1999 Dodge Caravan power steering

Tiny
CHERYL S
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 DODGE CARAVAN
1999 Dodge Caravan 62350 miles

car was making a screeching noise and was hard to turn when I turned the wheel, had fluid put in (was totally empty), but the noise continued. Took it to shop, where they replaced the pump as well as the serpentine belt (total cost $525) came home that night, seemed to be OK.
Started the car the next morning, same problem! Took the car right back, & they told me that the replacement pump was defective. Left the car, then got a call that it was not the pump that they installed, but that the "belt tensioner assembly" was ready to fall off. Another $150. After I picked the car up again, it seemed to be OK for a few miles, but before I got home, it became hard to steer and was making the same noise again, only worse! It also is making a screeching noise even when I'm going straight. I"m bringing the car back in the morning, but before I go, I would like an objective opinion of what the problem could be. I don't want to find out they want to charge me more money (almost $700 already) to fix the same problem, that seems to be getting worse every time they touch it!
Monday, September 15th, 2008 AT 5:59 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
First visually inspect the belt to be sure the tensioner is holding it tight. The belt may be damaged from previous slippage. If it is ok, then you might have a problem with the pump again, are they using factory pumps or less expensive ones? This may even be the rack and pinion falling apart and causing the pump valve to jamb up adn not work
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Wednesday, September 17th, 2008 AT 2:21 PM

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