Power Steering Noise Fix - Changed the Reservoir

[BlackOnBlackCobra96]

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.

[nkg406]

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?

[Bernard Feltzer]

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

[alvin]

That looks like a complete list, but has only the summaries, like any other free
source of this information.

[mmahamm]

...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.

[shipo]

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.

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.

[Flavife]

Here is a picture of the label on a gallon of ATF+4 indicating power steering approval for post 98 and later.

Frank
99 DGC Sport 115900 mi
07 T&C SWB 7200 mi

[Hokiefyd]

Also evidence that the fluid truly IS designed to be a "fill for life" fluid under normal circumstances.

[05SXT]

Also evidence that the fluid truly IS designed to be a "fill for life" fluid under normal circumstances.

"fill for life" = *until it fails from lack of service*

[BlackOnBlackCobra96]

"fill for life" = *until it fails from lack of service*

After changing my resevoir with fluid that last 190K miles, it didn't seem like the fluid went bad. It appeared that foreign particles within the fluid clogged the screen within the resevoir and created me issue. I suspect that if there was filter to catch these particles (perhaps the screen within the resevoir IS the filter), the fluid would last for the life of the vehicle. I'd still service it, because the fluid does get contaminated.