dodge caravan noisy steering DIY fix

The 3rd and 4rth generation dodge caravans Are notorious for developing loud and hard power steering. Most people think that it is either the pump or the rack but it is probably just the screen built into the power steering reservoir. Dodge uses inferior hoses that start to degrade after about 50,000 miles and that material plugs the screen causing the pump to starve for fluid. Your best bet is to change the reservoir and hoses but this little fix should get you through another 50,000 miles or so.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• dodge
• caravan
• noisy
• loud
• steering
• fix

[TheBell1423]

ordered the power steering reservoir for a 2003 dodge grand caravan, cost 35.00 with shipping . it was groaning ,made a lot of noise,sounded terrible . removed two screws on the top ,after i removed two hoses. bigger hose was very hard to get off had to work for a while finally slide off with wd40 and a screw driver to pry one side a bit . next the bottom screw was a 10mm needed a long socket the old reservoir will lift out. bled the air out with cap off,drove van ,great results nosie gone

[banshee8989]

@TheBell1423 For $35 it might be worth just buying the reservoir over trying to clean it. When I looked for my 2006 they were more money.... but maybe they came down or some aftermarket company is making them. Thanks for the info.

[mikeadiddle]

I just finished this repair on my 2001 T&C. I replaced the power steering reservoir with a new OEM reservoir from a dealer, which cost $30.

FYI: the top bolt heads on mine were 8mm and the lower one was 10mm.

I used ATF-4 as suggestion by this video and several other internet sources.

The repair took me about an hour.

After I was finished, the whining was gone and, with the van parked, I could turn the steering wheel all the way to the right and left with one finger.

Thank you banshee!

[banshee8989]

@mikeadiddle No problem ;) After seeing the demand for this video I am thinking of making another one for changing the water pump. A common problem and one that scares people but it really is not that hard. stay tunned.

[Begbucks]

Tranny fluid not power steering fluid?

[banshee8989]

@Begbucks Depends on the type of car.Honda & some others uses special P/S fluid.Most can use trans in the P/S unit due to it is hydraulic fluid.

[azsons3e]

Thanks! My 2003 used 8mm and 10mm. The back hose was the toughest part. Screwdriver and wd40 eventually did the trick. I got a replacement resevoir on amazon for ~$26. No more noise. Super vid!

[42fontenator]

thank you sir! replaced the reservoir and no more loud steering!

[Nazran]

You sir are a rock star! Thanks for saving me $300!

[TheBell1423]

the reservoir i bought was off of ebay,it was new and came in the correct mopar box. was a perfect fit . its price was a total of 35.00 .now im going to have to change my igintion lock cylinder.key wont turn to start ,a short tap on the key releases the lock ,allows it to start,but will replace . cost will be around 70.00 and do it myself.found great video on that at the dorman site for a 2003 caravan.

[sdenni4]

Just used your video to replace my resevoir. Very easy to do. But that little screw on the back side is definitely a bugger. Took an hour and saved hundreds. Time very well spent. Thanks for posting a detailed, step by step video!

[SilkyPurr]

@KParkerFlores crap I forgot to get back to this. Well, I sent my husband this video and we both had our doubts. I mean, how could such little dirt in the filter cause so much noise....But it worked like a charm and havent had a problem since. Even my husband was surprised. Thanks for posting :)

[KParkerFlores]

@SilkyPurr I hope your husband was able to cure the problem. However we don't need to know how you make out, we can use our imagination... :)

[printermike47]

Thanks for this fix video... Worked like a charm!

I cleaned my reservor with hot water and Purple Power cleaner. After getting it as clean as possible(a lot of debris came out), I rinsed with isopropyl alcohol to displace the water, and let it dry out over night.