Power steering gone on '00 T&C Pt. II - Pump & rack shot

Thanks to the replies re my '00 Chrysler Town & Country's power steering problems. We checked the fluid and the reservoir was empty (my bro checked it, I'm use a wheelchair and couldn't see). My bro said something was probably wrong as it shouldn't be totally empty. A friend topped it off w/no results.

My local Chrysler svc center looked at it today and said the power steering pump "blew up" and sent particles into the rack & pinion screwing it up. I asked what could have caused that but he wasn't sure, he said some type of "restriction" occurred, perhaps a valve failed.

Anyone familiar w/this? The van was running fine that day, we'd stopped at a store but when backing out of a parking space the power steering was no longer functioning, there were no strange noises when it happened. The mechanic said I'm looking at a $1600 charge, most of that is for the rack & I think labor involved in installing it.That seems quite steep but then I'm not too familiar w/what's involved re parts & labor. Does that price seem right to y'all? I live in a part of CT w/an expensive zip code. Unfortunately, the zip is the only thing I've got in common w/others in town so this repair will really sting!

I try to keep on top of maintaining the van and checking fluids regularly but got to admit I haven't checked the PS fluid in a wile, may have been back in Dec. when Chrysler did a tune up. Is it normal for PS fluid to run out in that period of time or perhaps there was a leak somewhere?

Thanks for any info, enough rambling, I need a drink!

Dan G. in CT

Reply to
Daniel G.
Loading thread data ...

Think "used parts yard" for the parts and ask them to recommend a local guy to do the install. Likely cost you under $500.00.

Richard

Reply to
Richard

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.