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Chrysler Town & Country power steering problems

2

Comments

  • villageab1villageab1 Member Posts: 1
    Hey guys - POWER STEERING PROBLEM SOLVED! our 2005 town and country had the same power steering noise - after listening to a bunch of advice and getting the dealer to quote us $1400 for a new rack and pump - we found a smart local mechanic who did some research - so for a $29 part + an hour labor - he replaced the p/s resevoir - apparently there is a teflon type of additive in the factory p/s fluid that clogs the screen in the resevoir - and guess what! - no more p/s noise - no leaks - no problem!

    Hope this helps - spread the word
  • kvanderkvander Member Posts: 3
    UPDATE: I filed a formal complaint with Chrysler, sending receipts and documentation of the repair. Ultimately, I received a check for $527 :D from them. No letter, no reason, but the refund speaks for itself I suspect. If you haven't already done so, give it a try. Call the Customer Assistance number first to get a complaint number, then they'll tell you what to send and where.
    Good luck!
    PS - if you are just now discovering the problem, try the p/s reservoir changeout noted below first!
  • esscurvejunkieesscurvejunkie Member Posts: 2
    I'm having PS problems with my 1996 Town and Country. It has a rebuilt engine with approx. 14,000 miles on it. When making a turn, it makes a whining noise and has a really stiff feel in the wheel. The engine sometimes stalls out when making a sharp turn at low to mid-range speed. I've noticed too, that there is some blow back from the top of the fluid reservoir, but no apparent leaks from around the pump.
    Any ideas or suggestions?
  • enufkids4nowenufkids4now Member Posts: 3
    We don't know if our engne is rebuilt or not, is there a way to tell??? We bought our 1996 T & C 2 months ago today from a used car dealer, and I have also noticed that there is a really stiff feel in our wheel too, but no whining noise!!!
  • sylvapipersylvapiper Member Posts: 1
    I had hoped this would work, (replacing the P/S reservoir) but my mechanic says once a rack starts leaking, it won't stop leaking. We will have the rack replaced and the fluid changed for $600. OUCH!
  • esscurvejunkieesscurvejunkie Member Posts: 2
    We had the engine rebuilt at around 140,000 miles. I can't tell you hot to tell if the engine is rebuilt or not, other than to try and find who the previous owner was, prior to the dealer.
  • derknee52derknee52 Member Posts: 1
    I just went and got my 04 from dealer with a PS problem. cost of repairs 1009.00. I will use the suggestions given. Calling Chysyler in the morning. Will never buy a chrysler product again! :mad:
  • willies9willies9 Member Posts: 1
    Just took my 2006 T&C (60,000 miles) in to have the EGR Valve replaced. Was told the P/S rack is leaking and needs to be replaced ($1100). Any word on whether there will be a recall?
  • silverdalesilverdale Member Posts: 2
    Does anyone have a 2005 or 2006 Town and Country Short Wheel Base (or Dodge Caravan SWB) that has tight power steering? We bought our 2006 new and only have 6,000 miles on it and have taken it in for warranty twice for the power steering -or lack of. No whines or noise, just extremely difficult to turn. Getting in and out of parking places is miserable. The first time the dealer said it was overly tight but couldn't find a problem. The second time they replaced the rack, which didn't improve the steering at all, and said there was nothing more they could do. Took it to the Dodge dealer who said the Crysler dealer did not replace the rack and agreed after a test drive that there was a problem. They found a leak and replaced the rack. Only a slight improvement. Can't find any used SWB versions anywhere near us to test drive to compare. The long wheel base uses a different rack, so testing that model won't help us. We live in a small town that's a ferry ride away from the big city and don't have any other Chrylser dealers in the area. The Dodge dealer was great but is now out of business.
  • srs_49srs_49 Member Posts: 1,394
    Power steering pump, maybe? One way you might be able to tell is to disable the power steering (by removing the power steering pump drive belt) and see if the steering effort is any greater. Just a thought.
  • 04grand04grand Member Posts: 3
    Found this by googling caravan power steering pump. Read through the 7 pages of replies and signed up to reply (but now I only see 4 pages of replies??). Anyway, I have power steering noise when it gets cold. 04 Grand we bought used last Sept with 96000 kms on it, and now has 125000 kms. No leakage that I can see, although I have what appears to be a small oil leak on the driver side. PS fluid level is at the bottom of the normal range when cold. I presume it will go to the top of the normal range when hot but I'll have to check that.

