01 G.Caravan Sp - Rack and Pinion Steering Repairs?

Question

I'm looking at buying a 01 Grand Caravan Sport from a Ford Dealer. It has 48K on it and they insist making any "necessary" repairs before selling it to make sure that it meets their quality standards. One of the items on the to-do list is to troubleshoot and possible replace the rack and pinion steering assembly.

I test drove the van and didn't notice anything but they said on earlier inspection that it made sounds and was hard to turn. Any repairs they make would get added to the price of the van so I'm interested to know if the work is really necessary. We currently have a 90 Grand Voyager with 150K miles since it was new and never had a problem with steering. (The transmission was rebuilt once at 75k but that's all). I called the local Dodge dealer. The mechanic said that on the O1 Grand Caravans there were problems with the R&P steering but a replacement fluid reservoir was the solution not a new assembly.

So I would like to know if anyone has had problems with the steering on an 01 or other Grand Caravan and what did you do about it. Also what else should I expect them to do to the van before the sale. (flush radiator? transmission? etc?)

Thanks for your help!

Ted Mittelstaedt · Accepted Answer

You should check with your State's consumer protection division first because what they are doing is most probably illegal. In short they are advertising this van at a lower price than they are willing to sell it at. It is one thing to tack on registration fees, etc. but they cannot add on repairs like this then jack up the price of the van unless they advertise the total price of the van including repairs.

If I were you I would get this statement in writing then tell them to f*ck off and I'd file a complaint with the BBB and then with the State. Otherwise if you really want this van tell them you want to test drive it then drive it over to the Dodge dealer and pay them for an opinion on it.

Ted

IK · Answer

(mike) wrote in news:    '2000 GC Sport, 22257 miles, 2 years ago - total power steering failure. Tightest turns possible had approx. 60 ft radius. Managed to block trafic on several intersections. Developed cpamps in my arms trying to turn the friggin' wheel.Dealer replaced the pump & the rack, at a $860 total, all paid by warranty.Take your chance.Cheers!

Sharon Vickers · Answer

maybe just the struts.

Geoff · Answer

Good God, man, there's a bazillion of these out there on the market!  Run!don't walk away, RUN!--Geoff

01 G.Caravan Sp - Rack and Pinion Steering Repairs?

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