How to Fix Power Steering Pump Noise in a 2005 Dodge Caravan

Power steering pump noise on a 2005 Dodge Caravan is typically due to the bearings inside the power steering pump going bad, or because the pump is low on fluid. If you allow the pump to get low enough on fluid too many times, the noise will not stop, even though you fill up the reservoir, because you've worn the bearings out. The only way to get rid of the noise if filling the reservoir does not work is to replace the pump.

Things You'll Need

• Drain pan
• Shop rags
• Turkey baster or other siphoning device
• Set of line wrenches
• Screwdriver
• Set of sockets
• Power steering pump pulley puller
• Floor jack
• Jack stands

Instructions

1. Slide the drain pan under the power steering pump. Line the area under the pump with rags to facilitate clean up. Siphon the power steering fluid out of the reservoir, using the turkey baster or other siphoning device.

2. Remove the high-pressure line, using the appropriate line wrench. Prop the line up so power steering fluid does not continue to drip out. Loosen the clamp on the low-pressure hose, then pull the hose off the pump. Prop it up on the engine. Block the ends of both hoses with a shop rag to keep debris from getting into the system.

3. Fit the appropriate socket on the bolt in the center of the tensioner pulley. Rotate the pulley toward the center of the engine to loosen tension on the belt. Lift the belt off the power steering pump, but leave it on the rest of the pulleys.

4. Unbolt the power steering pump's retaining bolts and remove the pump from the engine. Install the puller and remove the power steering pump pulley.

5. Install the pulley on the new pump, using the power steering pump pulley puller. Install the new pump and tighten the mounting bolts firmly. Reinstall the low- and high-pressure power steering hoses. Reinstall the belt on the power steering pump pulley.

6. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the left. Fill the power steering pump with Mopar power steering fluid and let it settle for at least two minutes. Raise the front of the vehicle off the ground, using the floor jack. Support it with jack stands.

7. Turn the wheel from the left lock to the right lock 20 times with the engine off. Check the fluid level and top off as necessary every six to eight turns. Start the engine. Allow the engine to idle; and check the power steering fluid level. Top off as necessary. Turn the steering wheel in both directions to ensure the pump is quiet and to make sure the power assist is working. If the fluid looks milky or foamy, let the vehicle idle for a few more minutes, then check the fluid again. Once the fluid is clear, the system has been bled.