Three problems related to hydraulic power assist steering system have been reported for the 1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving in a mall parking lot, made a turn and heard a loud bang. Steering wheel locked up. I managed to turn the wheel to avoid hitting a parked car and brought the van to a stock. Inspection found that the retaining bolt holding the belt tensioner pulley had snapped off causing the serpentine belt to come off and resulting in power steering failure. Inspection of the failed bolt by aircraft mechanics revealed that the bolt may have had as many as 5 internal stress cracks. Contacted Chrysler who took care of the repair,immediately. Repairs were made at the dealers the same day. Damaged parts were taken to the dealer service department. I was surprised to find out that this retaining bolt is not rated for high stress. If the breakage had happened at high speed it could have caused a serious accident. Suggest that these bolts be inspected and replaced at around 30,000 miles. Or replaced with a rated bolt. Locked up. Managed to turn the wheel and bring the van to a stop. Found that the bolt that retains the idler pulley and tensioner had snapped off, causing the serpantine belt to come off, resulting in power steering failure. Examination of the snapped bolt by aircraft mechanics indicated 5 possible stress cra.
Consumer states when it rains and when making sharp turns the power steering will lock up. The dealer has repaired the vehicle.
When making a turn, the vehicle lost steering power. Please describe.