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Vans & Minivans Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan Dodge Grand Caravan Steering
171 messages, Last post on Nov 21, 2009 at 6:09 PM
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Replying to: kcarroll007 (Sep 23, 2008 6:39 am)
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Replying to: bonomi (Oct 08, 2008 9:39 am)
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Replying to: srs_49 (Oct 08, 2008 1:48 pm) |
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I started having a high pitched whine about a year and a half ago (only in the a.m.) and I couldn't find the problem. Since I come from generations of mechanics, my dad taught me to work on my own car or at least to be mechanically savvy. I researched that problem and took it into the shop. They were insistent that I needed a new power steering pump, but I stood my ground and asked them if they would just do a flush of the steering system, first. I had read this might help. They weren't happy, but in the end they did the flush and GUESS WHAT? Yep, the noise stopped. Only problem...it's back! Yes, it held for almost two years, but with this recent awakening of the problem, I was looking for a more permanent solution. This time, it was a whine and a groan. I read this blog and decided to replace my power steering resevoir. I paid $25.35 + tax at a Dodge dealer and replaced it myself. There are three screws (top two 8mm, bottom 10mm). The bottom one is hard to get to, but only needs to be loosened, once found. The resevoir slides onto it. Removing all hoses to improve access helps. I have a brake bleeder hand pump (generic brand) that made fast work out of emptying the power steering fluid from the old one. It took less than 30 min. for the entire replacement process. I also cut the old resevoir in half and found alot of black gummy liquid clogging up more than 2/3 of the filter inside. I paid approx. $60 for the system flush two years ago and a total of $35 this time to replace the resevoir/fluid. I'm hoping this fix lasts longer! Either way...it's cheaper than a rack & pinion or a new pump. Remember, if I can do it...you can too!
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Replying to: fearlesslady (Nov 01, 2008 8:35 am)
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Replying to: jimmymac15 (Nov 02, 2008 6:03 am) I sent a of letter to Dodge about this common problem about a month ago and no response yet. Maybe we all should get a petition going for a recall on this so everybody gets some money back or get theirs fixed. 
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Replying to: dodgeman7 (Nov 04, 2008 7:09 am) Thanks!
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Replying to: traderumors (Nov 08, 2008 2:08 pm) The system should bleed itself and remove the air from the lines. You still might have small air bubbles inside the lines but after a drive or two, they will go away. If not you need to check for leaks. Did you tighten all hoses correctly? If it leaks or draws in air, you might need to replace the clamps that hold the hoses or check if the hoses are bad. Good luck and let me know what happens.
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Replying to: dodgeman7 (Nov 04, 2008 7:09 am) Thanks everyone, this message thread saved me about $800 as the mechanic wanted to switch out the rack, he said $800 was a great deal.... |
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| Just wanted to add a +1 to this topic. Had a nasty whine in my power steering system that had been gradually getting worse. I was getting ready to bring it in to have the system looked at when I stumbled on this forum. I went and bought the part this morning for $30. It took me about 45minutes total to replace the reservoir and get the system back up to the proper level. The hardest part of the job for me was getting the hose off of the back of the reservoir. That probably took me a good 20 miuntes out of the 45 for the whole job. I am glad to report that as with the others that have already posted my whine is now completely gone. Now I just need to replace my idler pully and all will be well for now. | |
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