The Dodge Caravan uses a pair of drive axles (also called axle shafts or half shafts) that turn the front wheels with the transmission. These axles have joints and bearings on them, and if these wear down then the assembly needs to be taken out from the front of the drivetrain so the pieces can be reassembled or replaced with new components. This process takes about an hour to do, per side.
Park the Caravan and put on the parking brake. Loosen the front wheel lugs with the tire iron and then lift up the front of the Dodge with the jack. Put jack stands underneath the chassis and then take off the wheels with the tire iron.
Remove the split pin in the middle of the rotor with the needle-nose pliers. Unbolt the nut lock hub nut from the center of the hub with the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket. Unbolt the brake caliper from the steering knuckle using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket, then hang the caliper on the underside of the fender with the j hook.
Pull the brake rotor off of the hub with your hands. Unbolt the tie rod end from the steering knuckle with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket, then pull it off of the knuckle with your hands. Unplug the wheel sensor harness from the back of the hub if your Caravan has a wheel sensor equipped.
Unbolt the lower control arm ball joint from the knuckle with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket and pull the knuckle off of the ball joint. Pull the knuckle out away from the axle.
Pry the axle shaft away from the transmission with the pry bar. Take the axle shaft out from the suspension and the drivetrain.
