I have been having problems with power steering. Van has 50000 miles and is sounds as if the power steering fluid is low. Checked level cold and hot and the level if fine. The whining is intermittent. Starting car cold and gets worse as car warms up. I believe it is the pump, but not sure. Did have one instant when it was hard to steer and loud whining noise.
What are the chances that it is power steering pump?
If it is, how hard is it to replace, prime, etc.
Thanks
gas28man
02-24-2006, 11:47 AM
I'd say your chances are excellent that it's the pump. They do go bad, although mine took to 285,000 miles to do it. If you can get it serviced under warranty, do it, but I would avoid the dealer if you have to pay for it yourself because they wanted to charge me 800 bucks to replace mine. I got it done for around $200 at the local shop. It's a straightforward job that any competent shop can handle as the basic design principle on power steering hasn't changed practically since the concept was invented.
Good luck, and let us know how it comes out.
Rick
billydoo
02-25-2006, 03:40 PM
My guess is the steering rack. My '02 T&C has had every steering component replaced within 30,000.......TWICE. The noise finally went away when the rack was replaced. It made me so paranoid, I extended the warranty to 7/100 while I still had the chance. I can't imagine how much the rack replacement would cost out of warranty.
