03 caravan power steering

[71 demon child]

Just wondering how many people have had problems with these steering pumps.My wife's is whinig right now (80,000 miles).It already got the hose recall done.It was also switched to the atf+4.It's not low on fluid.I'm reading  mixed responses on this.I have not done a full blown investigation yet to pinpoint it.I've read alot of instances where the resevoir's were getting replaced(filter is in the resevoir,non-replaceable)due to clogged filter.I'll have a pump to install tomorrow but they are a bear to put in and i don't want to do it unless i have to.Some are having rack problems.I'm getting no leaks.Figuring if it was the rack i would have a possible leak and i would be low on fluid.Just wanted to see if any body else has had this problem and what thier fix was. Thanks,
         Carl

[DallasDart]

The wife had the same problem with a 2005 chrysler t&c.  Dealer replaced the rack.  Waranty.  No visible leaks. 

[71 demon child]

HMMMM.Well i just replaced the resevoir.Of course when i go to pinpoint the problem this morning it doesen't act up.Mines out of warranty.We'll see tomorrow when i fire it up.

[JWSewell]

I used to work at a Jeep / Chrsyler dealership and have seen this problem many, many times.  The filter gets clogged and causes low fluid flow. This allows the pump to suck air. over time the pump will fail.   

Here is what I always did.

Before replacing anything --- 
Fill the res. about half full with fluid and turn the wheel lock to lock, a few times with the engine off to bleed out any air. (jacking up the front wheels helps make turning easier). Fill fluid to the full line. Start the engine and see if the pump stops whinning.   (Its may start to make noise again after a few mins. if the filter is clogged).   If so Replace the res.    If the pump will not stop making noise no matter what you may have fried the pump and will have to replace it.

As far as the rack goes, If its not leaking or sticking, (no assist), on either left or right turns its good to go!

Good luck and good chance its just gonna need a res.

[71 demon child]

hey thanks.

            Well actually it acts up about 3-5 times a week.Of course when i went to pinpoint the problem it didn't act up that day.But..I replaced the resevoir installed ,new fluid and so far it hasn't given me any trouble.Didn't think it was the rack.Wasn't acting like it was.But anyhow,so far so good.Thanks for the info.

carl