Four problems related to power steering pump have been reported for the 1999 Dodge Caravan. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
This family car is not a vehicle we drive every day. On (9/10/04), we went to use this car with less than 72,000 miles on it, and when we went to turn the steering wheel we heard a squeling noise from the power stering unit. We found an area of seepage of stering fluid under the vehicle. After further investigation we had found it to be coming from the area of the base of the power stering pump casting. The leaking fluid is actually flowing through the voids in the metal of this unit. Not only is this a hazard to the operation of the vehicle and its passenger's, it is a hazard to other vehicles on the highway. I am very concerned with the use of poor quality parts and used in our transportation industry. If a person is driving one of these vehicles and one of these units fails it could cause catasrophic damage to the people involved. I do feel obligated to inform you of this defect. As of 8/17/04 this vehicle will have this defective power stering unit replaced at the Chrysler dealer in keene nh. I am not aware if I will be able to get this unit back from the dealer when they replace it.
Power steering pump rust through made as a 2 part assembly the shroud around the power steering pump is made from a thin sheet medal with no rust protection. The part simply rusted through and started leaking power steering fluid.
While traveling noticed a loud noise, could not steer vehicle. Dealer has been notified. The dealer replaced the steering pump and the steering rack.
While the vehicle was parked consumer noticed that fluid was leaking from under the vehicle. Consumer took vehicle to a body shop for inspection, and mechanic determined that steering power assist pump needed to be replaced.