Dodge Grand Caravan Steering

fowellmw · January 2009

High all, thanks for the great posts. My problem is this week I noticed the power steering groaning and got underneath and found I was loosing fluid through a split in a low pressure line that feeds the power steering cooler. I was excited to have such an easy fix, but since replacing the line it has blown off the cooler two more times. Has anyone else had this type of problem? If I can get the hose to stay on I don't have a problem, but for some reason I am getting a lot more pressure than I should have on the lines going to and from the cooler. Is there some type of high pressure switch that could be applying fluid to the wrong lines? Looks like I will also stop by and pick up a new reservoir tommorow!

Greybeard_FL · January 2009

Hello All,

I am very greatful to edmunds for this message board.. I appear to be one more of many people that have had headaches with power steering in later model Caravans and T'C's... I have a 2005 LX. For a little History.. we bought the car used (an ex-rental car) for a decent price w/ 30K miles on the clock.. at 40K my p/s issues began.. first symptom was when I exited the fwy the p/s would be howling as if not enough fliud were present.. after about 10 minutes on the street the howl would go away.. dealer flushed 2x over the next 40K miles, but howl would return after 1K or so of driving.. since I had an extended warranty, I waited until p/s was making noise nearly all the time and then took the car in.. dealer replaced hoses and cooler, said all were badly deteriorated.. this fixes issue for appx 6K miles.. at 88K took car back and pump/rack were replaced - thankfully my extended warranty went until 90K so cost was minimal..but... 2K after rack and pump.. car again would howl after exiting the freeway for a short period of time.. after 10K miles noise was again constant.. and pump was again replaced (dealer said pump failed and fixed for free as there was a dealer warranty of 12K/12mo that was still in effect).. all fine and well for next 2K miles.. until we went to visit my son at Christmas.. traveled appx 90 miles on fwy at 65mph going to his house (1st time on fwy since 2nd pump).. we were relieved that when we exited, there was no noise from the p/s system.. on the way home we pushed the speed up to 70 mph.. guess what.. when we exited the fwy the p/s was howling again.. so I asked, why was the pump howling at 70 and not 65.. answer could only be that something in the system was starving the pump at engine speeds above 2000 rpm.. so I called the dealer (truthfully, they have been good to me) and explained what was happening again, and asked if there was a filter or something similar in the p/s sytem.. they answered no there was not??!!.. then I started reading the posts here at edmunds and found many other people having nearly identical issues with their late model T/C's and Caravans.. I Called the dealer back and asked if there was a filter screen in the p/s fluid reservoir.. they checked with the parts counter and said yes.. thinking I could save a little money, I took a small screwdriver and poked about 5 holes in the screen membrane thinking to increase the flow thru the reservoir.. BIG MISTAKE.. now the noise began within 1-2 minutes of starting the car AND the reservoir was filling with pink foam.. obviously something had changed and air was being held in the fluid.. so I bought the new reservoir ($34 after taxes) and installed it.. as I inspected the old reservoir, I could see the filter screen was nearly clogged with debris.. I also figured out that the reservoir has a second function.. it works as an air/oil separator.. (air mixes into the oil as it is churned up by the pumping action.. even if there is no seal leak the air can rapidly build in the oil to a point where the oil loses it's ability to support pressure and won't lubricated effectively.. apparantly the reservoir also functions as an air/oil separator.. when I punched the holes into the filter screen I destroyed this separation function).. upon replacing the reservoir, and filling about 1/4 inch above the full line (dealer parts guys suggested this) my problem seems to be solved.. have driven the car for 2 weeks including trips on the fwy at speeds up to 75mph with no more noise from the p/s system..

Not sure what Chrysler recommends for interval between p/s system flushes.. but it might be wise to replace the reservoir regularly..

dale1223 · January 2009

Im new here and Im glad I have came to this forum, I have the SAME problem with my power steering as everyone else!
I have had the whinning noise for about a year only when it's cold for about a minute and then it stops and everything is fine.
We are finally out of the artic cold and now as of last night, the quick winning noise went away as usual at start up but when Im in park now there is a noise and when I turn the wheel either direction the noise??
Could it be the reservior and is it still driveable?
Of course Im going out of town today so I hope it's still ok to drive.
I have a 2001 GC sport and I noticed alot of you have 2003.
Is changing the reservior the same on all models?
Thanks so much for your help!
PS Im going to check the fluid level this morning

Yegorus · January 2009

I appreciate to all in this forum, who helped me to solve the problem of whinning in power steering.

