I have a 2002 Chrysler T&C. In July of 2011 i had the Rack n Pinion replaced. A week ago once the vehicle got warmed up and had been driven for awhile the steering when slowed down to turn felt like it locked up and took all i could to turn it. Once i let it sit for about half hour the steering would move freely again. I took it back to the shop that replaced the Rack n pinion. Of Course they said it was a bad rack so i paid for the labor and allignement to have a new one put in. Well it didnt fix the problem the steering still locks up once the vehicle is warmed up and i slow down to turn. Any suggestions on what i should check now?

Also every now and then if i go over a bump i hear a clunking noise in the front end. If i go over a railroad track i dont hear it. Seems to be only when one side hits a pot whole or bump... any suggestions on what this could be?

 

First and foremost make sure the shop used ATF+4 transmission fluid to service the system. Beyond the TSB in the link below, the filter could be partially clogged ($30 at the dealership) or the pump could be on it's way out.

Might look into this: Dodge Repair: 2002 dodge caravan, caravan voyager, chrysler voyager

 

Raptor what does TSB stand for? Ive seen that mentioned in many forums and havnt been able to figure it out yet. Where would i find the filter? Ive searched the internet and havnt been able to locate where it is. Im thinking it has something to do with cooling of he fluid cause its only when it gets warm that the steering gets hard. If it was the pump wouldnt i hear some noises or something?

 

at a guess, Technical Service Bulletin

 

Yes, technical service bulletin. It's a manufacturers maintenance advisory sent to dealerships. Where's the filter? It's built into the reservoir. It can't be cleaned. You have to replace the reservoir. Luckily they cost around $30 at your dealership. Noisy pump? Not necessarily. The system consists of the reservoir, pump, hoses, steering gear (rack) and possibly a cooler. You don't have many choices. Cooling? Could be. The TSB appears to talk to that.

 

Raptor thanks for your advice i bought the resivor yesterday so will change it today in hopes that it fixes the problem.