Minivan wobbles/vibrates a lot

[George]

My '96 Ply.Gr. Voyager has started to vibrate/wobbles a LOT whenever I
accellerate. It is especially bad when I am driving at slower
speeds(eg. 20-50 mph) , and then try to speed up. The mechanics took a
look and changed an axle that they said was bent. It did not fix the
problem. The van is going back to the shop tomorrow or Tuesday, but
can anyone offer any thoughts as to what might be causing this
problem.

The van was not hit or anything like that, but the shaking is really
bad. The wobbling/shaking does not happen when I am just cruising or
if I am braking or slowing down. It only happens when I press on the
gas pedal to speed up.

Thanks,

George

 

[jdoe]

First these axles don't "bend". You may have a bad cv joint in one or the
other. Also if they're putting in remans they're probably no good. I've been
through them and no more. If I ever need it again I will bring the axles to
a TRUSTED rebuilder. You may have a bad tire. I've had belts shift/seperate
cause this. The backing plate of your brake rotor(s) may be damaged or
warped. It could be as simple as lug nouts improperly tightened.
Front wheel drive is a PIA and when you couple it with these heavy vans a
tiny problem becomes a BIG wobble. Another place to look is to r&r the
wheels and brake rotors. Clean ALL mounting faces of corrosion and than
properly tighten with a hand torque wrench. BTW proper torque is I believe
95 lbft. Don't let them do it with a torque stick and impact. Make them use
a torque wrench.
Larry

 

[Jon]

George,

Have the shop check the inner tie rod ends.

Had a similar problem on a '94 Caravan, this fixed it.

Jon