Chrysler Repair: Chrysler Van Front End, chrysler company, rubber insulation

Question
Have a front end knocking sound in 2001 Van. Have had struts replaced and another part after returning to repair shop after struts did not fix it. Now, 2 - 3 months later noise has returned. Is this problem typical for these autos? Is the problem bigger than just struts? Does Chrysler company have a specific diagnosis for this ?

Answer
Hi Bill,
I have to admit a lack of experience with the van line of Chrysler vehicles (but I never claimed expertise either :)
About all I can offer is that I haven't had similar questions from other van owners yet, so I don't believe it is a weak point in the design. In the '93 Chrysler shop manual for the van that I have, a knocking sound that is not related to or proportional to velocity of the wheels (such as a bearing or cv-joint produces) is attributed to either loose or worn control arm bushings, loose or warn sway bar attachments, or loose or worn upper strut mount. You might want to check the repair invoice on the strut replacement to see if you were charged for upper strut mounts (essentially rubber insulation cups) to see if they were replaced or not. If not, then maybe you can get the shop to re-do the job at a significant discount for their overlooking this point, if it proves to be the source of the noise. Have them verify that the bushings and attachments are o.k., then you have a reason to believe that the mounts are the source of the noise.
Roland