Bad strut mount tower.. (need help)

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As some of you know, I am fighting with Chrysler to get my left front strut tower replaced due it rusting out which is common with Dodge Caravans. I may lose this fight. But if I do lose, I am very worried about driving this vehicle with my family in it due the danger. If the strut were ever to punch through, catastrophic loss of control would occur. How can I tell if it is still safe to drive on in its current condition?
 
Originally Posted By: oilboy123
Post some detailed pics. Hard to give an opinion without seeing the damage.


Hard to post pics because I sprayed undercoating all ver the top...stupid perhaps, and probably won't help slow down the rust. but there is a small piece of the metal that is starting to peal upward. and there is rust all around the bolt on the tower itself. Does that give you a good visual?
 
Good luck.

Would you consider the reinforcements even if Chrysler denies you coverage?

FWIW, I used automotive panel adhesive on the Buick this summer for new rocker panel skins. Great stuff, super-easy to work with, and stronger than welding at times.
 
The battery mounts at that front of the tower & I would guess it has everything to do with corrosion.

The suspension would be tied int hard points on the unibody & would be less likely to rust though as fast.

Spraying under coat may do more harm than good if you seal over & trap the acid from the batt if thats leaking.
 
Originally Posted By: willix
The battery mounts at that front of the tower & I would guess it has everything to do with corrosion.

The suspension would be tied int hard points on the unibody & would be less likely to rust though as fast.

Spraying under coat may do more harm than good if you seal over & trap the acid from the batt if thats leaking.


Not sure I understand. Does this mean that if it rusts completely through, that the strut will not actually punch through?
 
You maybe able to get a used one and use it as a cap over the old one,welding it in to good metal.Lots of know how and skill involved to do this properly.
 
I am not sure what year model you are talking about this is an 2003 Caravan. The shock tower being close the upper right in this picture.


ef66b4ae.jpg
 
Yep. mine is a 2000, but looks just like the pick above..funny, I even use in interstate batteries as well..LOL.
 
Well guys… I WON!!! Chrysler Corp called me back, provided me a confirmation number, contact name and everything. Told me to take it to the dealer so they can diagnose it, and they will pay for the replacement of my strut tower. I know some of you thought I would lose this fight, but I work for a fortune 300 company and been doing claims for years. You have to know how to present your case and back’em into a corner  LOL
 
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