Seeing that you guys are great with helping regarding my 99, I thought who better than to ask than you guys on tips regarding my wifes 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan.

For the last month, Her car has been getting worse when it comes to a noise in her steering. At slow speeds (like turning in a parking lot) there was a quiet "clicking" noise. I thought this might be the CV joints. The clicking noise was replaced with louder and louder vibrating sound as you turn the wheel.

I had it into our Mechanic yesterday and inspected the Van.
He said that there is no problem with the CV joints. He believes the problem is in the steering rack.
He said to take it to Dodge as there might be some warranty or recall on it.

He also gave me a service bulletin 19-006-05 Steering on steering shudder.

Any ideas? I would like to have a little ammo to go to Dodge with tomorrow so they don't try and pull the wool over my eyes.

Is there a good site for tech. bulletins and recall or "soft" recall notices??

Thanks in advance

 

You might try the allpar forum usually good info there. The Intrepids used to have bushings that held the rack in place go bad all the time and cause something similar to what you are describing...just a thought.

 

Can't help diagnose the problem, but you could check this website:
NHTSA DOT

It is part of the US DOT's site. Has links for recalls, TSB's, complaints etc.

Good luck,
~Rob

 

could be power steering pump?

 

Might try looking at the strut bearing, they were a problem area for a while

 

The Caravan has a long list of fatal flaws that could cause the symptoms you describe. In addition to the steering rack, the front wheel bearing and hub assembly on either side, and the strut towers rusting loose from the body create similar, if not identical, symptoms.

 

here is a good site, a site for auto technicians...I am a member...and lots of people come there to ask questions about different problems with vehicles of all makes. A real helpful bunch of people and A LOT of experience.

www.flatratetech.com

I have asked questions about some real off the wall stuff and if they can't tell me what is exactly wrong they give some real good ideas, plus it's good to talk over a problem sometimes with other techs.

Shawn

 

Thanks for the help everyone!

The dealer here made the power steering hoses longer with "loops" to absorb the vibrations. Its a Service bulletin that Dodge put out to combat the problem. The guy in service said "its sorta fixed.... you'll still feel it sometimes at slow speeds like turning or backing into a parking space".
He said we could go further to find the problem but its "kinda hit and miss" and could cost more than its worth. He assured me that there is no safety issue here.

It cost me $146.00 Cdn.

Man, sure makes you think twice about Dealerships.
If I didn't own a CTD, I think I'd Buy a Ford. (Ok, I know,, they've got thier own issues!)

Mabey a horse??!

Thanks again

 

I worked in shops and we use to call it morning sicknessI cant say for sure because im not there but it sounds like the old common problem. i aint big on additives but i gotta tell ya that if you drain the oil from the power steering pump and then add Lucas power steering lio which states that it will fix the rack. I didnt belive it either but i had a 95 Merc steering would stick and you had to force it out so i knew I was going to rerplace the pump I got Lucas on a recomendation and wow end of problem hey give it a shot the best is you just changed your oil in the pump there is no worst except that it dont work tappet