Home | Contact Us | FAQ | Search & Site Map | Link to Us
Sign In | Join | Other 45 Sites in Network
HomeAnnouncements
Discussion Groups
By Brand
BMWChevroletDodgeFordGMHondaLexusMercedes-BenzNissanPeugeotToyotaVolkswagenOther Brands
By Topic
4x4 CarsRVsDrivingMaintenance & RepairCar AudioCollectible Cars
Country Specific
Australian ForumsUK Forums
ArticlesAuto InsuranceBuyingCars & TechnologyMaintenanceMiscellaneousSafety
DMV Resources
Related Topics
MotorcyclesBoatsMore Topics ...

Car Forum / Chrysler Cars / January 2008

Tip: Looking for answers? Try searching our database.

2004 Town and Country groaning power steering.

Thread view: 
Enable EMail Alerts  Start New Thread
Thread rating: 
Nza - 17 Jan 2008 00:39 GMT
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!
Bentracer and Bentrider - 17 Jan 2008 01:14 GMT
> Trying to find out about another problem with the minivan..
>
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>
> Thanks in advance!

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.
Dll - 17 Jan 2008 16:33 GMT
"Bentracer and Bentrider"

> had 4 steering racks replaced besides other
> ongoing problems. i'm done with chrysler.

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
maxpower - 17 Jan 2008 16:33 GMT
> "Bentracer and Bentrider"
>
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
> N

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
Bentracer and Bentrider - 17 Jan 2008 17:11 GMT
> "Bentracer and Bentrider"
>
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
> N

all work and parts were replaced by a Chrysler dealer, LRC in
Elmhurst,IL
Nza - 18 Jan 2008 01:30 GMT
> "Bentracer and Bentrider"
>
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
> N

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?
Bill Putney - 18 Jan 2008 01:50 GMT
> Is there a site that has all the TSBs listed without having to pay to
> see each one?

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')
Nza - 18 Jan 2008 03:22 GMT
> > Is there a site that has all the TSBs listed without having to pay to
> > see each one?
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> (To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
> address with the letter 'x')

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

Guess i'll bite the bullet!
Ted Mittelstaedt - 19 Jan 2008 17:11 GMT
> > > Is there a site that has all the TSBs listed without having to pay to
> > > see each one?
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> Ok, well I guess the way to read my posting was "i'm a cheap
> bastard"..

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
philthy - 20 Jan 2008 15:47 GMT
it's no better in the 05 and 06's
I've been replacing them in those too!

> > Trying to find out about another problem with the minivan..
> >
[quoted text clipped - 19 lines]
> and have had 4 steering racks replaced besides other ongoing problems.
> i'm done with chrysler.
Bill Putney - 17 Jan 2008 01:28 GMT
> Trying to find out about another problem with the minivan..
>
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>
> Thanks in advance!

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')
Nza - 17 Jan 2008 02:13 GMT
> > Trying to find out about another problem with the minivan..
>
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
> 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.

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..
maxpower - 17 Jan 2008 01:32 GMT
> Trying to find out about another problem with the minivan..
>
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>
> Thanks in advance!

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
Road Runner - 17 Jan 2008 05:23 GMT
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.
 
Sign In
Join
My Latest Posts
My Monitored Threads
My Blog
My Photo Gallery
My Profile
My Homepage

Start New Thread
Enable EMail Alerts
Rate this Thread



©2008 Advenet LLC   Privacy Policy - Terms of Use
This website includes both content owned or controlled by Advenet as well as content owned or controlled by third parties.