2006 Dodge Grand Caravan: clunking or noise when steering

Filed Mar 27, 2011 · Steering · 97,000 miles · IL

I have a 2006 dodge grand caravan stx 3.8l van. The van has been making a loud whining noise over the past several months. The noise is prevalent when cold or warm and when turning. Thought this may be a power steering issue. Changed power steering fluid. Noise still persists. Tightened serpentine belt. Noise still persists. Took it to a mechanic. Mechanic said it was a rack and pinion issue. Is there a recall on this. Does anyone else have this issue.

Filed May 18, 2010 · Steering · 76,081 miles · MI

Power steering on vehicle always makes a whinning noise. My neighbor has the same make and model and he says that the dealer said the power steering fluid reservoir is undersized for this vehicle. Is anyone else having this complaint about the power steering having noise and hard to turn? I bought this car used and it has always made this noise.

Filed Dec 1, 2009 · Steering · 51,000 miles · TX

Steering system makes a loud humming noise all of the time. Vehicle has 51000 miles on it, and my mechanic told me the rack and pinion has to be replaced. I asked how he could tell without looking, and he told me that this is well known problem, with these vehicles.

Filed Apr 4, 2009 · Steering · IA

Maintained oil changes & at 14670 mi did 15000 mile service/maintenance kit; 3/6/08-20565 miles,leaking steering rack, under warranty, gear assembly power steering replaced & checked brakes for noise but no repair of them; 3/11/08-20740 miles, ses light is on & just replaced rack & pinion, cause=leak detection pump failure,pump natural vacuum leak detection, emissions,under warranty; 5/12/08-22282 miles, checked brakes for noise, replaced front brake pads & rotors,I paid & reflash for harsh 1-2 @/or 2-3 shift so reflashed PCM per tsb 21-018-07 for harsh shift, no charge but don't know if it was b/c of warranty; 9/09/08 25192 oil change & on 9/19/08 25562 miles ck engine light on & van died twice while driving, cause valve exhaust gas recirculation control so replaced egr valve, covered under warranty; 10/13/08 26324 miles, brakes squeaking, clean & adjusted brakes; 10/31/08 26788 miles,breaks squeaking, replaced front brake pads,under warranty; 1/13/09 28092 miles replaced right faulty right sliding door track,under warranty; 2/2/09 28463 miles replaced battery b/c battery failed vat test & did oil change; 2/20/09 28945 miles did 30k service said will need rear brakes soon had no choice but to get the extended warranty due to all the time spent at the dealer. Reported all problems to chrysler but all they did was notate it but doesn't appear are going to do anything about all of the issues I had. They said, well the car was repaired. No one should have to be at a dealer this many times &so frequently especially since I only avg over 9000 but less than 10000 a yr. 3/30/09 car turned off by itself at stop light, I turned it on, van shook, gas pedal wouldn't move, turned on &off a couple of times &kept shaking &pedal wouldn't move &then finally it stopped shaking& I drove off. I set up appt & was sch for 2 days later but was able to drive the car so I cancelled & was told to bring in if happens again. Approx incident date is date of 1st issue since multiple issues.

Filed May 29, 2008 · Steering · 41,000 miles · IA

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 dodge grand caravan. After repairing the brakes, the contact turned the steering wheel and heard unusual noises. A week later, he discovered oil on the ground underneath the vehicle. The mechanic stated that the rack and pinion was failing. The dealer stated that the parts for the repair were on backorder. The failure mileage was 41,000. Updated 6/16/08

Filed May 14, 2007 · Steering, Transmission · AL

Popping noise in steering column. While traveling at least 50 miles a loud winding noise was heard coming from the steering column, -possibly transmission. Vehicle became hard to steer. All fluids have been checked and vehicle was serviced regularly.