I live in Russia and have a TC 3.3/2003. I tried to buy a new original reservoire here but didn't find it right away. So I decided to clean my old reservoire...

Then I thought about a reservoire with replaceable paper filter element and found it in a Russian car "Volga" (about $20). It is almost of the same size but with different ports. I installed it and was happy. Whinning have gone. I replaced the element ($1) after 1500 miles to remove all old dirt, the fluid is very clean after that.

Please visit my page. It is in Russian but you can look at the photos at least. There are the necessary parts on my table and the instaled reservoire.

http://yegorus.narod.ru/Car/PS-Chrysler.html

xwesx · February 2009

Clever, Yegorus; well done! So, you are saying that the best way to "repair" Chrysler products is to replace them with more reliable units from other manufacturers.

Yegorus · February 2009

I love my minivan, and it is much better and reliable than Volga. Though not all solutions are the best. Chrysler's reservoir suits for very clean conditions. In our case my Volga's reservoir is better since I will be able to change the filter, simple procedure and cheap... and the paper filter works better than mesh. And I hadn't find an original part quickly. By the way, I am not the only, some Volkswagen drivers are also do the same here.

I don't know many cars with paper filter in power steering, probably Mercedes, Volga, but many trucks.

gparkman · February 2009

My 06 Grand Caravan has developed slow pwr steering leak. Dealer wants more than $1,000 to fix (replace steering rack). Anyone else had same problem? Brother-in-law has similar problem. Have others experienced this with Grnd Caravans? Is there a recall bulletin on this out there? Tks,
Gparkman

cv1269 · February 2009

Just had my 2004 caravan in to the dealer to have it checked out before the extended warranty expired two weeks ago. They replace the rack and pinion and the water pump. Luckliy all but $400 was covered. Today the power steering went out. Check and the resevoir was completely empty. Car never made a sound or gave a warning. Filled the resevoir with 1/2 qt of power steering fluid. By the time I drove home from the store it was empty again. Before I head back to the dealer in the morning to complain, ANY IDEAS???? Not very car handy, just a lady trying to maintain her car!!!!

Any thoughts or suggestions Please!

racerx933 · February 2009

I have a 2005 dodge caravan with the same type of problem. Try using LUCAS power steering with leak stopage.

Seem to do the trick, stop that whinning noises and I have had no leaks.

It cost about $10 a bottle.

Rich

docbunner · March 2009

I have been getting this message "Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)" when my tach gets down to about 600rvpm. This happens once in a while. Any suggestions? Maybe MAP Sensor needs cleaning?

srs_49 · March 2009

Try replacing the rear O2 sensor. If that doesn't work, then the cat itself may be worn out. It's a lot cheaper than the catalytic converter.

The OBD system uses a heuristic to infer if the cat is working correctly. This algorithm looks for expected outputs from the rear and front O2 sensors. If the front sensors look good, but the rear is marginal, then it may decide the cat is bad/marginal even though it could be the rear sensor.

You didn't say how many miles are on the van.

bills8 · March 2009

Kenny,

I had the same problem with my 06 Town & Country (37,000 miles) back in Dec 08 and my mechanic replaced the resevoir as well. By the time I hit 39,000 miles the noise was back and just below 40,000 miles we started leaking fluid.

Called Chrysler and had to bring it to an authorized dealer for verification. $648.00 later (after the dealership picked up nearly $500.00 in labor only) the rack has been replaced--along with a front end alignment.

I'd love to find out how you do in the long run............hope you have better luck than I did.

