Dirty Filters - Many mechanics have replaced the rack and pinion steering system claiming it is the fault. It appears that it might be dirty filters in the power steering fluid reservoir. My mechanic thought it was an air leak getting into the system somewhere.
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2006 Chrysler Town & Country Owner Comments (Page 2 of 2)
Had a whining noise that sounded like an alternator bearing.
Was told it was due to the power steering pump being low on fluid due to a leak from the rack and pinion. Told that if I did not replace the rack and pinion, the power steering pump could be damaged due to low fluid. Repair cost over $1000.
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. THE THE RACK AND PINION GEAR ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED IN MARCH 2008 AND NOW THE SAME THING IS WRONG AGAIN. CHRYSLER SHOULD BE FORCED TO ADMIT THAT THIS IS DEFECTIVE BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. I HATE THIS CAR AND I PAID CASH FOR IT TRUSTING IN THE CHRYSLER BRAND!!!
My town & country has only 30,000 miles on it. Its a 2006 model and kept in the best condition. I took it to the dealer for a regular maintenance and he came back to me with this problem. Basically all the power steering fluid was leaking. The only way to fix this problem is to replace the rack and pinion, complete assembly. He's charging me $800-1000. That's insane. I've read enough complaints on the web and Chrysler should look into it. I don't know if I should spend the 1000 bucks or sell the car and decide never to buy a chrysler again.
The whining started almost immediately after we purchased it. On the 90 day inspection, we asked them to check the power steering pump and linkage and the dealer found no problem. However, this was not done at a Chrysler dealership.
By March it was becoming very annoying and worrisome. By then we had 24,140 miles on the van. We took it to the local Chrysler dealer and requested that they check the noise. At that time we thought it was in the transmission and they did too. Of course, as the story goes, this was the first time they had a complaint about whining and they said there was nothing on Chrysler's dealer notifications that covered this.
As the months pass, the noise is getting louder and, of course, it is out of warranty and the dealership still hasn't heard of this. It has become evident that the whining is in the steering system because when we stop at a stop sign and turn the wheel even slightly the whining increases.
I am trying to have Chrysler recognize that there may be an issue with this part. I have 2 identical veheicles that were purchase on the same day, same dealer. These vehicles are company cars. The other vehicles has had the same issues I am now having. I think there may be an issue that is just rearing it ugly head.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Had a whining noise that sounded like an alternator bearing.
Was told it was due to the power steering pump being low on fluid due to a leak from the rack and pinion. Told that if I did not replace the rack and pinion, the power steering pump could be damaged due to low fluid. Repair cost over $1000.
- Ken A., Dublin, OH, US