2003 Dodge Caravan Power steering is now stiffer and groans

JUICE82

MEMBER
2003 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
95,000 MILES

Hello and thanks for fielding this question. My mom's Caravan was leaking coolant from the water-pump area and so I took it in to get the leak sealed and the pump replaced. I just got the vehicle back and I noticed that the power-steering is tighter and there is a groan that wasn't there before when I steer the vehicle. Its the first time I use the mechanic I went to, and I wonder the mechanic messed up one of the power steering connections and its sucking in air, but so far I haven't seen any power steering fluid on the ground. Also when I start the vehicle there is a distinct gargling/bubbling sound that seems to come from the cooling system that wasn't there before.

I don't wanna have to go and start a fuss with the mechanic shop, if there is no big deal here. What do you guys make of the power-steering issue and the bubbling/gargle sound at start and should I be rolling up my sleeves?

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 AT 3:10 PM

2 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

It sounds like the power steering pump lost it's fluid and was not bled after he refilled it. As far as the other noise, chances are it is coming from the pump too. Make sure the PS fluid is full and let me know what you find. If needed, I can explain how to bleed it.

Joe

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Monday, November 2nd, 2009 AT 11:22 AM

SAMMYDAD1

MEMBER
8 POSTS

Hi,

Just as a thought, these vans have issue with the power steering resevoirs filter clogs limiting fluid flow.

This may not be your case, but its pretty common with these 2001-2006 vans.

Fixed our 2003 by inserting a long thin phillips screwdriver and gently dislodged the filter at 90 degree intervals. The groaning etc was fixed immediately. That was about 3 months ago now.

I have responded to several other questions with this symptom.I had to research it myself before I did my fix because it was making me quazy.

Dave

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