BillS8

jimmysdown · March 2009

My slow leak turned into a fast leak. My 2006 Grand Caravan SXT spewed all the powersteering fluid all over the garage floor while it was warming up one day. The fluid was leeking from a power steering cooler hose under the vehicle. Cheap clip-on type clamps were installed at the factory, so I replaced them with heavy duty clamps and used strips of plastic under the clamps so as not to cut the hoses with too much pressure from the new clamps. Gman, did the dealer say why the whole rack needs to be replaced?

sbradshaw · March 2009

I replaced my power steering pump 3 time in 2001 grand caravan before I was told it was the rack and pinion. It costs about 170 in parts and 200 in labor. But have someone check the fluid to make sure it didn't all leak out. It might be your pump but I had the exact problems. The pump is not much cheaper. Mine is in the shop now. It was also making an annoying clanking noise every time I hit a bump. They seem to think replacing the rack will stop that too if replacing the struts didn't work. If you had that problem and corrected it yet, let me know.

joepeterson56 · March 2009

I am not personally familiar with any model after 2000, but have the sway bar bushings and sway bar end link to struts checked and replaced if it has the sway bar, if you already haven't done so. Should get rid of any clunking noises over bumps. Hope this helps. Please let us know.

joepeterson56 · March 2009

I am not personally familiar with any model after 2000, but have the sway bar bushings and sway bar end link to struts checked and replaced if it has the sway bar, if you already haven't done so. Should get rid of any clunking noises over bumps. Hope this helps. Please let us know.

golfer64 · March 2009

I purchased a used 2003 dodge caravan and it had a whining in the power steering.
Thanks to the information I received from everyone here, my power steering noise is gone. I purchased the reservoir from the dealer ($26) and replaced it and it corrected the problem. The cut the old reservoir open and the filter was 75% plugged. Thanks for the information

dodgeman7 · March 2009

Your welcome!
:shades:

sbradshaw · March 2009

Replaced the rack in 01 G Caravan that fixed steering problem and the klunking noise is not noticeable as much. I think it the rack in the Chrysler too.

mariusstarr · April 2009

Hey, All: I've posted a VIDEO of this problem on Youtube for everyone to hear and see. I've also provided some background and some explanation so the DEALER can finally fix this problem. link title

dodgeman7 · April 2009

Watched your video and I believe it is your reservoir. I had the same noise in the beginning and after a few week got worse and started to shutter a bit. Don't know about your heat issue though.
One more thing, a while ago I had a strange squeaking noise coming from my engine and though it was the belt tensioner. After replacing it the noise was still there. I then thought it was then the alternator pulley but I didn't want to go that route yet so I decided to buy a new belt to replace my old cracked and worn out belt. Changing the belt solve my squeaking and found out that my old pulley was just fine.

Change the reservoir and it just might fix your problem.
If it does, I would go back to the dealership and ask for a refund on the pump. These guys know it's the reservoir and don't fix the simple fix but nail you for a new pump and rack and pinion.

Good luck,
Tim

:shades:

dericm02 · April 2009

I have a Dodge Caravan, 2000 i beleive and i had issues with the power steering making noises. The noise wasn't a whining like alot of other people have, but it was more of a groaning and at certain points in the turn radius, it would groan really loud and actually shake the van alittle bit. So i first replaced the resevoir after looking at the screen and having it been clogged. I put ATF in it like it says and the shake and noise went away. About a month after i fixed it, it came back, the groaning and shaking. Today i took the fluid out of the resevoir to look at the screen and the screen looked nice and clear, fluid looked good as well. It was alittle low on fluid, i added 3/4 of a cup of fluid, not alot. Turned the steering wheel to get all the air out but the noise still didn't go away. My first thought was the screen clogged, but its not, my second thought was it was alittle low on fluid so i filled it up and got the air out, but that didn't help. With the leaking, i thought maybe it might be leaking slowly out of the rack under heavy pressure or something, but im not sure. Has this happened to anyone else? The pump and rack seem to be working good, its just making alot of noise when im turning the wheel at slower speeds and reverse. Making a long trip to visit the rents soon, so i just wanna either get it fixed or make sure its safe to keep driving it. Thanks for you help!

mikep15 · April 2009

UGGH!

This vehicle is driving me crazy. Only 68000 miles on it.

Here are my problems:

1) Power Steering: Squeals like crazy and is difficult to make turns most of time. Forget parking in a spot where you would need to back out of. It is too difficult to turn wheel. I checked fluid level and it is full.
2) When driving my battery light comes on from time to time (related to power steering?)
3) Heat: Front fan will only turn on if I turn it all the way on. First three settings will not work.

