We towed our 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan on a tow dolly behind our motorhome approx 190 miles this past weekend. When we got to our destination the steering would not work. The wheel just turns freely. My husband thinks a pin broke in the steering column and we are getting a steering column from a junk yard. We got in some construction where the van on the dolly got off onto the rough shoulder as we were going thru the construction and started wobbling considerably and we think that broke the pin.

Has anyone out there ever replace the steering column on their 99 and hints or suggestions to make the job easier. Also any hints how we can keep this from happening in the future. In other vehicles we have towed with the dolly we have put the vehicle in neutral while towing. The caravan wont let me do that. It wont let me shut the ignition off when the the van is in neutral.

 

being front drive and they are suspended dont matter if its in park or neutral. although ya could leave it in neutral if i remember on mine 2010 though there is a little cover to remove and then it releases the lock. for the steering i would check the undercarage where the tie rod ends. possible bent one? or off? maybe the rack seized from a bent.

 

Welcome to DF
I would have the front end and steering column inspected,before replacing any parts.