(800) 853-2651
SHOP NOW

ot Dodge Caravan

Our Phone System is Down!

Please use the Contact us Form

We are working to resolve the issue ASAP! Thanks for your patience!

A

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member
Daughter has friend who has a 2002 Caravan. Power steering went out. I was told if it is squeeling, check the resavoir, probably needs cleaning. The owner says "oh it was squeeling for a long time but now it won't turn at all". Anyone changed the pump on one of these? How hard is it? Any pitfalls to avoid?
 
I'm wondering what "won't turn at all"? The pump locked up? The steering has no assist?

If it was just low and growling, the pump may not be the problem. Put oil in it and see if it will work, then find the leak.

If it was driven empty until the pump locked up... That's bad. Not only is the pump bad, but the steering gear/rack will be full of metal grindings. Both will have to be replaced.
 
OFA says to slice a lemon in half, put half your pubes in, plus a weeks tonail clippings, and she'll start turning, right away, LOL!
 
My brother had the same problems. He found out that the hose has the filter media inside it. He had to replace the hose and then it was good as new.

It sounds as if that one was let to too long. It's probably toasted something. Power steering pumps don't have a lot of gray area - they work or they don't.
 
gonna need a new pump AND rack and flush system .Done lots of these including wifes van . Do one and not all of them you will be doing it over .
 
not sure myself what she means by won't turn at all - maybe just hard to turn - sounding more and more like something I really don't want to get into.
 
I've put two power steering pumps in my 2002 Grand Caravan. Both times because of rust holes in the reservoir. I changed both time from underneath and it was an awful job. Maybe not so bad if you have a lift. Not fun when laying on the your back. It's tighth squeeze with the 3.3 or 3.8 V6. Maybe easier with a four-cylinder. When pulling out you just keep jerking it one way or the other and just fits coming out. Going in it seems even tighter but eventually I got it back in both times.
 
How the heck could anyone stand a squeal like that for a year? I know that at times there are financial considerations, but----
 
I drove my van up on to four steel car-ramps to get all the height I could. Like I said, it's a REAL tight squeeze but does fit. I have the factory manual that told me to do it that way. Otherwise I would not have thought it was possible. Note also that the pulley on the pump is pressed on real tight. You really need the correct tool to pull it off.
 
Did one last summer for a friend who moved to CO was not all that hard but you have to attack it from above and below and then there is that stupid suppedtine (sp) belt. Did not take more then about an hour to do but one has to hold there mouth just right
 
Thanks for all the input. I think we (my sil and I ) are going to politely back away from this one. It would be nice to do this favor but between how involved it is and cold weather sounds like something I don't want to take on. Plus sil been working 70 hours a week - hard to make the time for this.
 
The plastic reservoir (on top of engine) has a nylon screen in it that will eventually plug over time. This causes the pump to cavitate (squeal) from insufficient suction head. This is a very common problem on that generation of caravans. Cold weather makes it worse. You can remove the reservoir and try to clean it with solvents and blowing it backwards, but a new one is the best solution. There is a hidden bolt under the reservoir that is accessed horizontally from the rear of the engine. That bolt does not have to be removed - just backed off. New reservoir is about $40 from the dealer. He will probably have one in stock.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

J
September 1949 road trip photos
2
Replies
25
Views
2K
used red MN
U
C
Bought 4 tractors today
Replies
6
Views
569
Brown David
Brown David
T
ID help TO35 MF35 or something else?
Replies
15
Views
443
Termite
T
D
What engine is this? Chrysler or dodge?
Replies
9
Views
1K
DoubleO7
DoubleO7
P
350 u power steering reassembled but not working
Replies
12
Views
556
Paul 300 U
P
Tractor Parts Tractor Manuals

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Copyright © 1997-2024 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters
Website Accessibility Policy

Back
Top