Any suggestions? I have spent so much money the last two years at the dealer, I don't want to take it there. I want to keep this vehicle for a while because I can't afford a new car payment right now.

sbradshaw · April 2009

I put 2 power steering pumps on mine b4 mechanic realized the rack and pinion was bad. Symptoms were whinning noises that seem to get worse depending on the temperature and stiff steering. I replaced it 2 weeks ago and all is well again. It costed me about 500 total parts 170 (rebuilt at Advance Auto Parts) and 175 labor.
As for the air only working on high...removed the glove compartment door so you can see the blower motor cover. To the left you can see where the blower motor plugs into the "resistor". The resistor is bad when this happens. Replaced that last week. Takes about 5 minutes. Could only get it from Auto Zone. Costed $23. Only 2 screws hold it in. The new one I ordered didn't look anything like the one I pulled out but it worked.

muman3419 · April 2009

My power steering pump is whining right when I start the vechicle. It seems to go away when the vechicle warms up. Do any of you think that it could be a clogged screen or need the resiviour replaced.

And if so how do I do it?

mjmurphy2 · April 2009

I have a 2000 Grand Dodge Caravan and it started making noise from the engine compartment, so I started investigating the problem and thought it was the pulley by the alternator so I replaced that and it wasn't that. So I asked around to some of my mechanic friends and they it was the alternator and so I replaced it...it wasn't that either. Now a couple people thought it's the bearings in the a/c unit. It gets very loud when started and driven until you get to about 45 mph. It sounds like it could be bearings or something like that. Anybody have any ideas or similar problems? Thanks!

joepeterson56 · April 2009

More than likely, it is the bearings in your A/C compressor and it is just a matter of time before it seizes up and burns through your serpentine drive belt. It just happened on my 2000 T&C LXi. It began as a rattle type noise, and progressed to a "graoning, roar" type sound, for lack of a better description. I spent alot of time chasing the source of it, even with a stethescope, and finally just gave up. I didn't actually suspect the compressor as the source, because it did it without running the A/C. Also when listening around, by ear, with a stethescope, and with a piece of tubing to my ear, I was not able to isolate the noise as it seemed to travel into every part on the engine it was so bad. It finally seized up and burnt thhrough the belt. I replace the belt and compressor, and it is noiseless now. My only problem is I have to change the new compressor again, because it is defective, and when the A/C or defroster are turned on, it makes a very loud whining noise that actually sounds the same as the whining made by a bad power steering pump, or transmission.

Newt08 · April 2009

This is my third and last Dodge. I've taken exceptional care of my 2003 SE Grand Caravan and am experiencing several problems. When the odometer hit 80,000 miles, all hell broke loose. Ive replaced the transmission, ignition switch, thermostat and now the computer is dead -- this all happened in a four month period. Whenever I turn the wheels, the front end squeals and it sounds like a can of loose change when I hit a bump. I've owned Dodges since 1988, but this is my last.

kitkate420 · May 2009

I have an 01 dodge caravan, its been making these crazy noises since the march break this year. the noises also dont happen all the time, they are happening more frequently now though. sometimes i get this 'power steering' noise when i turn and break but when i accelerate it goes away, also i can feel the vibration in my break pettle and steering wheel, it is not hard to turn a corner either it just makes the noise and vibration. its getting louder also im worried im going to turn a corner one day and something bad will happen. the power steering fluid is right where it should be not too low and not too much.

