Dodge Caravan 2001 Power Steering Serpentine Belt Trouble!

[jdbk]

I have been having trouble with my 2001 dodge caravan SE. The trouble started when the serpentine belt would squeak on a cold start (on colder days only, not summer time). I took the van to a dealer, they said the water pump leaked and needed replacement. They replaced it for free. Everything was fine for a few weeks, then the squeaking and or rubbing sound started again. I returned to the dealer, they replaced a roller. Now about 7 months later the power steering doesn’t work when turning left only. They rubbing sounds are back. The dealer changed the power steering fluid. That made it difficult to turn both ways for a week, and then it got better. Now it is back to the same trouble with left turns and squeaking. The squeaking is really more of a rubbing or a strained sound that grows loader as you turn the wheel.

Any ideas on a cure? Anyone else had this trouble?

[bleedat]

jdbk,

I know this doesn't help, but I've got a 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan with the same problem. It's been to 2 different dealers, and no one can fix it. I've added some power steering fluid, but it didn't help. It's an annoying squeek that sounds like it needs a simple belt tightening.

[GTP Dad]

Are you sure it is the power steering pump and not the steering rack that is giving you problems. Lucas oil has a power steering conditioner that works to quiet racks and power steering that may have a seal problem. Try this and see if it helps. Only costs about $10 and may cure the problem. Available at most parts places. The reason I think this is a rack and pinion problem is because the steering works well in one direction and not the other.