clicking noise from power steering unit

[seeker48]

Back in May my 97 Caravan power steering started clicking every time I turned the steering wheel. When I check the fluid level it was almost gone. What was left in the reservoir was black and smelled burnt. I refilled the reservoir with new fluid. This seemed to help, yet, occasionally, I still get the clicking noise, especially after the system has warmed up. Should I replace the power steering pump or simply flush all the fluid out of the system and refill?

[conncarl]

You know, my 01 Caravan is doing the same thing. I'm assuming the pump is shot, but I'd be curious to see what sort of responses we get first.

Carl

[seeker48]

Originally Posted by seeker48

Back in May my 97 Caravan power steering started clicking every time I turned the steering wheel. When I check the fluid level it was almost gone. What was left in the reservoir was black and smelled burnt. I refilled the reservoir with new fluid. This seemed to help, yet, occasionally, I still get the clicking noise, especially after the system has warmed up. Should I replace the power steering pump or simply flush all the fluid out of the system and refill?

I am posting this answer to my original message. The clicking sound was the strut mounts. In hot weather the rubber insert in the mount became soft. The increased friction on the strut caused the clicking sound when turning. Gemini Goodyear replaced the stru mounts under warranty - I had to pay the labor charge.