Steering Rack and Pinion Failing?

[agarb]

2005 Dodge Grand Caravan

Last night, I heard a moaning/groaning sound when turning left. Can only hear it at low speeds, like when accelerating from a stop sign. Can also hear it when at a complete stop while turning the steering wheel from side to side. (But only when turning it left.)

Fluid level in reservoir is fine. I do get some whine from the pump for a few seconds after a cold start, especially in the winter when outside temperatures are low.

Also occasionionally I get a clunk/thump from the front end when turning. This started about 2 weeks ago. A week ago I raised the vehichle and could find no looseness or play in the ball joints or tie rods. So with the new groaning/moaning noise, it makes me think it may be the rack and pinion and not the pump.

Suggestions?

 

[Jmlo96]

There is the screen in the power steering fluid reservoir that gets clogged and causes problems similar to what you are describing. I would be changing that reservoir out before you do anything else. Many people have used that fix on that model Caravan with good results.

 

[agarb]

There is the screen in the power steering fluid reservoir that gets clogged and causes problems similar to what you are describing. I would be changing that reservoir out before you do anything else. Many people have used that fix on that model Caravan with good results.

I left that part out.... I put a brand new reservoir on in May 2020 and it signifcantly reduced the pump noise on a cold start.

 

[agarb]

So I decided that $20 for yet another Dorman reservoir from Amazon and a quart of oil was worth a try.

Initially, I didn't think it helped. But after driving it a few days, all the moaning/groaning noises when making left turns is now gone. So now I suspect that there was a bit of air in the system. Perhaps the pump cavitated and pulled in some air due to a partially blocked filter screen.

Hopefully it continues to work.

 

[t1snwrbrdr12]

Chrysler called for the p/s to be a bit overfill on these in a TSB. We always left them about 1cm over the full hot line after running them and cycling them to bleed after repairs.

 

[agarb]

I have been keeping it a bit overfilled.