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Power Steering Noise Fix - Changed the Reservoir

253K views 266 replies 102 participants last post by  ScuzziOne 
#1 ·
Loud screeching sound plagued my '01 Voyager 3.3limmediately after startup. Although the noise would go away after few minutes, it sounded hideous.

I tried some suggestions from this board, such as swapping the starter under the theory that the starter gear was not retracting. Changing the serpentine belt also made no difference. Another suggestion that marginally helped was siphoning and replacing much of the fluid in the power steering reservoir.

After digging deeper, I learned that the reservoir has a screen within it that tends to clog. I purchased a new one from Chrysler for less than $30, along with high-end power steering fluid, and replaced it. Now, the noise is completely gone.

Here is how to change it. The reservoir is on top of the engine and is very accessible. To swap it, siphon out as much fluid as possible. You can use a turkey baster, but remember that turkey-day is around the corner. Next, remove the two bolts on top of the reservoir with an 8mm socket. Then use pliers to remove the two hoses clamps connected to it. There were two unrelated tubes that were in the way, which pulled off by hand and made clearance easier. There is one bolt underneath the reservoir that needs to be loosened (not removed) with a 10mm socket. Removing the two hoses from the reservoir took penetrating oil and muscle, even with the clamps removed. Overall, it took about 45 minutes and was not too difficult. I now consider replacing the reservoir as a maintenance item for higher mileage vans. Hope this helps.
 
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#2 ·
I have a 2002 Town and Country with 108,000 and I am having a "whine" sound on cool mornings. I took it to my mechanic, who told me about a recall, because his wife as a Dodge 2002 minivan. I can't find anything about this recall. Does anybody know anything about this?
 
#3 ·
I have a 2002 Town and Country with 108,000 and I am having a "whine" sound on cool mornings. I took it to my mechanic, who told me about a recall, because his wife as a Dodge 2002 minivan. I can't find anything about this recall. Does anybody know anything about this?
For all you folks looking for the various recalls and Technical Service Bulletins, go to this website, see the little red letters under the top ?
http://www.chryslerforum.com/forumid_18/tt.htm
 
#5 ·
...I purchased a new one from Chrysler for less than $30, along with high-end power steering fluid, and replaced it...
What exact high-end power steering fluid did you purchase? My understanding is that, starting in 2002 (?) the recommended fluid is now ATF+4. Don't know if it is retroactively specified for earlier years.
 
#6 ·
While ATF+4 may not be retroactively specified for earlier years, the steering rack on our 1998 was getting a little noisy late last winter. In an effort to cure the noise, I performed the "suck the reservoir dry and refill with ATF+4" thing a couple of times, and, noise gone. That was some 15,000 miles ago and it still drives perfectly noise free. Given that the van had 135,000 miles on it at the time I didn't figure I had too much to lose if the fluid replacement didn't work. ;)
 
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#11 ·
Both of my Cadillacs have come with power steering system filters. They resemble fuel filters, but I don't know the density of the filtering material inside (if they are truly the same type of filter). They appeared the same (a canister-type filter). It may be possible to ADD a fuel filter to your power steering system to get the same net effect.
 
#14 ·
Changed mine tonight. The comment about the 10mm bolt was extremely helpful. The manual only says remove the screws and nut. LOL I have a new name for that nut that I can't repeat in public.
Mac
 
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#15 ·
Holy Cow......I just changed the reservoir and man did it make a difference. The squeal went away and rides like a charm. I am not mechanically inclined by no means but this change was very easy and quick. I am so happy for this forum i have already saved hundreds of dollars by researching this forum and fixing problems according to posts. Thanks to all who left posts....

P.S. Tell everyone you know change the reservoir first cheap fix for a loud nasty problem.
 
#16 ·
...I am so happy for this forum i have already saved hundreds of dollars by researching this forum and fixing problems according to posts. Thanks to all who left posts....
Now that you've saved hundreds of dollars, you may want to make a donation. Your post looks just like one that I posted back when, before my first donation. I have not donated large amounts, but I have found that the money saved is worth doing my part to help keep this forum going.

Entirely a private matter, and no pressure intended, just wanted to point that out. Feel free to let me have it if I'm crossing the line.
 
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#23 ·
Thanks for the write-up. So did the technician know what you were on to when you asked for the reservoir to be replaced? Has he seen this problem before...and seen the reservoir fix the noise? That would seem to confirm our suspicions -- that the reservoir (screen) has a big part to play in this noise issue.

Glad to hear you're running quiet again.
 
#24 · (Edited)
I have found just draining the PS fluid out of the reservoir and refilling it with atf+4 fixed my whine which was getting pretty loud . If it comes back i'll change it again because you only get out less than 12 ounces just draining the reservoir but in my case that was enough to fix the whine . The fluid that came out was really dark . I would try just changing the fluid first if you don't want to stand outside in freezing weather for an hour , the fluid change is about 15-20 minutes tops ... this also indicates to me that it is not necessarily a clogged filter causing the noise . Think mine was also a little low as it was a little below the 2 fill marks before changing . I left it just a touch above the top fill mark after the change. If it stays quiet I may change it again in the spring when the high temp is higher than 15 degrees out ..
 
#25 ·
Power Steering Noise

Mine was making the same noise so I replaced the reservoir ($19.00 at dealer) and the noise is gone. I will flush the system soon, after reading other posts that tell how. One point to make, before removing the reservoir put some shop rags down and plug the holes in the old reservoir with paper to avoid getting ATF+4 all over the engine. It make a real mess and some smoke.
 
