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Dodge Grand Caravan Steering

205 messages,  Last post on Nov 21, 2011 at 7:42 AM

You are in the Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan Forum.

What is this discussion about? Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town and Country, Plymouth Voyager, Steering, Van

Messages Page 19 of 21

#179 of 205 Re: 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan Problems [sgk1] by sbradshaw

Jan 22, 2010 (10:00 am)

Replying to: sgk1 (Jan 22, 2010 9:17 am)
I don't have the part number but remove the door on the glove box. You can see where the blower plugs into the resistor. It is attached to the dash be only 2 screws. My plug had gotten so hot it had melted to the resistor and didnt want to come out. I had smelled a "burning wire" smell for months before it finally quit. It takes about 3 minutes to install but I'm sure they can find a number on it at the part store. I think I ordered mine from Auto Zone b/c not everyone can get them. My rear blower has never given me trouble so I dont think thats your problem if you are having trouble with it too. Odd that they both would go out. Did you check your fuses?

#180 of 205 Steering Whine by bobv7

Feb 03, 2010 (4:16 pm)

I have a 06 DGC. Like many others I have the whine. In addition, there is fluid leaking from the rack & pinion boot. Does this mean I need to change the rack and pinion? What is under the boot?
 
Thanks in advance...

#181 of 205 Re: Steering Whine [bobv7] by srs_49

Feb 03, 2010 (5:37 pm)

Replying to: bobv7 (Feb 03, 2010 4:16 pm)
Underneath the boot on each side is a plastic or thick rubber seal that keeps the high pressure power steering fluid inside the rack. One or both of these seals are leaking, if you are seeing fluid leak out of the boot.
 
You can live with it for a while - just keep adding PS fluid - depending on how much it's leaking. But eventually, it will be leaking so bad you have to replace it.

#182 of 205 Re: Steering Whine [srs_49] by xwesx

Feb 03, 2010 (6:18 pm)

Replying to: srs_49 (Feb 03, 2010 5:37 pm)
The rack is not too terrible in terms of expense - probably about $250 - but the work itself is a real pain in the rear.....

#183 of 205 Re: power steering problem [tednbasia] by mamoo1

Feb 04, 2010 (9:22 am)

Replying to: tednbasia (Nov 21, 2009 7:09 pm)
Hi i just bought the Dodge Caravan with the same problem, i am wondering is this problem fixed with your van, from where you fixed that and how much it costs. thanks

#184 of 205 Re: Steering Whine [xwesx] by srs_49

Feb 04, 2010 (10:02 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Feb 03, 2010 6:18 pm)
Yes, I know. I replaced the rack on my '87 BMW 4 or 5 years ago.
 
With that car though, being pretty well balanced front to rear, I was able to drive it with the power steering pump disconnected (hose removed). On the road it was fine, but parking required some arm strength - like back in the old days . I don't think I would do that with any minivan!

#185 of 205 Re: Steering Whine [srs_49] by xwesx

Feb 04, 2010 (10:41 am)

Replying to: srs_49 (Feb 04, 2010 10:02 am)
Hahah; yeah, I bet it did! Driving a power steering car without it is a whole different animal from driving a car built without power steering. Either way, though, low-speed, tight steering maneuvers are a workout without the power assist. I have a 1969 Ford Econoline that is an excellent reminder of how far vehicles have come in the last 40 years.

#186 of 205 Power steering by racin_jason

Mar 13, 2010 (7:46 am)

I have a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan and I experienced the same whining noise as most are stating on this page. The Rack & Pinion Assembally is shot. I had this confirmed by the daelership and a couple of service stations. This is an ongoing issue and just may result in a recall in the future. Hang onto your receipts. This is a very premature wearing of the Rack & Pinion system. Most last for the lifetime of the vehicle.

#187 of 205 Power Steering Gear by ampfi

Mar 24, 2010 (2:10 pm)

I have 2002 DGC Sport. I moved from US to overseas in 2005. My van was shipped in the container.I started to have problems with the noise while steering. Local dealer said that it came from the power steering gear which had to be replaced 2007. Now there's a leak (I was told it's from the power steering pump) at both ends of power steering gear which shows on the rubber linkage under the car. I was told that the power steering gear needs to be replaced again which cost me last time over 900 euros meaning over $1000.00. Has anybody else experienced similar problem? Is it really necessary to replace the whole steering gear? I'm not mechanically inclined for that reason I'm sending this message to get help from this forum and people who have expertise to give me advise what I should do to save money and have the van in working condition. Thanks in advance for your advise! Ampfi from Finland

#188 of 205 Replaced Both Hoses to Power Steering Cooler, Now What. by masterpaul1

Apr 13, 2010 (7:25 pm)

Hi All,
While I was doing an oil change on our 2001 DGC EX w/3.8L engine w/123K, I notice a dark liquid on one of the power steering hoses, that connects to the power steering oil cooler. So, I cleaned both hoses, with a dry shop cloth, and adjusted/tightened one of the hose clamps. Pulled out of the garage and notice while turning, the steering felt weird and I heard a winning noise. (Never heard this before). So, I drove down the ally. Made a left turn and the steering was getting very stiff. Pulled over, with the engine still running, and saw power steering fluid streaming to the ground. So, I drove back home, about a block and pulled back in the garage. (Some fluid was still running out slow after I turned off the engine.)
 
I ended up having to replace one of the power steering hoses connected to the oil cooler, which was about a foot in length without an elbow. Replaced with smaller hose from the dealership, and the second hose as well. Both curved with an elbow and about 5 inches in length. (What a job this was.) I ended up replacing all of the fluid with ATF 4, since it pretty much all ran out during the repair.
 
The problem now, is when I turn, I feel vibration in the steering wheel, as well as through the cabin at times. (Most noticeable when turning slow.) There are no leaks. The fluid level is fine. I made sure to turn the wheel back and forth a few times before driving, to get the air out of the lines. Drove for about 10 miles and no change. I was thinking, maybe I should have replaced the one hose, that was a foot long with the same size hose without an elbow. Maybe the fluid isn’t flowing like it should through the smaller hose. Any help would greatly be appreciated. Thanks

Messages Page 19 of 21

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