I have a 2006 Caravan SE with 44k on the clock and the steering has become noticeably heavier over the last month or so. The tires are inflated correctly although they only have around 5000 miles left on them. We live in ND so the temps are around 10F on average right now but I didn't notice anything strange last winter. When turning corners, the wheel doesn't self centre very well and needs a nudge to return the wheel to straight alignment. The general ride feels fine and there are no unusual noises of any kind. Any ideas people before I get to the dealer shark?

Thanks folks.

 

So anyone out there???

 

You may want to suck out the fluid in the reservoir and try to clean the filter. Or you could replace the reservoir. If you try the van to a shop, have them hook up a p/s pressure gauge and see what the specs are. The problem could be reservoir, pump or steering rack.

 

Thanks for the reply. I am going to try replacing the reservoir. Should I get a Haynes manual or is it real easy to drain and replace? Is it best to drain the system from the power steering pump or can it be done from the reservoir end? Thanks again.

 

+1 on cleaning the system.
There could be moisture suspended in the system that's actually freezing,turning the fluid to grease.I had this happen to a verrry neglected motorcycle once.(brake fluid)

 

I have taken no action on the steering situation as it has got much warmer here ( ! ) now around 32F. The steering has got much lighter and I am pretty sure that the fluid is shot and has probably sludged up inside the pump. The car was originally bought in FL and now resides in ND and I guess with the original fluid inside. Can you select a power steering fluid similar to engine oil viscosity by selecting the most suitable environmental temperature range?

Thanks again.

 

Just took the car into the main dealer and they flushed the steering fluid out and cleaned the de-aerator screen ( filter ) and refilled with ATF+4 cold weather fluid. They checked the suspension and the tires all good. Just drove it home and is now back to normal. Cost me $87. Thanks for all the replies.

SD

 

how do you delete a post?