Power Steering Pump Problems of Dodge Grand Caravan - part 2

While driving on highway and turning right on exit, loud noise occurred. Power steering was loose, no steering control with the vehicle. Dealer contacted, and stated the power steering belt tensioner had seized. , repairs were done under warranty, no gaurantee that it would't happen again.

See all problems of the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

Part 4612894ac tensioner caused the failure of part 4861322 belt-drv with a/c. The first occurrence, 10/98, resulted in the car coming to a dead halt. Had this occurred a few minutes earlier, while on the tollway, I would not be here to write about this. Since then, the battery failed 1/10/2000 (possibly related) and the tensioner/belt failed soon after, resulting in water pump failure. The tensioner, belt and pump were replaced. A coworker advised me that his tensioner has failed 4 times - approx. Every 15,000 miles. My occurences have happened within similar timespans. I have no confidence in the vehicle, as I dread the failure of the tensioner while on my daily commute to work at expressway speeds. A sudden stop with the failure of the belt is extremely hazardous.

See all problems of the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

Vehicle has lost power steering in hot and humid weather due to the air conditioner draining onto the power steering belt. A replacement elbow drainage pipe is necessary to correct the problem.

During rain, snow, or icy conditions, the accessory belt pully or idler gets wet and the belt comes off resulting in loss of power steering, power brakes, alternator, etc. This has happened on 4 separate occasions, the most recently 04/22/01 during a rain storm in chicago. I believe that there is a sheild or something missing to prevent water, snow, and/or ice from splashing up onto the belt pullies.

See all problems of the 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

While driving the truck loses all steering. This happens because the steering belt slips. Driver has experience loss of steering five times.

In wet climate or driving over puddles, the defective power steering would be inoperative, causing loss of steering control due to the power steering belts getting wet. Dealer cannot find a solution to the problem.

Steering is very wobbly & very loose; speed would vary when it happens. Would pull to right & drift; intermittent grinding in steering mechanism; would lock up when parking or backing up; took to dealer 3 times & had rack & pinion , steering pump replaced, but problem still exists.

Water gets on power steering belt, making it difficult to steer vehicle. Dealer has been notified. Please provide further information.