    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.
  • srs_49srs_49 Member Posts: 1,394
    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.
  • 369369 Member Posts: 1
    I had to replace the rack on my 2006 town & country yesterday at 37000 miles, cost
    $ 880. I also contacted the customer assistance number. I hope I have the same results you did.
  • 04grand04grand Member Posts: 3
    A few weeks ago I went to my dealer to buy a new reservoir. When checking at the service counter for the upper PS hose recall, the service guy said my van had no outstanding recalls but if I was having a noise problem to fill the reservoir about 1/8" above the high-full mark. They have found this eliminated a lot of noise problems. I bought a bottle of ATF+4 at the parts counter, went home and topped up about 1/4" above the high-full mark. Mine was right at the low-full mark (still in the 'normal' range). Well what do you know, it fixed the problem! I wanted to make sure we went through some cold weather before responding but we have gone through about -10C weather and no noise at all. This has seem to fixed it for now.

    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.
  • greg365greg365 Member Posts: 1
    2006 Town & Country with 33,000 original miles. Whining noise coming from steering unit. Turns out the steering unit is leaking fluid. Replacement is $960 dollars in Noblesville, Indiana. I first thought I was being scammed but after reading all the post on this site I see that it is a major problem with this model. The bad news is my warranty has expired based on the 36 months but I am still under 36,000 miles. I know they will not cover it though. Merry Christmas.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,762
    How many miles do you have on your '04? When is the last time the spark plugs/wires were changed?
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • carlw2carlw2 Member Posts: 1
    I cant believe all the posts. Have same noise -whinning sound- 42,000 miles! talking to dealership now. I am hearing call Chrysler and get compalint number filed and YOU all SHOULD call State attorney generals office might lead to RECALL. Is it true replace just the power steering reservior????? Need help!
  • 04grand04grand Member Posts: 3
    It has about 75k miles on it now (125k kms). Plugs and wires have probably never been changed but that could definitely be a cause for low-rpm stumble under load is some worn-out or melted plug wires, eh? I've read that before as something to check on other cars. Somehow the spark isn't enough to jump the gap or a restriction that happened within the wiring at lower RPM?
  • fixitup1fixitup1 Member Posts: 1
    I have an 02 that has been whinning on and off since July. I read a tech brief that said the hydraulic hoses were too short. With that in mind I overfilled the reservoir a bit and it quit. It came back last week when the temperatures dipped below freezing. I was just about to have the pump replaced when I tried a new tighter fitting reservoir cap. The whinning stopped without being overfilled. I would try a new reservoir cap before paying anyone a dime.
  • marty62marty62 Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2006 Town & Country that has had this whinning sound for some time. I wasn't sure until I read this thread where it was coming from. I slighty overfilled the reservoir and thankfully it seems to have stopped the problem. Of course, I called the dealership about the problem before Xmas and it was out of the warranty coverage. I'm sure they would have gladly ripped me with charges had I taken it in. I purchased the van the year before they came out with their supposed greatly extended warranty. Thanks people for posting this problem...It may have saved me some real expense... :)
  • jrsattjrsatt Member Posts: 5
    I am quite positive this is not the end of your problem, you did save yourself some money for at least a while, who knows, you may keep it going until your driveway is covered with fluid but if it works, more power to you. Chrysler, if it is an honest company, should make a correction and cover those of us that suffered through this problem. Thankfully I was under my Chrysler Insurance and still had to pay a hundred plus 7% tax to get it fixed; much better than 800 or so. I still think I should be reimbursed the hundred by the company that built a failed product.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,762
    Apologies for the slow reply. Yes, weak spark (caused by high resistance in the plug wires or corroded/gummed up points on the plugs) can cause issues when additional fuel is dumped into the cylinder. Without a good spark, the fuel does not burn well, you get less power, and the engine stumbles. I dealt with this recently on an Escort and never suspected the plug wires (since they were "recently" replaced and only had 30,000 miles on them). I replaced the plugs, which helped for a few days, but the problem slowly began to return. Once the wires were replaced, it was almost like installing a new engine!