joepeterson56 · May 2009

I know this may sound a bit crazy, but having owned many C/D/P minis from model years 85 and up, have your A/C compressor checked out and eliminated as the source of the noise. I have had several, where the pulley bearings have gone bad and the noises it makes can have you chasing the source of the noise and vibrations as a power steering problem, steering rack and even transmission problems. For some reason it seems that isolating the source of engine compartment noises in these vans is quite troublesome. They can make some very strange sounds that usually sound like they are coming from somewhere else under the hood. I even have a mechanics stethoscope that I use and even with that or a pice of tubing held to your ear, and moved from component to component under the hood, it is sometimes very hard if not impossible to isolate the bad component that is actually make the noise. My "steering noise" on my 2001 T&C, actually turned out to be the compressor pully bearings. When I couldn't narrow the source down, I decided to just let it go for awhile and try again later. Instead of it getting worse, it got very quiet, then the bearings seized up and it melted and snapped the serpentine belt. I then bought a rebuilt compressor, and as soon as I chrged up the freon on turned that one on, I got a whining noise that acted and sounded like a transmission "whine". Had to do that job over again! No more noises, and it sounds and runs better then it ever did since I owned it. Turned out the problem w the first rebuilt compressor, was that the parts store gave me the wrong weight(PAG 100) compressor oil, and also only gave me 8 ounces to put in, but it calls for 13 ounces of PAG 46 !
Like I said, may sound crazy but I have owned enough of these to know better. Good luck.

Just thought I should add for clarification, in case anyone was wondering, that when the bearings were going in the A/C pully, it was definitely isolated to the main bearings and not the clutch, because it makes the noises and vibrations without the A/C or defroster turned on. Also, my comments on the LUCAS Power Steering STOP LEAK ADDITIVE: when you get momentary stiffness or steering loss in the power steering racks on most cars, you may also get a popping feeling and/or sound as well. This is usually from wear on the seals inside the rack. While I do NOT believe that any "leak stoppers" actually stop leaks, I will say this for the LUCAS, I use it as a lubricating additive, not a leak stopper, but it does appear to stop or slow down these internal seal leaks in the rack enough to avoid replacement of it for several years, or all together. This is of course based on my personal use and results of it in my own vehicles, both Chrysler and GM.

joepeterson56 · May 2009

I have used the LUCAS Power steering additive on several of my many vehicles over the years and highly recommend it! In 2 of my vehicles, I was told needed the steering rack and pump replaced, put in the Lucas and surprise surprise, no more problems. The only Lucas additive I do not reccomend using in any chrysler vehicle, is the transmission additive! Chrysler trannys are much to eccentric and susceptible to problems, so use nothing but the MOPAR ATF+4 in them!!!

joepeterson56 · May 2009

Sounds like one really big load of crap to me !!! They screwed something up!

xwesx · May 2009

I put Amsoil Universal transmission fluid in my van last summer at 185,000 miles. After another ~15,000 miles, the transmission continues to run like a champ. We have about 201,000 miles on the van now.

I went with the Amsoil fluid for two reasons: first, it has much better cold weather characteristics than ATF +4; second, it was easier to acquire and less expensive (the local dealer must think ATF +4 is refined from gold) at my location (Fairbanks, AK).

joepeterson56 · May 2009

Sounds more like a belt problem.

joepeterson56 · May 2009

Should not be any clunking noise at all! Did you check/replace the bushings?

joepeterson56 · May 2009

Hey X, you know, my neighbor went w the Amsoil in his 06 ram Pu as well and says he has had no problems w it either. But after some of the expense and problems I went thru w my mini trannys, I am afraid to take the chance on anything but the ATF+4 they recommend. I am just not convince that you and my neighbor are the excepition to the rule on this or what. :confuse:

xwesx · May 2009

Yeah, I absolutely understand your hesitancy. I felt the same way. Actually, after reading about the vans, I was very hesitant to even buy the thing. I picked it up two years ago when it had 170,000 miles on it. But, it was owned at the time by a well-respected mechanic and was used regularly by his family. The price was also right, so after trying it out and looking it over, I decided it was worth the risk. I wanted two years out of it, which I got, and now I would not mind two more! All told and gremlins aside, I am very pleased with the van.

The only major problem I had with it the first winter was just trying to get it to move during the very cold days. Even with a heater on the transmission pan, it was terribly sluggish. So, when I was ready to change the fluid at 185K, I looked at alternate fluids. Amsoil, which I use for all my vehicles' engines and change once per year, makes a "universal" ATF that claims to be compatible. I contacted them to inquire for assurance purposes and they supported their claim. I figured if I changed the fluid and the transmission immediately failed then it would be their liability. I took the chance and came up smelling like roses. And, it behaves much better in frigid temperatures.

sbradshaw · May 2009

I was looking up some information in the manual about the (BRAKE) light that periodically comes on and read something simiular that could accure. You might want to scan the manual just for eliminations too.

pilkerton21 · May 2009

I have a 2001 DGC and it has been leaking ps fluid for a while now, but it's getting much worse. I have to add ps fluid at least once a day to keep it from whining and getting stiff. The resevoir is empty eachday so the leak is bad. I need to replace the rack and pinion and need to know how to do it myself and how difficult is it to do?

