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Hope this helps - spread the word
Good luck!
PS - if you are just now discovering the problem, try the p/s reservoir changeout noted below first!
Any ideas or suggestions?
Noise first appeared when having the front brakes checked and the mechanic turning the wheels by hand. After starting the van, we got quite the shudder when turning the wheel when at idle. Rev it up a bit and it goes away. It eventually went away after a day or so. Had a cold snap a few months later, and the noise came back but would go away when it warmed up. Redid the front brakes just a couple months ago, and the noise returned after turning the rack by hand to get at the brake components. Went away after a day or so. Now the colder temps are returning and so is the noise. Loud whine most present at idle.
Mechanic who checked the front brakes the first time when the noise appeared said one of the hoses might be collapsing internally, causing a pressure drop in the line. That is plausible. Brake hoses can also do that. I might replace the hoses even though NAPA doesn't carry a part number for them (odd). Hoses aren't expensive and are usually not hard to replace.
Read on here about the reservoir. Another inexpensive fix I can do myself. I think I'll do that too.
Has anyone just replaced the pump and not the rack? NAPA has a rebuilt pump for $130 CDN + $65 core charge. I found a how-to on replacing the pump here:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4777406_change-steering-pump-dodge-caravan.html
Doesn't sound that bad at all. In fact, when we bought our van, the car dealer had another Caravan on the lot that was about to get a PS pump replaced and he said it was an easy fix for his mechanic to do so.
Where do you see the leaks when the racks are failing? Driver or passenger side? I never like saying "right" or "left" since that can so easily be mixed up.
Leaks could be on either side or both, depending on which seal is worn and leaking the worst.
$ 880. I also contacted the customer assistance number. I hope I have the same results you did.
So, make sure to go with the cheapest fix first and fill to about 1/8" to 1/4" above the high level mark and you might be okay!
Now on to finding out why I have an occasional stutter and stumble at lower RPM under load....
Merry Christmas.
On mine, though, the problem occurred all through the rpm range when under load, and, when it was really bad, even a little when it was just sitting there idling.
Thanks,
Sincerely,
Looking for a solution...
Evendy....
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f172b27/79
and let them look up the list of complaints.
To many of us have been gouged by this company.
Yesterday, while over 200 miles from home on business, the van began making a horrible screeching noise and wheel wouldn't turn. After getting it to a Goodyear, I was told that it once again was leaking power steering fluid and that all the seals are bad. Had it towed for over $400 back to auto shop in my home town. Can't wait to hear what they have to say in the morning, but after reading these pages, it sounds like I need to make a call to Chrysler first thing. Someone is reimbursing me for that tow! :mad:
I have a 98 Chrysler t/c lxi, everything has been great until about a year ago when the steering began to get hard to turn, over the past year I have replaced the P/S/ pump twice, the hoses, and had the rack and pinion rebuilt. And flushed the P/S system. it works fine for 10-30 min and then gets hard to turn, if I put it it park and gun the engine it is easy.
I don't know what else to do, all the mechanics I talk to are stumped and just want to change the entire system again, the original mechanic who did all the work is clueless.
I'd appreciate any help. Oh by the way the P/S pumps were bought from autozone in the U.S.
Any thoughts? I'm scheduled to have this replaced thursday am. I need to know if I can insist it not be done.
Thanks!
Problem: With key on (not running) when i turn the steering wheel back and fourth and the wheels are just turning there is a knocking/bump noise, when driving and turning wheels its more noticeable.
What I know: The bump noise is coming from the drivers side inner tie rod going into the steering gear assy. i can feel it there "bumping" while the steering wheel is being turned back and fourth.
Seems like the "gear box needs tightened) but not sure on this set up
Had the van since 2004 haven't had it aligned,1) because it still drives straight.2) the outer end of the pass.tire was wearing a little.3) I haven't had the power steering hoses changed (recall)
Is it time for an alignment? does the "gear box need tightened"? I know I need it taken in for the recall on the hoses..is the any more recalls?
Thanks
IIRC, removing the hoses was just a matter of having the right size sockets and/or wrenches, extensions, etc to be able to get at the nuts that attach the hoses to the rack assembly.
From working with heavy equipment with their hydraulics, you are probably familiar with the pressures involved and how tight those fittings need to be torqued in order to prevent leaks.
I will note the belt is new and was replaced almost a year ago. Would love some input before I take out a loan :lemon:
I purchased a suction gun, removed as much of the fluid as possible from the reservoir (there was some residue that came from the bottom) then refilled with new oil, drove it around for a bit to get a good circulation. Then again removed the oil and refilled with new oil. So far, the noise has not returned and the steering feels more like it should.
I would highly recommend this procedure. I had been told I would need to have the rack and pinon replaced with a cost over $1000. This only cost a few dollars.
On cold days it would sound like power steering low on oil. If I started it and let it run for a few minutes, turn it off for a while, then I could restart with no problem. Too much trouble.
The vibration was so bad that the interior mirror would shake and the vibration was felt through out the inside of the cab.
The noise was embarassing when driving into and around a car park -it really was that loud!
The general view of the mechanics was that I needed to replace the steering rack and proberbly the steeering pump too....around £1000.
I did some research on the internet and found a profound answer to this type of problem.
I was doubtful of the solution because the answer was so simple it could not possibly explain all the bad symptoms my GV was suffering???
So today 08.01.11 we have carried out the instructions and I can hardly believe the result - 99% cure in only 5 mins of running her up - I'm astounded....
The problem????
Dirty filter in the power steering fluid reservoir!
The solution????
Take the reservoir off and clean it out or replace it with a new one (a £35 dealer only part)
It would seem that even whilst the fluid looks clean, the filter is so fine that it clogs up after several years service or about 50~60,000 miles.
When it clogs up it reduces and restricts the flow of fluid which in turn creates all the associated noises -
Groaning, grumbling, whining and the mega bad vibrations too!!
What pisses me off is that this seems a real common problem and it looks as thought a number of people are being ripped off with a bogus repair solution
- surely the dealers must be aware of this simple fix??????
Try it, worst case senario?? You'll waste 30 - 60 min's and poss' a £35 part.
Many thanks to the original poster - you've saved me the best part of a £1000.
PS you can see the fix on you tube search for Dodge Caravan steering noise.
Good Luck from across the pond (UK)!