2003 Grand Caravan grinding/metal contact sound when steering

Hi, I hope this title isn't too clumsily worded! I bought a 2003 Dodge
Grand Caravan with 41,000 miles on it on Thursday afternoon. Shortly
after I drove it off the lot, I began to hear a metallic grinding sound
occasionally when turning the steering wheel. It doesn't seem to be
connected to the brakes, since it only happens when I turn, and doesn't
seem to matter if I'm touching the brake or not. I can't reproduce the
noise when it's in park, only when I'm turning. It doesn't happen on
every turn, but it's a grinding/metal-on-metal sound that has me
thoroughly worried! I called the dealership and am taking it into their
shop on Monday, but I wondered if anyone here might have an idea what
it could be. I did test drive it, but in retrospect I probably didn't
drive it long enough or put it through more than a few turns. Thanks
for reasing.

-Amy

 

You may be hearing a P/S growl, this occurs if the fluid is dirty or even
low and is more pronounced on really cold days. But without actually hearing
it would be hard to say.

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

 

bet the front rotors are rusted up real good and when loaded on the side they
make nosie

 

That just happened to my 2003. It was mostly with a full left or right turn.
Turned out it was a problem with the cooler hoses. TSB 19-006-05. Also had
the Recall D37 done also. Which was the other P/S hose. The steering wheel
would shake slightly when cold (at start up) and be fine after it was warm.
The recall and TSB are both to install Longer P/S hoses then on the vehicle.
That is probably the problem. Chek with the dealer and have them perform the
recall if not done, and have them inspect if the tsb will help. And the
dealer that sold you the vehicle should pick up the tab on the TSB repair,
if the Dealership does not do it for free.