tires. They also help you to track straight!

[@walterk1221]

Not correct. Not every vehicle even has a front swaybar.

[@Kunta1926]

Mark the steering knuckle were it meets the old strut assembly before you take it off. Then line it up with the new assembly.

[@gabrielfranco9786]

I know this was 6 years ago but do you by any chance have the part number for this strut assembly? I can’t find ones that are for a 2001 3.8 All wheel drive dodge grandcaravan. All the ones I find are for FWD.

[@aymenmagboub4362]

you are the best always thank you for this video

[@papabits5721]

Great job and good advice as always.

[@RGE_Music]

big tip. use sharpie to mark the cars alignment before you remove the first strut

[@Rosman1974]

Mind sharing how you do that? Just asking

[@813yaz]

@@Rosman1974 outline the strut mounting flange on the knuckle before you loosen the two nuts that hold the strut to the knuckle. When you reassemble it , line the new flange up with the outline on the knuckle and you'll be close to where you need to be.

[@user-lk2yr7zg1e]

Why don't you put Never Seize on the spline and nut of the lower bolts?

[@unknownunknown8927]

What brand of struts did you use please advise

[@Jagbuilt]

You make it look truly easy my friend. I just replaced both lower control arms, stabilizer bars, tie rod ends, rotors, calipers and shoes myself, so I guess I could handle this one, lol. Great job on the video! Thank you for it! I may need a strut on my 04 T&C . After all that work, I can grab my pass side strut, by the plate at the bottom of the spring, and turn it about ½" clockwise and counter clockwise, there is some slight play in it too, (with my hands at 3 and 9 o clock I can rock the tire in and out about ½" and see the strut assembly move a little). Why would it turn like that? mounts, or the whole thing bad? I should post a vid, lol. I cant seem to find a loose nut on it anywhere... Any thoughts?

[@SouthMainAuto]

***** Yeah if you make a video on it post it because I'd almost have to see what you are saying to understand the best.

[@Jagbuilt]

South Main Auto Repair I 'll Do that today! Thanks!

[@spencerrichardson4371]

I'm having to do this tommorow. But one thing I've noticed is the bolt has come through the top of my strut is that going to cause it to try to spring out on me when I release it

[@gabakusa]

you are the man

[@josephdarkpride8344]

Ok this helped alot. Hopefully i can replace it myself soon.

[@magicroundabout62]

Comments: always replace left & right shock absorbers together, lift the whole front of the car or the sway bar will give problems, be careful with steel hammers, disconnect battery before you begin, usually you also have to remove the ABS wiring, the bolt holding the ABS-sensor breaks easily, it is very important too fasten these big nuts not as shown but with a torque wrench. Nice video though.

[@MonnoPark]

Where did you get your strut extension from? Your video was very helpfull on my 1st strut mount replacement. Now i'd like to lift my 07 grand caravan with strut extensions but i dont know where to find extension for this very vehicle.

[@TizzTv]

Very great video.

[@bubbahottep8644]

I got as far as getting the new one in, but the spring assembly pokes down too far. Even putting a couple spring compressors won't get the damned bolt holes to align. It's only about two inches. What am I missing?

[@jorgefernandez-mv8hu]

Nice job my man👍

[@jessyoungquest]

well, easy enough-- but for the 2'of snow in my diveway----just had to see how easy my local mechanic will have it---perhaps next summer I'll get to the other side-- thank you--- (yeah, this N.Y. salt---)

[@tdiler12]

Makes it look easy a real pro. I guarantee you I d be dead money at Bolt #1

[@hamtrucker]

Could you not use a Magnetic Angle Protractor to put it back to the correct camber, by measuring the angle before removing the old strut?

[@ruebenragland6879]

Great teacher, thanks.

[@hotsuace24]

So far just to look up something im about to work on, eric'o seems to have it on his channel and to this day your adding videos daily and by the the time your finished uploading for good youll prop have covered every possible situation. I doubt youll ever stop in my life time. 😆 This video is the farthest ive seen 2014 upload i mean. Haha im curious what was your video first in order on you channel? This vid helped me out specially with those links i know better then to attempt to save them.

