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Chrysler Repair/grinding , growling noise

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Expert: - 11/27/2011


Question
morning, well i have been trying to figure out what is wrong with my wives 2006 Chrysler town and country van , a few weeks ago it started to growl or a low grinding sound , at first I thought it was the power steering pump, i removed the power steering reservoir and cleaned out the screen in the bottom of it, nothing in it by the way,everything looked good. I've read online about a bad power steering pump , but wouldn't that create a squealing noise instead of the low growl, rumble, grinding noise i am hearing?  sounds like a bad bearing noise, i can put my hand on the pump while the engine is running feels like it could be it , but also all of a sudden i thought about the ilder tension arm , what do you think any help would be greatly appreciated.    thank you

         Tim Valdez

Answer
Hi Tim,
You might do well to localize the sound by using a rubber hose piece as an 'ear horn' and point it closely at each possible part while listening via the other end of the hose at your ear. The steering pump noise should also be greater as you turn the wheel slightly off-center while stopped (at rest) or while driving if it were the source. I am not certain about the idler arm. You might also listen at the powersteering gear itself. The pump also makes noise similarly when it is low on fluid.
Roland

Chrysler Repair

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Roland Finston

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I specialize in Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth cars, minivans, and SUV's for the model years 1982-2008 based upon my 50-year DIY experience, factory shop manuals and wiring diagrams. I offer fast repair advice to help you minimize repair costs by helping you diagnose and do it yourself. Problems with electronically controlled engines and transmissions as well as body wiring problems are my specialty.

I take questions one at a time between 8am and 10pm CT and attempt to answer within 20 minutes. "Maxed Out" means I am answering another question of otherwise busy, so try again later.

There are answers on file to more than sixteen thousand Chrysler questions at your finger tips: put a few key words in the "find" box (above) or click on "view past answers" for a chronological list of my q and a's. Don't use "Add to this answer" if you still have a question...ask it. As to trucks and jeeps I only have manuals for the '04-'06 model years.

Experience

Five decades as a 'do-it-yourselfer' on domestic and imported cars

Organizations
Yahoo Autos Group called The Chrysler Lebaron Club (co-moderator)

Education/Credentials
Degrees in Physics/bruised knuckles.

Awards and Honors
"Top expert of 2010" and "2011" at Allexperts. Among top 50 experts for years 2006-2009 at Allexperts.

Quickest "average response time" at Allexperts (currently no. 1).

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