Unidentified Squeal

I have a 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager. When i purchased it, the power steering (we thought) made a squeal. Upon inspection, it was bone dry. So we added fluid and went on our way, thinking that would fix the problem as the van had been sitting for sale for a while. About a week of driving later, it began squealing again. We checked the fluid (which was low, but not nearly as bad, could have still been low from the first time we filled it). I had a friend check it out, we ran it, and turned the wheel and there were no leaks, but it looked wet around the cap (maybe from when we pored it in, he said...?). So tonight it began squealing again. I have been watching the fluid daily and I know it is not low, but i have noticed it continues to looks wet on top...) also, it does not squeal particularly when turning, but accelerating, and I found that taking my foot off the gas, stops the noise. It has also done the squealing when it was running in park. I have thought power steering pump, but I am just not sure, and I don't want to invest in a part that is not going to fix the problem. Now I am leaning toward a belt of some sort? and what about the dang power steering fluid on the top?

Its well known that the power steering pump on the Caravans are bad, maybe that is your problem. About the leaking fluid it could be one hose, check that too.
To change the power steering pump is not easy on that van, takes like 4 hours labor, check with a mechanic.

I have a 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager. When i purchased it, the power steering (we thought) made a squeal. Upon inspection, it was bone dry. So we added fluid and went on our way, thinking that would fix the problem as the van had been sitting for sale for a while. About a week of driving later, it began squealing again. We checked the fluid (which was low, but not nearly as bad, could have still been low from the first time we filled it). I had a friend check it out, we ran it, and turned the wheel and there were no leaks, but it looked wet around the cap (maybe from when we pored it in, he said...?). So tonight it began squealing again. I have been watching the fluid daily and I know it is not low, but i have noticed it continues to looks wet on top...) also, it does not squeal particularly when turning, but accelerating, and I found that taking my foot off the gas, stops the noise. It has also done the squealing when it was running in park. I have thought power steering pump, but I am just not sure, and I don't want to invest in a part that is not going to fix the problem. Now I am leaning toward a belt of some sort? and what about the dang power steering fluid on the top?
IMO. I would clean or change the power steering reservoir, this is a common problem with these vans as the screen tends to get dirty. Its the first and easiest fix.

rack and pinion is probably leaking from the inner rack seals...

Help is a two way street. How about a little feedback Angeye.

OBTW - Born and raised in Michigan City.

Ok, so she's been quiet for like 2 weeks now. I had noticed that it was always crappy situations when it was squealing, like late and rainy. So i think I have concluded that it is something having to do with the heater. On the way to school today, my friend turned it on, (after I have made a point not to turn it on lately to see what it does) and once it turned on, it squealed. So I have really no idea what would be squealing that has to do with the heater...?

Help is a two way street. How about a little feedback Angeye.

OBTW - Born and raised in Michigan City.

Oh, sorry, I have not fixed the problem yet. I have been narrowing down, and trying to listen to it and get a feel for what the problem really is. But I will keep posting as it comes along. Thanks for everyone's help.

Sounds like a belt squealing because it is slipping. Extra electrical load on the system. What engine do you have?

Sounds like a belt squealing because it is slipping. Extra electrical load on the system. What engine do you have?

Is the A/C on also?

keep in mind that the ac compressor engauges when the defrost is turn on. also you could have air in the system if you ran it low.to bled air get frt. wheels off ground fill power steering, start engine,turn steering wheel to maxium right hold 10 seconds then to the left and repeat several times then shut off engine top off fluid. you will see the reason for the wet cap as you bleed the system the fluid will rise and fall as the steering is in different positions so dont over fill it.

oh yeah bled with cap off

Belt tensioners can squeal too, as can idler pulleys,alternators, and AC compressors. If everything is working okay and your not leaking fluid, or throwing or shredding the belt...
Try spraying the belt with silicone and see if it stops squealing.

Assuming it's all working okay and your problem is with the noise...the silicone might stop the squeak and whatever componet it is will either continue to deteriorate making it easier to diagnose, or it may sort of stabilize and not get any worse.

This way you'll replace it once it gets worse..and your no worse off than replacing it right away.

Spit

Ok, so she's been quiet for like 2 weeks now. I had noticed that it was always crappy situations when it was squealing, like late and rainy. So i think I have concluded that it is something having to do with the heater. On the way to school today, my friend turned it on, (after I have made a point not to turn it on lately to see what it does) and once it turned on, it squealed. So I have really no idea what would be squealing that has to do with the heater...?

When you turn on the heater you're turning on the blower motor. The bearings in the blower often fail and create noise. Another possibility is debrie is stuck in the fan cage on the blower. You'll have to remove it and investigate. It's directly behind the glove compartment. If the noise appears and disappears consistantly by turning the blower fan (heat) on and off, this would apply.