[@michaelschaub7653]

Is there much difference between this 2007 model that you show and a 2009? I need to replace the struts of my 2009 VW Routan which is basically a Town and Country and if it is pretty similar to what you show here I feel that it is something I can do at home and the bring in to the garage for an alignment.

[@danielpickett8560]

Did you cut the coil off? What did you use if you did? Also,he shock has popped out of its seat...

[@charlesmarshall2697]

Why so much difference in the springs? We have several of these vans and have been told that only the Heavy Duty Monroe units have the proper spring rates.

[@hemicudah]

WHERE CAN I BUY THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TOOL YOU USE? The 1 that hooks to lower and you can step on it for leverage

[@8683roy]

I used quick struts on my caravan & according to the instructions your supposed to torque the rod nut to 60 ft lbs after installation but you can’t get a socket into the top of the strut cuz the strut tower is buried under the wiper cowling. I’m not hearing any banging over bumps but I’ve replaced struts on other vehicles in the past that did bang & needed to have the rod nuts tightened up a little but those strut towers weren’t buried & I could tighten them afterwards. Do you think the manufacturer makes sure to pre-torque the nuts properly on vehicles that you can’t get a socket into after installation like these caravans? Also, is it possible to torque the nut before installation?

[@luisahernandezroldan1216]

Very good my friend.

[@laylow6ft]

great vid!! thanks for posting

[@IdeiasAlentejanas]

G E N I A L..... MERCI. CHRYSLER VOYAGER ?????? same thing ?

[@DigiPal]

That's the way to do it! I mean, to remove the sway bar, hate to use a vise grip. But I'm wondering if I can use a wrench instead.

[@fiolds350]

Scribe the knuckle first. Then you can line the new strut up. And at least be close. And monitor tire wear.

[@reneefowler5080]

How much would this cost at a shop? (I'm in Indiana, so I'm aware there might be some difference between here and NY.) I'm looking at buying a T&C. Is there anything I should know about them? Major issues?

[@hobbyhughes]

So the shock won't fly out at you. By changing the hole part

[@jzeerod]

did the rear shocks, WHAT A NIGHTMARE!!! there strut mount is like a cup, and the bolts bolt up into it, and the cup gets full of muck after a couple years from wear and tear, the crap gets wet, rusts the ends of the bolts securing the mount. i only managed to get three of eight. and then youj cant get to the rusted ends, have to drill, rip the inside apart and cut a hole to access, or cut a portion of the unibody from the exterior and replace the nuts. hammer it back and weld it up. not for the ordinary everyday guy. now i know why i see so many caravans out there with a splayed out rear end. my only mistake was i went cheapo with the shocks

[@peterblanas5810]

Great instruction, thanks.

[@63256325N]

Thanks for the video.

[@robc8468]

The Video I am waiting for is a Timing Belt Change on a Chrysler PT Cruiser.

[@whitemorn]

A word of caution ... strut replacement can be quite hazardous if the large spring is broken from the top unit under the hood. Be sure and use a spring compressor before removal so you don't knock your head off. SERIOUSLY!

[@bill2461]

Do you have to replace struts in pairs?

[@jgarb21]

While doing the right side, the rotor sagged down quite a bit. I ended up getting what looked like red transfer case fluid come out from the center rod area. Once I attached the strut there was no more fluid leaking. Did something get broken that needs to be fixed,?

[@rdkirk3834]

You let the wheel fall out too far and partially disengaged the drive axle. If it fully disengages, you've got a tow to the shop ahead of you. That's why some mechanics advise removing the axle nut to allow the wheel to fall off without pulling the axle with it, and why others recommend supporting the lower control arm with a jack. But if you're not going to do either of those two things, you have to make sure as heck you never let the wheel pull the drive axle loose...and that can happen before you even notice it.