Power Steering...

What does a Power Steering pump replacement go for these days? 2005 Dodge
Caravan, automatic, 119k miles.

-TIA,

-TRogers

 

Rough guess, about 2.0 to 2 1/2 hrs labor, the pump, maybe $150. If someone
has told you this was bad because you are getting a noise from the P/S
BEWARE!!!

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

 

I figured it was the pump because of the noise. What else could it be?

 

Well probably not the pump. The biggest problem is air in the system and or
fluid leaks. Was the reservoir filled to the proper level? Have you been
adding and not seeing where it is going?

Glenn

 

That should have been the first thing to check.

 

I'll have to check the fluid level before taking it further. Thx!

 

I haven't checked anything or done anything yet - I just hear the sound
coming to work today.

 

Without actually hearing the noise (maybe a bearing noise?) it isn't
likely that the pump is the problem. In a huge majority of cases,
when you start hearing a noise it's either a loose/failing belt (so
you're hearing a belt squeal), or a leak somewhere in the system so
you're hearing noise due to air in there.

So start by checking belt tension and proceed to checking the level in
the reservoir before jumping to the conclusion that the pump is bad.

 

Though he hasn't described the noise, I think the belt tensioner idler
pulley bearing should be on the list of definite possibilities.

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')

 

It happen to me GC 2003, all I did is fill the reservoir all the way to the
max indicator, and noise went away. Make sure you don't have a leak. I had
one that is why I had to top it off.

 

get this rebuilt pump from napa was $60.00 . OEM From Chrsler dealer was
$55.00!

Kevin

 

lol, I would highly recommend a MOPAR part over a napa rebuilt any day
regardless of the price. This is to much of a job to do. Putting a cheap
so called "rebuilt" part on could cause more work down the road

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

 

Fluid is not leaking anywhere, belts are tight. Only seems to happen when
car is warmed up. Fluid level is near the MAX line.

-Tom

 

If there is air in the system a loud noise will be heard. If the level is at
the max mark when the engine is running it could still be low. I would
suspect air in the system. You may want to add more fluid. If the pump was
bad it would more then likely make noise hot or cold. We have a special
device that we use to purge air from the reservoir when this occurs. A
simple hand held vacuum pump with a small bottle and a rubber stopper to
seal the top. But without hearing the noise it could be anything

Glenn