    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.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • jimmyroyjimmyroy Member Posts: 1
    A little over 40,000 miles developed noise under the hood that sounded like a cat trapped in there when the car was cold. Warranty had expired so finally took it to my mechanic. Recommended the Power Steering unit be serviced. Had that done but noise came back in two days. Took the van back to mechanic for two more days. Was called by mechanic and told he had checked with Chrysler dealer in town and this was a problem common to Chrysler and there was no fix for it. Could replace unit for $700. but noise might return in a week. No guarantee it wouldn't. Or I could just live with it. I chose to live with it until I could investigate further. Took van in for oil change and told service man about the problem when he recommended servicing the power steering unit under routine maintenance. Service man asked if he could add something to the fluid level for free to see if the noise would stop. Guess what? Noise has stopped and he just told me it was a trick of the trade. If this is a problem common with Chrysler, then it seems to me something should be done to alert the public or other owners. Hope the quick fix holds.
  • gingersnaps426gingersnaps426 Member Posts: 1
    I too have a 2006 T&C and it is also making that noise, but mine makes it all the time now. Mine has 52,000 miles and is out of warrenty and I don't have that kind of money to fix it but still owe like crazy on it. I think people should pass a petition and start a suit against chrystler if they wont fix them
  • evendyevendy Member Posts: 1
    Just read your post.........I can't believe all the website postings I am finding on this problem.....I also have a 2006 T&C and have the same problem.... but my dealer in St.Louis Missouri quoted me a price to fix it at about $1700.00 .... I told them they were nuts....I bought the car used and had a warranty on it but of course the warranty didn't cover it.... I couldn't afford to get it fixed at that price....so it brings to my question to you !!!!! PLEASE can you find out what your service man put into your unit to fix the noise and problems. I am a woman and know a little about vehicles but not when it comes to something like this.... so if you can respond to me I would greatly appreciate it...... :cry:
    Thanks,
    Sincerely,
    Looking for a solution...
    Evendy....
  • bigpete7695bigpete7695 Member Posts: 1
    I too am interested about the "free fluid" that was put in to fix it. Called Chrysler and said take to dealer but I told them the dealers are the ones who charge you an arm and a leg. I would rather take to my own mechanic. Customer Service said Chrysler will not reimburse a person but they "may" pay a dealer. Purchased vehicle second hand don't even have a year. Chrysler says if you are a loyal customer(i.e...original owner of vehicle-which I am not and your loyalty to the dealers-who charge 1400.00-1700.00). Where is Chryslers loyalty to their customers? :cry::cry:
  • justnowjustnow Member Posts: 2
    I SINCERELY DON'T THINK THIS WILL SOLVE THE PROBLEM, BECAUSE CHRYSLER WOULD OF DONE THAT INSTEAD OF GEETING A BILL FROM THE DEARLERS FOR HAVING VEHICLES REPAIRED UNDER WARRNATY. MY 2005 T& C WAS IN THE SHOP 4 TIMES WITH SAME PROBLEMS UNDER WARRANTY. THE RACK & PINION POWER STEERING PUMP REPLACED EACH TIME. NOW I RAN OUT OF THE WARRANTY AND NOW I DECIDED JUST TO ADD FLUID TO PUMP, AND IGNORE THE PUMP"S NOISE AT COLD START. INOISE ONLY LAST ABOUT 10-15 SECONDS. IT HAS BEEN DOING THAT FOR OVER A YEAR NOW.
  • ultilabultilab Member Posts: 1
    There is definetly a trend here. My 06 town an country started whining and a local service man found fluid squirting out. He wants about a $1000.00 to fix it. Symptoms sound exactly like yours. I have it parked now because i do not have the money to fix it. I wonder where we go from here.
  • jrsattjrsatt Member Posts: 5
    Methinks you should call the Toyota dealer because Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth don't understand the recall procedure to satisfy their loyal customers. Possibly a call to the Better Business Bureau and tell them to look at the Edmunds Car Space and give them
    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.
  • mattm2010mattm2010 Member Posts: 1
    ok, well this may be late info for some people. I read over a few threads on this power steering whining noise. Just today I replaced the power steering reservoir and PRESTO, no further whining. Well, so far on the first day. $28 at my local dealer and he said they have had a run on replacing these things. Hmm, wonder why?? :) Anyway, it was a fairly easy fix. I own a T&C 2006.
  • dshadeldshadel Member Posts: 1
    I bought my T&C new in October 2006. In October 2008, the dealership replaced the power steering pump and battery when I had it in the shop for replacing the power sliding door electrical parts. I had maybe 18K miles on it. Last month when it got really cold, the front end starting making a whining noise. I only have 25K miles on it now. I finally took it back to the Chrysler dealership that did the previous repairs. They called and said that it needed both the pump and the rack replaced for $1,400. However, since they had replaced the pump already under warranty and that if I had an extended warranty (which I don't) that it would only cost me the $100 deductible. They said they would only charge me the $100 and charge Chrysler the rest. Guess I got lucky and found a reputable dealership (or maybe it is just a CYA now that Toyota is in a major donwfall!)
  • clorox91clorox91 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2006 Chrysler Town and Country... same problem. Started at around 70,000 miles. Its getting worse. We all need to submit defect complaint to NHTSA.... https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov . Spread the word!!! Lets get this fixed on Chryslers dime!
  • rbucky64rbucky64 Member Posts: 2
    Thanks to this forum I was able to fix power steering problem cheaply. Hope it's not to late for somebody else and it applies. I have a 2005 T&C that had a very loud power steering whine. The fluid level was fine but after reading the forum I decided that I would flush the power steering reservoir and see if that worked. I bought a $5.00 siphone from auto parts store and 2 quarts of ATF+4. I siphoned all the fluid out of the reservoir that I could and replaced w/ new fluid. Drove a couple of miles and repeated the process. The whine stopped and has not come back in the last 3000 miles or so. Thanks for all the helpful posts!
  • marty62marty62 Member Posts: 2
    This is just a follow up to say that the power steering noise has not returned yet. We have put many miles on the van since the original posting...Good luck!
  • ryan78ryan78 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2006 T&C that has been nothing, and I mean, nothing but one problem after another in the two years that I've owned it. I took the van in for same whining noise, amongst other things, earlier this year to a local auto shop. They had to replace the power steering rack, etc, totaling about $1000. Three weeks later I had to take it back in for the same thing and was told it was a defective part. They replaced it free of charge, but I had to wait 3 or 4 days.

