Hydraulic Power Assist Steering System problems of the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan

I had the power steering upper hose recall done back in may of 2005. Before then I was not having any trouble with noise. Since the recall work was done I am having ongoing noise from my power steering. I have taken it back asking about the noise. I was told that the engineers knew about the noise and were working on it. Last week, March 27, 2008, I took it in to have something done. I was told that the problem can't be fixed however, if I was willing to have it flushed for about $150. 00 that this might help with no sure guarantee that it would improve. I think the tech might have not properly followed the procedure to fixed the recall which has resulted in the contamination of the power steering fluid. This has caused me this problem.

Groaning in power steering, dealership fitted ps cooler and extra length of hose - did not fix problem.

Whenever the temperature is 40 degrees or colder the power steering system in my 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan admits a loud high pitch whining sound, the steering wheel can be very hard to turn until the engine is warmed up, and also a shudder is felt thru the steering wheel. This problem has occurred every year since we have owned the car, occurring when the weather cools off. We take it into the dealer every year. For the past 2 years the solution has been to flush the system and tighten the hoses. This year the solution is suppose to be a power steering fluid cooler, which the car is now out of warranty, will cost $220. 00. I refuse to pay for this work has the problem has occurred every year, and only now is there a redesign for the system that never worked properly in the first place. When I contacted Dodge corporate office for resolution on this matter, I was last told to take the car to the dealer. But the cooperate agent could not tell me what the dealer was going to do or at what cost. Basically I am getting the round around for what is a safety problem that will cause an accident.

2003 Dodge Grand Caravan. High pitched whining sound while turning steering wheel. Comes and goes. Fluid level is fine. Fluid color and smell is fine,no air bubbles in fluid. Seems to be the worst after driving highway speeds then driving in town. Sometimes goes away after shutting vehicle off for a few minutes. Dealer recommends a flush. Bought vehicle used at 29000 miles. Problem seemed to start shortly after. A $80 flush isn't going to fix the problem after reading about the same problem others are having. Seems like some sort of restriction on the intake side of the system.

Power steering was making a whining noise about a year after we got it, I took it into the dealer and they could not find a problem. After 4 visits back to the dealer they replaced the power steering rack 6 months later the noise is back. I know of 3 other people that have the same Mini van and they all have experienced the same problem.