Questions and Answers
Dodge Steering
Q. I have a 1999 Dodge Caravan with a 3.3 liter engine and 72,000 kilometers (44,700 miles). In the past 2 days the steering has been giving trouble. At slow speed, eg parking, the steering is often harder than normal and sometimes it is as if the power steering is not working at all.
It was taken to the dealer to check the belts and tensioner, they are ok. The dealer has determined that the power steering gear needs to be replaced but this is rather expensive. Can you explain what the power steering gear is and if there could be other things to check first? Can this type of repair be done by an independent garage?
Thanks,
CMA. That vehicle has power rack and pinion steering, also known as the steering gear.
Turning of the steering wheel is converted into linear travel through the meshing of the helical pinion teeth with the rack teeth. Power assist steering is provided by an open center, rotary type control valve. It is used to direct oil from the power steering pump to either side of the integral steering rack piston. Road feel is controlled by the diameter of a torsion bar which initially steers the vehicle. As steering effort increases as in a turn, the torsion bar twists, causing relative rotary motion between the rotary valve body and valve spool. This movement directs oil behind the integral rack piston, which in turn builds up hydraulic pressure and assists in the turning effort.
Basically R&P steering has two main components, the rack itself and the power steering pump. If the pump is good, then it's reasonable to assume it is the rack.
This vehicle should still be under warranty. If for some reason they won't warranty it, and Chrysler Corp. won't offer any help with the bill, It can be done at most shops anywhere for a lot less than the dealer.
Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
