2004 Town and Country groaning power steering.

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by Nza, Jan 17, 2008.

  1. Nza

    Nza Guest

    Trying to find out about another problem with the minivan..

    At low RPM sometimes, the power steering pump makes a whining/groaning
    sound. Sometimes, when it is making the sound and you turn the
    wheels, the steering rack makes the whole minivan vibrate as well. I
    have put the transmission in neutral a couple of the times this has
    happened and raised the RPM of the engine at the same time and the
    groaning lessens and the rack stops the vibration.

    With 25,000 miles on the van, is this something that should be
    included in the warranty? I'd rather know before I call and try to
    deal with the service manager at the local dealer.. she's a real
    treat, let me tell you.

    I found out a price on the pump already... it's pretty reasonable, and
    seems like it wouldn't be *too much* of a pain to change the thing,
    but...

    Thanks in advance!
     
    Nza, Jan 17, 2008
    #1
  2. time to think about a different make of vehicle, i had a 2001' T&C 3.8
    and have had 4 steering racks replaced besides other ongoing problems.
    i'm done with chrysler.
     
    Bentracer and Bentrider, Jan 17, 2008
    #2
  3. Nza

    Bill Putney Guest

    I'd check the belt and tighten if loose (replace of course if needed) -
    it may be slipping and exciting a resonance. It probably came from the
    factory with ATF+4 in the p.s., but you might flush with fresh fluid
    (ATF+4 only) if the problem is not belt related. Probably belt.

    Bill Putney
    (To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
    address with the letter 'x')
     
    Bill Putney, Jan 17, 2008
    #3
  4. Nza

    maxpower Guest


    Common complaint with cold ambient temps, make sure the P/S reservoir is
    full, if not, top it off and check for leaks.

    Glenn Beasley
    Chrysler Tech
     
    maxpower, Jan 17, 2008
    #4
  5. Nza

    Nza Guest


    Have checked the belt, it is not loose. It is in good condition as
    well.
    The fluid looks normal and is at the proper level. Has never lost
    any fluid..

    I'll try the flush. It's probably about time to change the
    transmission fluid as well..

    Personally, I wouldn't necessarily choose a new chrysler as a new car,
    but i will never stop loving the old stuff..
     
    Nza, Jan 17, 2008
    #5
  6. Nza

    Road Runner Guest

    There is a TSB regarding this problem (19-006-05). It involves replacing and
    rerouting PS return lines and the addition of a finned cooler if it is not
    equipped. See dealer for parts and info and if your van applies.
     
    Road Runner, Jan 17, 2008
    #6
  7. Nza

    Dll Guest

    "Bentracer and Bentrider"
    You'll be done with the next car you buy, too, if you keep going to the same
    mechanic. 4 racks - it ain't the rack.

    More to the OP, I had the same problem. It was air in my lines. These
    systems seem to keep air really well - the noise was air cavitating in the
    pump. I replaced the pump to zero effect. There is also a TSB for purging
    air with a vacuum pump. That worked. I did the longer hose TSB and it was
    a waste of time. My van already had a cooler, and at 2004, yours probably
    does too. I also found I had to keep fluid up near the top of the Hot
    range, to keep it from sucking even more air in at startup.

    N
     
    Dll, Jan 17, 2008
    #7
  8. Nza

    maxpower Guest

    That has been the biggest problem, air in system. People think by replacing
    pumps and racks and all that fix the problem but in reality the only thing
    fixing it is filling up the system and purging the air. Now if the End seals
    at the inner tie rod leak fluid.......the rack is toast.


    Glenn Beasley
    Chrysler Tech
     
    maxpower, Jan 17, 2008
    #8
  9. all work and parts were replaced by a Chrysler dealer, LRC in
    Elmhurst,IL
     
    Bentracer and Bentrider, Jan 17, 2008
    #9
  10. Nza

    Nza Guest

    Where did you find the bit about the vacuum pump? I have found one
    version of the TSB online, but unless I missed something, it doesn't
    say anything about that.. :)

    I'll look to see if it has the cooler on there..

    Is there a site that has all the TSBs listed without having to pay to
    see each one?
     
    Nza, Jan 18, 2008
    #10
  11. Nza

    Bill Putney Guest

    Not sure exactly how to read your question, but you can pay one price
    ($25 first year, multi-car and annual renewal discounts) to see all of
    them: www.alldata.com. You get access to schematics right out of the
    FSM (plus some incomplete procedural and technical info. mostly out of
    the FSM) with that subscription. If accurate and complete schematics
    and full TSB's is what you want (the other info. is kind of spotty),
    that's not a bad way to go.

    Bill Putney
    (To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
    address with the letter 'x')
     
    Bill Putney, Jan 18, 2008
    #11
  12. Nza

    Nza Guest

    Ok, well I guess the way to read my posting was "i'm a cheap
    bastard"..
    LOL!

    Guess i'll bite the bullet!
     
    Nza, Jan 18, 2008
    #12
  13. Your local library may have a subscription to alldata, if they do
    not, ask them to get one. Ours does. However, you cannot
    access the database from home, you have to do it from the library
    computers.

    Ted
     
    Ted Mittelstaedt, Jan 19, 2008
    #13
  14. Nza

    philthy Guest

    it's no better in the 05 and 06's
    I've been replacing them in those too!
     
    philthy, Jan 20, 2008
    #14
Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments (here). After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.