'97 Dodge Caravan Hard to Steer

[ha-Y-n]

I asked this question in an automotive forum, and figured I'm signed up here so what the hell.  someone here might be able to help, anyways here gos. 

My dodge caravan is super hard to steer, like there is no power steering, i checked the fluids and it is fine, what else could be the problem?

[Darkstalker]

Does it make a bad whining noise when you turn?  Pump could be dead/dying, belt could also be loose.

[AtomSmasher]

The only vehicle I've done serious repair work on didn't have power steering so I don't have any experience with it, but I've had a vaccum leak cause odd problems like that before (caused my power brakes to go out).  Also, like already mentioned, could be the power steering pump.

[ha-Y-n]

Does it make a bad whining noise when you turn?  Pump could be dead/dying, belt could also be loose.

not a whining noise, more like an air leak noise, so it might be the pump then?

thanks for the quick response guys, the other forum didn't respond yet

[JackTucky]

My wife's van is a 2000?  I think.  We had the whining sound bad.  Dealer replaced a "Power steering resevoir"

Mechanics talk for you got ripped off?  Maybe, but we had a protection plan.

It fixed the problem.

Jacktucky

[ha-Y-n]

My wife's van is a 2000?  I think.  We had the whining sound bad.  Dealer replaced a "Power steering resevoir"

what's the power steering resevoir?

another thing, i just spoke to my wife and she said that sometimes it turns fine.  when i drove it, it was horrible. I'll check it out when i get home.

thanx for the feedback peeps

[ha-Y-n]

I test drove it up the road and back and like my wife said the prob only happened sometimes.  I would be driving and the steering wheel would stick, but when i reach a certain point (while turning the wheel) and it would ease up, weird 

belts are fine

is the power steering reservoir the place where you put the fluid?

when the wheel is fully turned it makes a hissing sound

any thoughts

[DrewKaree]

Almost sounds like a kinked line somewhere too, from that last post.

[Jess--]

had the exact same problem on an old peugot here, where it would have power steering then lose it, then it would come back,

turned out to be a cracked hose which had pulled air into the system, the pump would hit air every so often and the stearing would go stiff until it cleared.

The older rangerovers are solid on the steering in cold weather until you have driven it for about 200 yards, (probably due to tired pump)

try replacing the fluid, and check carefuly for leaks.

[Clonedsheep]

Hissing: Sounds like damage to your steering column coupler to dash panel seal or valve in the power steering gear. How is the returnability?

No assist: Power steering pump issue. (maybe binding of the sterring column but with the hiss I doubt it)

I doubt it is the lines. I would say you would have to replace or rebuild your power steering pump.

I am by no means an expert yet. I am taking my A4 ASE exam in may. Let me know if I am right.

[ha-Y-n]

turned out to be a cracked hose which had pulled air into the system, the pump would hit air every so often and the stearing would go stiff until it cleared.

My boss also mentioned this

Hissing: Sounds like damage to your steering column coupler to dash panel seal or valve in the power steering gear. How is the returnability?

the hissing sounds like its coming from the right side of the van where the pump is, does that matter?

returnability?

is that when the wheel turns back?

atfer work I'll see if i can check the hoses.

thanx again peeps, i appreciate the help

[Stingray]

Sounds like the PS pump to me too.

-S

[Clonedsheep]

the hissing sounds like its coming from the right side of the van where the pump is, does that matter?  Yes. If you are sure of the location and the pump is bad you would lose assist.

If the sound is from your power steering box or rack and not the pump.  Where the steering column meets the rack. Best way I could put it.  That makes the hissing sound.

returnability?

is that when the wheel turns back? yes after the turn

atfer work I'll see if i can check the hoses. = If it was a hose you would lose fluid and you would get foaming in the pump. (whine when turning) You said the fluid level is fine and power steering lines deal under a buttload of PSI.

Check out this place (Clarks) for discounted rebuilt and new parts. They are based in LA California. Phone skills need work but damn the prices rock. 562-630-1811

[ha-Y-n]

If the pump was bad then wouldn't i feel the problem all the time?

[Clonedsheep]

  The control valve assembly sometimes stick and are known to cause intermittent problems. That attaches to the pitman arm and directs flow of power steering fluid. Pretty easy fix I believe.

Sounding less like the pump to me but I don't have enough Exp. points to really be sure.

certain point (while turning the wheel) and it would ease up, weird...this is where I think it is part of your control valve. As you turn the wheel the pressure in the power steering increases.

I am going to look it up on Alldata when I go to school tonight. 2000 Dodge Caravan. Please give me the model and engine size.

[ha-Y-n]

Thanks clone and everybody else, i appreciate the help.  It's a 1997 dodge caravan 3.0 liter, v6

thanx again

is the control valve assembly part of the steering box?

[ha-Y-n]

Well we gave the van to a good friend.  Initially I was going to try and fix it before we gave it to him but he really needed a car.  I gave him the list of possible fixes and he said he'll try them out.

If anyone thinks of anything new I'd appreciate it alot.

thanks again everyone you've been a big help.  Once he's got to fixing it, I'll post back with results

thanx    

bRiAn