7.6
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$45.00
Average Mileage:
48,420 miles
Total Complaints:
5 complaints
Most common solutions:
- changed the power steering resevior (2 reports)
- have garage do a flush (1 reports)
- not sure (1 reports)
- rack-in-pinion needs replacing (1 reports)
steering problem
Helpful Websites About 2006 Dodge Caravan power steering whines
2009Sep 08
Caravan SXT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 41,000 miles
We have a 2006 SXT Caravan. The power steering started squealing around 39k miles. At first I thought it was a belt. Went to garage and they told me it was the power steering and that they could flush it for approx $75.
Well I went home looked it up and this is a common issue with these caravans. Some say replace the resevour. Either way , flush or replace it costs approx the same. The real issue is who do you trust? Your dealership or if you're lucky like me you have a mechanic you can rely on.
I had it flushed and I haven't been more happy since I bought the vehicle. No noise! it worked just fine.
The flush kit along with a $25 dollar discount runs about $75. It's the best $75 you'll ever spend believe me.
2009Oct 14
Caravan SXT 3.3L
- Automatic transmission
- 26,098 miles
The most annoying aspect was discussing the whining steering pump noise with the service rep at the dealer. His response was that they had no knowledge of such a problem. After doing internet research and in particular this website, I replaced the power steering reservoir on the advice of others experiencing the same problem. After doing so, the problem was solved. Of interest, when picking up the replacement reservoir at the dealer, the parts guy mentioned that they replace several reservoirs a week and keep a stock of replacements. Also mentioned that they replace a few power steering pumps a week due to advanced wear due to starved fluid to the pumps because of the clogging of the filter element that eventually destroys the pump. Not very professional and they wonder why Chrysler gets a bad name for dealer support.
2009Jan 05
Caravan
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
2006 DODGE CARAVAN W/72000 MILES HAS RACK IN PINION PROBLEMS NEEDS REPLACING. 950.00 DOLLARS PLUS TO FIX. DEALER STATES 2005-2006 DEFECT BUT WILL DO NOTHING TO COMPENSATE. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL OR CLASS ACTION SUITE BROUGHT AGAINST THEM. I AM SIMPLY TRADING IT FOR A HONDA OR TOYOTA. OTHER FOLKS HAVE PAID THE MONEY ONLY TO HAVE THE PROBLEM HAPPEN AGAIN WITHIN 30,000 MILES.
I HAVE FILED WITH NHTSA CONSUMER COMPLAINT.
ANYONE ORGANIZING COURT ACTION SIGN ME UP EVEN THOUGH DODGE/CHRYSLER WON'T BE IN BUSINESS LONG.. ANYONE WONDER WHY?
TRADING IT IN ON A HONDA OR TOYOTA AND CUTTING MY LOSSES. NO MORE DODGE OR CHRYSLER AND I AM SPREADING THE WORD. RESPECT AND BE SAFE!
2007Nov 01
Caravan SXT 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
After about a year of the whining noise it became louder and more annoying. My 2006 caravan has 75,000 miles on it. I did a bit of research and found that the filter in the power steering reservoir was clogged. Changed it for 25 dollars and the problem is solved. The filter is built in to the reservoir and was very black. Seems to be a major problem with Caravans and Town and Country's. I'm just glad I went for the lower cost fix before I let a mechanic take advantage of me.
We have partnered with JustAnswer to offer online auto repair help and advice from expert professional automotive technicians. You describe your steering problem or ask your question and they try to help you figure it out. The fee is typically $9 to $15, but you can offer to pay more for really tough questions. You will usually receive an answer in 10 minutes or less, and you do not have to pay anything unless you accept the answer.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Jan 01
Caravan SXT 3.8L
About a year ago the power steering started making a whining noise after driving for a considerable distance (100 miles or so). Upon checking with a dealer (when there was no noise) I was told that nothing was wrong just ignore it. Over the last year the whine has continued to increase in intensity but still in an intermediate status. I have checked with the dealer again to see if any other people have complained or if there was a factory recall. He advised that he had never heard of any complaints or any recalls. Upon Googling the problem I found the exact issue by four different people and rumors of many more. I will now try to find the solution to my problem and hope it is just a filter in the resevoir. Any Dodge or Crysler product will never be on my radar screen again.
Update from Feb 10, 2010: Based upon the information posted online I replaced the reservoir tank for the power steering fluid and have not heard a whimper out of the steering yet. Cost of the part approx 28.00 and 20.00 to have it put on. For such a simple repair I cannot comprehend why Dodge would deny that there is a problem.
donaldwv
Charleston, WV, USA
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