Hydraulic Power Assist Steering System problems of the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan

While driving on highway heard a whiring noise. Then, power steering went out, consumer could not turn wheel with out excessive force. Consumer states no prior indication of a problem, no leaks of fluid, which is checked every 3000 miles, mechanic advised consumer that cables or lines were rusted and one was completely broken.

I was driving down the road when I heard a loud pop and not more than ten seconds later I lost all power steering. I barely managed to steer my van into a parking lot on my right. Ourisman Dodge dealership in virginia states that the serpentine belt tensioner was broken and serpentine belt borken. Also found power steering pump pully broken. They removed power steering pump and replaced the pully. Installed new serpentine belt and tensioner. Thank you.

While driving, consumer could smell smoke, pulled over and smoke and flames started coming out of the hood, fire originated from a leaky power steering line at the rear of the power steering pump, claim 05-4462-943.

While driving, the operator experienced total loss of power assisted steering. Mini-van became difficult to control. A very potentially dangerous situation. Luckily not a congested traffic area at the time or curvy road or snowy road. This is unusual since my vehicles are routinely well cared for. I have 2 other vehicles together totaling nearly 400,000 miles on original engines. Current diagnosis (vehicle still in shop), total power steering assembly failure (appx. $800).

When driving through puddles at any speed, the power steering goes out. Dealer recently replaced belt tensioner, but this did not solve problem.

Power steering completely went out momentarily. Dealer said "nothing wrong. " *k.

Vehicle has had momentarily lost power assist numerous times, there is a TSB out on this problem. Dealer has not repaired vehicle while under warranty.

When even the smallest amount of street water, I. E. Water-filled pothole, curb water drainage, etc gets splashed up onto the vehicle underside the power sterring assist disappears for a short interval, 10 to 20 seconds. During that period I, a 200 lb man with reasonable body strength, can barely continue turning the steering wheel. This has happened on several occassions during the past three years. I have almost crashed into the curb three times already. I am aretired mechanical engineer with extensive "do it yourself" experience and I perceive that water is splashing up on the serpantine belt and the belt friction is changed enormously when water gets splashed on that belt. As far as I know there is no splash guard or deflector to protect the belt from water being splashed up by the right front tire. My engine is the largest displacement v6. I have had my belt tensioner checked and it is performing properly.