Eight problems related to power steering pump have been reported for the 2003 Chrysler Town & Country. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
At approx 58000 miles the steering system began to make a whining noise. Power steering fluid levels were at proper levels but it sounded like a dry pump. Then the power steering became erratic. Turning easy then part way through the turn it became very difficult and then without warning easy again. Very dangerous. Eventually the rack had completely failed.
Steering locks up during cold and/or wet conditions. I grinding noise is always present but gets very loud during slow turns. On first dealer visit I was told the ps pump was the problem and there was a recall pertaining to that unit. After the recall service was performed, the same noise was diagnosed as a brake problem. Now that the brake caliperand rotors have been replaced the dealer indicated rack system needs to be replaced. This has become more than a nuisance it is a safety issue when steering become unreliable.
About 6 months ago I started hearing a whine/groan when making sharp turns. It was originally decided that I need a new power steering pump. I took my vehicle in while getting my tires changed it was then switched to I needed a new power steering rack. Every garage told me something different. 1500 dollars later I am with a new power steering pump, reservoir, rack, cooler hose, and fin packed hose and still the whine and shudder and groan while making sharp turns or into parking spaces. I am in tears and feel helpless with this vehicle. It's in gorgeous condition, however totally unaware of if I want it anymore to drive my children around in due to safety concerns. After spending 20k + on a vehicle, where is the customer service and satisfaction??.
: the contact stated while driving 35 mph on normal road conditions, the steering system started making a loud noise while turning. There were no warning lights illuminated prior to the incident. The vehicle was taken to an independent certified mechanic, who determined the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. Also, the hydraulic pump should be replaced to prevent a major failure due to noticed metal shavings. Neither the dealership nor the manufacturer had been contacted. The contact expressed concern because the vehicle had little use and should not have this safety defect.
Low moaning noise coming from the front end. More pronounced during cold weather and when making turns. Dealer told me the brakes were bad (after 25k miles). Replaced the brakes and the noise still there. Over time the noise became even louder. Couldn't stand the noise any longer and took the car to the dealer 20 months later at 45k miles. I was told the power steering pump, water pump, serpentine belt, and tensioner needed replacing. The water pump was under warranty. Replaced everything and moaning noise returned the next day (it sounded worse). Dealer drained p. S. Fluid and added p. S. Fluid conditioner and the noise is now gone. While listening for the moaning noise to return I'm hearing noises I haven't heard before. I wonder if the p. S. Fluid was the problem from the beginning. It would have saved me over nine hundred dollars in repair costs.
In January of 2004, a local Chrysler dealership replaced my power steering pump after it was found to be defective. This was done at no cost to me because I was still covered under the 36,000 mile warranty (at the time this was completed, my vehicle had 19,000 miles on the odometer). In December of 2004, the vehicle started making the same noises during turning. In January of 2005, I went back to the same local dealership to have them look at my vehicle. I was told that the power steering pump they put in 11 months earlier was also defective and since I now had 47,000 miles on my odometer, they would not be replacing the power steering pump free of charge. They have admitted that the part was defective and should last longer than a year but would not be paying to repair it.
Power steering pump has been replaced 2 times and fluid has been replaced 3 times. Cooler lines for pump have been replaced. Rack & pinion has been replaced. Problem still there. Power steering makes loud whining and moaning noise. All this over 2 months 21193-23700 miles.
While driving and turning consumer heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front. Suddenly the vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle , and drove it to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that steering pump needed to be replaced and replaced it three times. However, the problem recurred.