Power steering gone on '00 T&C Pt. II - Pump & rack shot

[Daniel G.]

Thanks to the replies re my '00 Chrysler Town & Country's power steering problems. We checked the fluid and the reservoir was empty (my bro checked it, I'm use a wheelchair and couldn't see). My bro said something was probably wrong as it shouldn't be totally empty. A friend topped it off w/no results.

My local Chrysler svc center looked at it today and said the power steering pump "blew up" and sent particles into the rack & pinion screwing it up. I asked what could have caused that but he wasn't sure, he said some type of "restriction" occurred, perhaps a valve failed.

Anyone familiar w/this? The van was running fine that day, we'd stopped at a store but when backing out of a parking space the power steering was no longer functioning, there were no strange noises when it happened. The mechanic said I'm looking at a $1600 charge, most of that is for the rack & I think labor involved in installing it.That seems quite steep but then I'm not too familiar w/what's involved re parts & labor. Does that price seem right to y'all? I live in a part of CT w/an expensive zip code. Unfortunately, the zip is the only thing I've got in common w/others in town so this repair will really sting!

I try to keep on top of maintaining the van and checking fluids regularly but got to admit I haven't checked the PS fluid in a wile, may have been back in Dec. when Chrysler did a tune up. Is it normal for PS fluid to run out in that period of time or perhaps there was a leak somewhere?

Thanks for any info, enough rambling, I need a drink!

Dan G. in CT

 

[Richard]

Think "used parts yard" for the parts and ask them to recommend a local guy to do the install. Likely cost you under $500.00.

Richard

 

[Daniel G.]

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