Anybody got step by step directions? :confuse:

xwesx · May 2009

No, but you could do yourself a huge favor (and inexpensively) by picking up a Haynes repair manual.

I noticed on my '98 Caravan that the steering hydraulics underneath the van are leaking. I suspect that is probably where yours is leaking as well, even though mine is not yet as bad as you report. I do not have the details for the full repair as I have not performed it, but access on my van is relatively simple, requiring only the removal of a massive skid plate that is mounted under the steering and transfer case. Once removed, the area containing those hydraulics is very easy to access.

hockeyhauler · May 2009

Are you sure it is the rack and pinion leaking. Are DGC had a powersteering leak and it was a bad line. The vehicle had 100k on it and was 9 years old. There is a tab welded to the line to mount it to the undercarriage and it rusted at the weld. Three weeks later I had to repair the coolant lines that run to the rear of the vehicle for the same issue.

basline11 · August 2009

I've read many posts where the moaning noise goes away after the vehicle warms up but I have the oposite problem. After an hour of driveing, the moaning is load and clear during turns. If it could be the compressor pulley bearing, then could it be any one of the pulley bearings? Any thoughts, anyone?

sbradshaw · August 2009

I replaced the power steering pump twice on my 2001 G Caravan Sport. It made even more noise, wheel started ramdomly sticking, then finally froze. I replaced the rack and pinion. It was only quiet for about 3 months. When the weather heated up it got louder. I bought a used/rebuilt r&p from Advance Auto so It may have been a faulty one but it had a lifetime warranty so they will exhange it. I can't help but think there is something else the 3 mechanics that did the work is missing that is causing it besides the r&p and/or pump. Please post your fix. I'll try it too.

xwesx · August 2009

What about the reservoir? I have heard that there is a filter at the base of them that can clog, causing poor fluid circulation that can starve the pump and cause the whine....

ironcity1 · September 2009

Dodgeman thans for all the advice. Plan on getting a new PS Res. this weekend. Got another question. My check engine light is on and got the code P1494 (Leak detection pump switch or mechanical failure).. Do you happen to know where the pump is located? I have a 2001 DGC.
Thanks,
Bill

backyardmech74 · September 2009

could be that your cooler is getting plugged and causing alot of backpressure u might want to bypass it or replace it

backyardmech74 · September 2009

thanks to everyone on here. I went to dodge to order a new reservior and they did not have a part # for it so I came home and went back to this sight and got the part # for them but by that time they had found it. It is listed under hoses. I was prepared to change the pump and rack and pinion. But luckily I stumbled onto this website(thanks to google) and changed the reservior ,fixed a few problems.
thanks again all

jpor1018 · September 2009

Thanks to everyone who wrote in.My 2003 GC with 91000 miles was driving me crazy with its whinning.Since it was sunday and this seems to be a dealer part only all I did was remove the reservior and soaked it with degreaser in hot water flushed and reverse flushed it several times then dried it out Its been two days and all is quiet. Hope this helps

tomg4 · September 2009

Hey all thanks to the info on this forum I replaced the reservoir on my 2005 T&C 3.8L.

As others have mentioned, the rear (large) hose was a pain in the butt.

Since I was having trouble I unhooked everything (top bolts, back bolt, small hose, so I could twist the reservoir and the hose in opposite directions...still no luck.

mine was frozen until I spritzed some WD40 around the seam at the end of the hose where it butted up against the reservoir. Then I sipped on a beer for 2 mins, and after light-medium twisting, it broke free.

tazz24b · October 2009

My Dodge Grand Caravan with 118,000 miles, the steering will stick at times then come back. At first I thought it was the R & P, but the people at steer & gear tell me that is not a R & P symptom. I am iin the process of changing the rear heater hoses and tubes, any input would be greatly appreciated

Dodge Grand Caravan Steering

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