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2006 Grand Caravan Power Steering
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salowist
User
Dec 6, 2012, 9:10 AM
Post #1 of 2
(3585 views)
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2006 Grand Caravan Power Steering
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I have an '06 Grand Caravan with approx 90k miles on it. For the past 6 mos the power steering pump has been making a whining noise. I just found a video that is stating that the hose to the reservoir is the root of the problem, which I agree with given the mileage that the problem started at. I am planning on cleaning out the filter in the reservoir as described in the video. My wife started the van last week and the PS would not work at all so I think the pump is shot. Unfortunately I found out about the filter cleaning 40k too late. I have a hayne's manual for it and the pump replacement section is pretty vague, do you have any walkthrough's on it or something that can help me out?
Here is the video that I found. Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx1w2YGN_0s
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MarineGrunt
Enthusiast
Dec 6, 2012, 10:31 AM
Post #2 of 2
(3559 views)
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Re: 2006 Grand Caravan Power Steering
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It's not uncommon for power steering pumps to fail over time. One thing to check first is the fluid level. If it's low it will make the whining noise you're describing. Depending on the vehicle, they aren't all that difficult to swap out. Vans can sometimes be a bit tricky due to the tight space. We have a Chevy Venture and I just replaced the power steering pump on it. On mine I had to pull the alternator and its bracket in order to get the pump out. Yours is probably set up different though.
Just curious, where is the power steering pump filter located? I've never seen a filter for a power steering system on any of my vehicles and didn't know there was such a thing. Or, are you talking about the screen built into the reservoir?
You will need a tool to remove the pulley on the pump as a new pump doesn't come with one. You may be able to get a loaner tool from your local parts store. You just put down a deposit on the tool which you get back once you return the tool. I know carquest and autozone do this. The new pump will come with the pulley installation tool. Well, it's not so much a tool but just a bolt and washer that you use to press the pulley back on the pump. There's nothing to do. I ended up having to buy a new pulley because my old one was seized on. When I tried removing it broke the lips on the pulley. I've done a handful of pumps and this was the first time this has ever happened to me.
In order to remove the pump you'll need to remove the serpentine belt, disconnect the two lines, remove the pump, and reinstall everything in reverse order. Take a pump or turkey baster and remove the fluid first. There are two 10mm bolts on top and a 12mm bolt towards the back. After you finish installing it clean up any fluid that dripped on the engine and frame. You'll want it clean in order to check for leaks afterwards or in the future.
I use aldatadiyi.com. You can get a year subscription for $16.95 or 3 years for $29.95. I've been told it's the same info that professional mechanics use. It's well worth it if you plan on doing your own repairs. It gives you step by step instructions with pictures for just about any job you'll ever do on your vehicle.
Eventually the real mechanics will be along and may be able to post some diagrams of the removal process for you. I don't have access to every vehicle, just the ones I own. I'm just a diy guy but there are actual professional mechanics here that can give you much better advice.
If you have anymore questions, just ask. Best of luck!
(This post was edited by MarineGrunt on Dec 6, 2012, 10:41 AM)
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