I have a 2005 caravan w/ about 60k miles on it. latetly when the engine is cold, im having steering issues. the steering wheel is hard to steer and squeals loud. I mean really hard to steer. like power at all. til it warms up. The fluid is full.

thx in advance.

 

If a fluid change doesn't do it you could try another common fix. Change the reservoir. It has a built in filter that often clogs restricting fluid flow. To change the fluid grab your wife's turkey baster (when she's not looking) take the cap off the reservoir and suck the fluid out. Refill, drive and suck X3 to get all the fluid. The reservoir will cost around $30 at the dealership.

 

The squealing sound is the belt slipping on the power steering pump pulley. Check the condition of the belt and the belt tensioner. If there are cracks in the belt or chunks missing, change the belt. The tensioner may have frozen so check it's action with a bar and socket and while you're at it, make sure the tensioner pulley is free and rotates easily.

 

ok, will try all that. Thx again guys.