Howdy all my wife has a 2005 Grand Caravan and ever since we bought it it has made a "funny" noise when you turn the steering wheel. It seems to be really prevalent when turning hard to the right and it sounds like it is coming right out of the steering wheel column area. Is it safe to assume its the rack and pinion? If so how hard is it to replace this item? Or am I better off having a shop do this? Also on a side note, the turn signals dont disengage after turning the wheel in either direction anymore, not sure if this is part of the same issue or not? Very annoying to make a turn and have to manually pull the signals back to the neutral position. Like I said its my wifes van, and I rarely drive it, but would like to get these items fixed if possible. Thanks for the help.

 

Check your power steering fluid level. It may be low, or you may have a leak in your power steering system.

 

Fluid levels are all good, it isnt anything to do with the powersteering, Ive had those issues before. This is a different type of noise. Its more like a rubbing sound then a whinning sound. Either way very annoying lol

 

I would replace the power steering pump and reservoir first, before a rack n pinion.

 

My 05 Grand Caravan makes the same noise at times. My mechanic who does my exhaust and front end work, said it was due to worn rubber parts. While annoying he assured me that it was safe to drive.