#26 ·
Mine was making the same noise so I replaced the reservoir ($19.00 at dealer) and the noise is gone. I will flush the system soon, after reading other posts that tell how. One point to make, before removing the reservoir put some shop rags down and plug the holes in the old reservoir with paper to avoid getting ATF+4 all over the engine. It make a real mess and some smoke.
HA!:lol: Yeah even the dealer I took mine to let some fluid get on some pipes. Shipo mentioned how BAD the ATF+4 smells in the can. I promise you it smells 2X worse burning off. Mine still smells after two days, and only a small amount spilled. I don't know if it ran out when he took the old reservoir off, or when he cranked the van and pumped all the fluid out.
Whatever the case this FIXED my cold morning groaning, moaning, weeering whinning! :ThumbsUp:
 
#28 ·
Unfortunately I caught this thread a little late and I'm being tagged for 550$ from the stealer ship who has JUST called me and said the whining "noise" hasn't gone after changing my power steering pump. They want to change the reservoir now after the fact and I told them I felt as if they're experimenting with my van

They've changed the pump already, is there anything I can get them to do to not charge me for the pump change and just the reservoir change...I know this is a little late but any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thx,
PO'd at stealership
 
#31 · (Edited)
Great Thread, I agree this should be sticky and place in a FAQ:

My friend has a 2001, had a whining noise two weeks ago. Then two night calls me and says he lost his power steering.

Replaced leaking line (5" line) to the P/S cooler + resivour. Fixed leak and pump is quiet!

The stealer ( :help_wsig SOMERVILLE NJ DODGE) :help_wsig charged his wife (BTW does anyone have a good mail order chrysler dealer):

1- ~ 40$ for hoses ( 18.99 for each hose (2) in and out of P/S cooler , these are 5" hoses, with a 5/16 ID.

2- 18$ , 4.50 per spring clamp for 4- spring clamp hoses!!!!!!!!

3- 36.50 for the resivour!

4- 11.75$ for a qt of ATF+4 (WALmart has this for 4.97 OEM stuff)

This is robbery I'd say

BTW thanks for tuning me in to the resivour. In general I think that working on the T&C is pretty easy. The Resivour would be a snap except for the buried 10MM nut that needs to be loosened.

Bruce
 
#32 ·
3- 36.50 for the resivour!
Is this in US Dollars? It seems like your dealer charges way too much. I always thought that the prices for parts were standard for each dealer, but I guess not. My recollection was that this part was only like $24.
 
#33 ·
Pardon me if this was already mentioned but, there was a TSB (not a recall) issued for clogged power steering filters in the reservoir on early generation 4 vans that required changing the reservoir. Wish I could remember the number. If your dealership or shop seems clueless remind them.
 
#35 ·
Go to http://forum.chryslerminivan.net/index.php
Click on the appropriate subject line under The Minivan Mopar Garage listing.
Click on New Thread.
Give the Thread a title.
Give some specifics on your Van (year, engine size, two wheel drive, all wheel drive, etc) at the start. It helps speed up the problem solving.
 
#36 ·
My steering is starting to make noise so after reading all these posts, I went online to Rock Auto Parts and looked to buy a power steering resevoir. I couldn't find that but they do list a power steering magnetic in-line filter. My guess is that this might be an after-market upgrade and not part of the original equipment. Has any one tried these?
My steering is not making any cold startup noise but is however noisy after a long ride when everything is good and warm. Same symtom as before when the dealer changed my under warranty. It did solve the problem that time. This time I will be changing it myself and really welcome all the tips here.
 
#37 ·
Interesting. Here's a site that lists them for a 2002 (and other years) Caravan.
http://www.autopart.com/partsout/2002/DODGE_CARAVAN/7296.htm

Another site: http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200356556_200356556
The Boss magnetic in-line filter uses magnets to trap and remove metal particles produced through normal wear in a vehicle's power steering system.

Filter uses magnets to trap and remove metal particles produced through normal wear and tear
Removing these particles increases power steering fluid efficiency and extends pump and rack life
Protects for up to 50,000 miles
Universal fit for all 3/8in. power steering return line hoses
Kit includes filter and two hose clamps for easy installation
Gotta get me one of those. Thanks.
 
#42 ·
OK, I tried to cheap it on this

I tried to do the cheapskate way and suck the old fluid out of the resevior, run repeat until the fluid was clean. What I successfully accomplished is to dislodge enough junk to clog up the screen at the bottom of the resevior. The pump whined all the time. Bought a new reseviour at the dealer-$27, pumped the fluid out attaching an empty atf bottle to the return hose, started the engine, emptied the system. Replaced the tank, reattached the hoses refilled the system and voila - HUSH. I had no idea this thing could sound so quiet. Spend the $35 for fluid and resevior, it will be worth it.
Thank you for the 10mm bolt info - attached the socket to a short extension and after removing the vacuum hoses above it was able to loosen the nut enought to remove the tank. Attached the socket and extension to the nut when tightening, attached the ratchet and tightened it - no big deal.
 
#43 ·
Does anyone know if it would work to remove the reservoir and back flush it in a solvent tank to clean the filter? And/or blow it out with compressed air? I should go to the dealer and ask to look at a reservoir to get a better idea of what that filter screen looks like.

Bill
 
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