    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:
  • timcritontimcriton Member Posts: 1
    I'm a missionary who lives in Guatemala.
    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.
  • molizard76molizard76 Member Posts: 1
    Ok I have to ask this question. When those of you who had the rack and pinion replaced in your van. Mine is an 06 Grand Caravan. 77k miles. its leaking fluid so it needs replaced I need to know if anyone has been told to flush the power steering system. Dealership says doesnt need done because all old fluid will drain out when new rack is put on... Other mechanic says yes.

    Any thoughts? I'm scheduled to have this replaced thursday am. I need to know if I can insist it not be done.
    Thanks!
  • rich_burbagerich_burbage Member Posts: 1
    edited June 2010
    Woooo! Is this a really bad trend. I'm in the process of purchasing a used 32K 06 TC. I brought it home and started it the next morning. Screeming whine under the hood. Steering wasn't power assisted anymore. Checked fluid. Empty. I just happened to have some PS fluid onhand. Filled then leaked out immediately. I called Carmax. Come pick it up. They are replacing everything for $0. Is this problem going to repeat again? :lemon:
  • bart20bart20 Member Posts: 1
    2003 T&C,
    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
  • kennbaronkennbaron Member Posts: 1
    i got a 1996 tc that i am changeing rack and pinoion whats the best way to remove p/s hoses and coupler any tricks cause it dont look easy and i consider my self a experinced mechanic (heavy equipment mechanic)
  • srs_49srs_49 Member Posts: 1,394
    I've never did one on a van, but did replace the rack and pinion unit on an '87 BMW.

