Being a auto tech, thought I would help my friend here figure what his problem is with his 2002 dodge caravan 3.3 power steering.
In the morning, he tells me that his power steering feels ridged, as if there is now power going to the power steering rack. He can shut off the engine, then start it up again and the power steering regains power again. This has happened three monning in a row. These symptoms happen when its between 2-5 degrees celcius. The symptoms do not happen when the engine is warm.
Power steering fluid has been checked and its full. Car has 176Km's and owner suspects it has original serpinetine belt.
I inspected the belt, Belt condition looks excelent. I pulled on the belt to test the streangh of the tensioner, It is fully operational and smooth.
No fluid has been lost no leaks.
I have looked wide across the net, some auto tech web sites for techs and came up with nothing.
Any feedback would be helpfull.
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The cold weather may have a lot to do with. Just like with transmissions, colder the weather the longer it stays in low gears. Try wraping the tubes or a heating pad on the power steering reservoir.And see how that works.
__________________
Master Chassis tech, Transmission
Automatic and Manual and Suspensions.
Also repair front and rear diffs and all engine
repairs inc Diesel. A/C repair too.
Don't know if you can post links here but I read that the bottome of the reservoir has a screen that gets plugged. Drain fluid and cleen or replace reservoir will solve the problem.
His old Serpentine was in great shape, replaced it anyway. So far, he says, that the problem has been resolved,unitill it rains again so we don't know if its a total solution. His key was not able to start the car. BCAA came out and did a quick bang with a soft mallet hammer on the key, and was able to start the vehicle. Its vital, to get the tumbler replaced while it still turns, or the price can really shoot up!.
Now, when do struts usally wear out on these vehicles? He has 150km's
2002 caravan 3.3 steering stiff in morning
