weird steering problem
 

I have a 2002 Chrysler Voyager with a weird steering problem.....Occasionally when i turn (only left and only before the vehicle is completely warmed up) the power steering seems to go out while turning left, then it suddenly kicks back in while turning. I dont know what this is, it feels like the steering wheel just sticks then suddenly breaks loose while in the middle of the turn. Anybody have any ideas what could be causing this?

Is the power steering fluid level ok?

If it is, then it sounds like a failing steering rack, or maybe failing power steering pump.

Thanks for the quick response! The power steering fluid is full. Is there any way to narrow down the two possibilities you had mentioned. As I am not mechanically inclined would the fact that it only happens when the engine is still cold point to the steering rack more than the power steering pump or vise versa? I am currently living in Spain, so taking it to a Chrysler dealer is out of the question, and I am limited to ordering parts online so I would like to be pretty confident that i am ordering the correct parts prior to doing so. Thanks again for any info you can provide.

Ken

If it were the rack, then I'd expect it to be leaking fluid a bit..........best to try to look at the rack. If you stretch the rubber gaitors on the rack you may be able to see fluid collected in there.

I'd say it was more probable that it was the rack.....you don't hear of pump failures very much, but rack failures are not unknown on the voyager.