    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.
  • coqui69coqui69 Member Posts: 1
    Early sept. 2010, my 2005 T&C (106,000 miles) just went stiff and it seemed like all had shut down, just as I was in the middle of a curve in an intersection. Thank God was just at 10-15 mph, cause it stopped in front of a light post! I turned the key off, then on again and it seemed ok??!! Next day took it to the dealer in town and had them check evrything w/diagnostic machine. They replaced a pump sensor (?) that could've been wet, since it was raining. This had never happened before and I'm only owner. Never had any mechanic tend to the engine; only the dealer. They said another dodge caravan of 2006 had the same problem reported. They implied someone (mechanic) may have messed w/the sensors...To fix that +new wiring, etc = $1300....After 9/10 a strong vibration or shuddering started at low speed (gear changing?) or 1 to 1-1/2 rpm, I let go of the accelerat pedal and goes away.. Dealer says its my transmission plus my alternator...costing $3,200 more!!! anyone has similar experience?Why didn't the diagnostic check pick up on these problems? To fix this car or buy a new one...that's my quest!
  • kikilalamamakikilalamama Member Posts: 6
    edited November 2010
    Our van has started with the cold weather making a whirring sound with a cold startup which increases when I turn, after awhile it goes away but over the course of a week it is becoming more consistent and yesterday when I turned it felt as though the belt was slipping for a second, along with an increase of the sound. My question is does it sound like an issue of the belt needing to be tightened or could it be the pump or fluid needs replacing? Took it to my mechanic and he said they didnt find any leaks, of course didnt hear the noise and it COULD be we need a new pump or rack and pinion at the tune of $1600....but, "they werent sure"....

    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:
  • da2010da2010 Member Posts: 1
    I read your posting the other day and using the same procedure seems to have fixed my power steering problem.

    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.
  • totallydadtotallydad Member Posts: 3
    I know it probably has been a while since you had this problem, but the 1996 town and country has a plastic power steering pump pulley, my pulley completely cracked out and was making a lot of noise, it dumped the belt. I recommend that the pump be replaced, but this could be really spendy! If the belt is loose, its probobly the pulley coming apart, have the pulley checked out before you go any further, the belt has a constant tension on it and should never be loose, if it stretches out the tensioner will keep it tight. if the belt gets loose, it will fly off and you will also lose your water pump, alternator and A/C if you have it, Good luck.
  • kikilalamamakikilalamama Member Posts: 6
    thanks, getting it checked today and will mention they check this! I did notice shortly after posting this that I have air in my fluid & also was low on fluid, possibly noting a leak so I ran out and got the lucas stop leak and refilled, but two mornings ago I got the tell tale whine again, just seems to be when I do a start up but its enough to tick me off! I think I may have a bad pulley also, I hear it jingling in there when I stop the engine so, all is getting looked at today. And really hoping its not the pump, if so may have to install myself to avoid the cost!
  • totallydadtotallydad Member Posts: 3
    One more thing, today I finished my pump and it was really difficult. I am an aircraft mechanic with more than 25 years in the Biz, and have worked on just about everything out there that flies, and I used to overhaul helicopter transmissions and rotor systems, so I have a couple of skills, but this job was for the birds The books today don't tell you everything that you need to know.They try to cover all of the cars in the series in one manual, they will tell you in the instructions that its a 3.2 liter engine and show you pictures of a 3.8. If you aren't the one doing the work its no problem. I had countless problems the worst of which was that the pulley Bore "hole" was .009 inches smaller than the Shaft which means it won't push on, luckily for me I know a machinist with a honing machine who took off about .006 inches that is 6 thousandths of an inch, just so I could install the pulley with a .002 in press, "pinch fit" and the pulley had molding extraction burs on it and it shredded my belt after 30 miles of driving. If you have a friend do it for you provide them with many cold adult beverages, cause hell need them. Best regards
  • totallydadtotallydad Member Posts: 3
    Jiggle the pulley, if it wobbles it's toast!, It is a difficult job to be sure, i cant tell you how many problems i had, but I did remove the right hand cv shaft and wheel assy and move it out of my way, all in all the job took me about ten hours labor and 20 hours driving, you will need to rent a puller set from your local parts house I rented one from O Reily auto parts most places will rent the tool for a day or two with a refundable deposit. The pulley has to come off before you remove it!, the pump wont clear the housing with the pulley installed. Its a big job but it will save you a ton of money! best regards
  • dicky_mint1dicky_mint1 Member Posts: 2
    Hi, I own a 2003 Chrysler Grand Voyager 3.3 V6. For about 12 months we have suffered a grumbling, groaning, whining and heavily vibrating steering noise.
    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)!
  • greggie990greggie990 Member Posts: 5
    I removed my pump on my 97 T&C because it was leaking. Of course there's a "trick" to getting it out (posted on the Allpar web site). Remove the crank sharft pulley first then you will be able to get the PS pump and bracket out, without taking off the axle shaft. Details are on the web site. I free rented the pulley puller from Advance Auto parts. It's still a half day job, but doable for an moderate Shade Tree mechanic.
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