2006 Chrysler Town and Country LWB: whining or grinding noise

Filed Mar 12, 2012 · Steering · 10,000 miles · NY

The van was purchased used in 2007 with approximately 4,000 miles from flemington chrysler in nj. At approximately 10,000 miles, the rack was found to be leaking and it was replaced under warranty. Soon after, the steering seemed a little tight but we chalked it up to the new components. Fast forward to 2012, the van now has 80,000 miles and the steering has begun to whine, groan and shudder. I have flushed the fluid and now replaced the pump. The whine and shudder are still there so it looks like the rack has failed again. The van can easily become a safety problem and chrysler should be ashamed. Definitely the last chrysler product I buy which is too bad because they've put out some really unique, good looking cars lately. My family's safety is more important thanks.

Filed May 3, 2010 · Steering · 31,000 miles · CA · fire

I started experiencing a loud whining sound coming out of the engine compartment area on an extended trip. I took the vehicle to the dealership while under warranty and they told me they could not replicate problem and suggested changing and flushing and complete service on transmission. While the whining sound subsided somewhat the sound still remained. Now I come to find out the power steering pump is leaking fluid all over the exhaust with a terrible and nauseating odor coming into the cabin area. Not only is this a potential fire hazard but also can be damaging to the respiratory system. The failure of this system is premature at best and extremely hazardous at its worst.

Filed Feb 22, 2010 · Steering · 45,602 miles · NC

My car was making a whining noise when the engine was cold. I brought it in to the chrysler dealer, and they informed me that the power steering pump was leaking, which had resulted in damage to the rack & pinion mechanism. The entire mechanism had to be replaced. Not performing this repair could have resulted in the entire steering system locking up. My professional opinion (I am a mechanical engineer) is that this pump should not have failed at such low mileage (~45k).

Filed Jul 17, 2009 · Steering · 40,000 miles · PA

The steering began to whine and groan, particularly when cold and not having been driven for a day or more. It often continues to whine, especially when being turned more than one full circle, but sometimes even when sitting still and straight. The repair shop identified leaking steering rack boots and the fluid is a bit low. At this time, we have not done anything, because replacement of the boots is very expensive and replacement of the rack is more expensive. At the time, we had the minivan less than 3 years and it had just over 40,000 miles on it, just out of warranty.

Filed Jun 27, 2008 · Steering · 18,950 miles · VA

My 2006 chrysler town and country had a terrible whining noise upon starting it. When you would turn corners, it whined even louder. It constantly leaked power steering fluid so bad that it was all over the exhaust. I took my van to the dealership where it was purchased to find out that the whole steering rack needed to be replaced. They then advised me to take my van home and drive it to florida while waiting up to 6 months for a replacement steering rack from chrysler. I refused to do this. This is a serious hazard. Power steering fluid was leaking all over the exhaust of the van, and they wanted me to take it on a 12 hour drive to florida! I told my dealer I would not leave the dealership with this vehicle, nor would I put my 3 small children (all under age 3) in this fire trap. They gave me a loaner. This is a serious safety concern, and I would hope that the federal safety agency would be willing to help consumers out. The dealership even said there is a major problem. There were over 13000 of these "steering racks" on back order with chrysler. What is going to happen when powering steering fluid gets all over the exhaust, catches the vehicle on fire, and an entire family dies in a burning vehicle. Is this what it will take to get chrysler to do something. I would hope not, but it looks that way, luckily my dealer gave me a loaner vehicle, and within about 5 days, I had the power steering rack replaced. This is absolutely a safety hazard. Power sterring fluid is highly flammable. It is time to do something about this. Chrysler obviously does not care! Thank you for your response and hopefully, quick action that is needed. Crystal

Filed May 7, 2008 · Steering · 38,000 miles · PA

Power steering rack failure at 38,000 miles. Whine on start-up. Leak discovered when car was inspected. Mechanic says it is occurring on lots of these vans and the parts are back-ordered the problem is so bad.