[crang94]

I have a 2010 Compass that is giving me and the local dealer a hard time. I need suggestions or resolutions based on similar symptoms.

2WD CVT 2.4

Symptom:
When accelerating from a stop, the car will shake like it has a tire out of balance or the tie rods are super loose.

- Steering does not shake
- K member, A-arms/ball joints are brand new.
- Struts swapped out twice
- anti sway bushings replaced, links replaced.
- Driver side CV axle replaced
- Passenger side CV axle replaced (half shaft and carrier bearing NOT changed)

All these factors did not resolve the issue, although the parts were in need of replacement.

The dealership has also checked my work and cannot pinpoint the issue. They also updated the firmware in the PCM/TCM to latest available (some bulletins did indicate a similar issue) just to rule that out.

Wheel bearings are OK per dealership and my inspection.
Tie rods and inner tie rods are OK, too. Rack seems fine as well.

The transmission seems to be OK, no whining, grinding, etc, and shifts normally. No codes, either.

Dodge thinks the issue is in the driveline, but can't pinpoint it. I was going to drop the tranny fluid and change filter, but Dodge says that fluid won't cause that type of vibration.


Any suggestions?

 

[crang94]

Further investigation and following evidence, the issue seems to be with ride height. Per spec, the height measured from level ground to the center of the lead A-Arm bolt should be 8.07". I am measuring 10.5."
I installed new struts (not best quality) and the ride height changed to 10"
There was an improvement.
THe new CV axles are either really bad quality or I really need to drop to 8.07"
I don't understand why the axles can't handle the angle.