01 G.Caravan Sp - Rack and Pinion Steering Repairs?

I'm looking at buying a 01 Grand Caravan Sport from a Ford Dealer. It
has 48K on it and they insist making any "necessary" repairs before
selling it to make sure that it meets their quality standards. One of
the items on the to-do list is to troubleshoot and possible replace
the rack and pinion steering assembly.

I test drove the van and didn't notice anything but they said on
earlier inspection that it made sounds and was hard to turn. Any
repairs they make would get added to the price of the van so I'm
interested to know if the work is really necessary. We currently have
a 90 Grand Voyager with 150K miles since it was new and never had a
problem with steering. (The transmission was rebuilt once at 75k but
that's all). I called the local Dodge dealer. The mechanic said that
on the O1 Grand Caravans there were problems with the R&P steering but
a replacement fluid reservoir was the solution not a new assembly.

So I would like to know if anyone has had problems with the steering
on an 01 or other Grand Caravan and what did you do about it. Also
what else should I expect them to do to the van before the sale.
(flush radiator? transmission? etc?)

Thanks for your help!

 

You should check with your State's consumer protection division first
because what they are doing is most probably illegal. In short they are
advertising this van at a lower price than they are willing to sell it at.
It
is one thing to tack on registration fees, etc. but they cannot add on
repairs like this then jack up the price of the van unless they advertise
the total price of the van including repairs.

If I were you I would get this statement in writing then tell them to
**** off and I'd file a complaint with the BBB and then with the State.
Otherwise if you really want this van tell them you want to test drive
it then drive it over to the Dodge dealer and pay them for an opinion
on it.

Ted

 

(mike) wrote in

'2000 GC Sport, 22257 miles, 2 years ago - total power steering failure.
Tightest turns possible had approx. 60 ft radius. Managed to block trafic
on several intersections. Developed cpamps in my arms trying to turn the
friggin' wheel.
Dealer replaced the pump & the rack, at a $860 total, all paid by warranty.

Take your chance.

Cheers!

 

maybe just the struts.

 

Good God, man, there's a bazillion of these out there on the market! Run!
don't walk away, RUN!

--Geoff