Power Steering talking back (?)

[Stephen R.]

NOISE RESOLVED

Chyrsler TSB says to replace power steering fluid w/ ATF...that's what they told me they did.

Perhaps someone could provide more technical details on this (?)

[MichaelDay]

Chrysler changed out the rack and pinion unit on my GT. The rubbing noise has gone away (been about 500 miles since the change out). Only problem is now when I go over a speed bump at 10 mph the front end squeaks which it didn't do prior to the rack and pinion replacement. Not sure why that should have made a difference but I know that they had to do an alignment on the car.


2003 Almond GT AutoStick, body colored rear splash guards and hood struts, chrome gear shift, AC, and vent knobs.

[flacruiser]

hey guys , my 01 had the same thing, took it in they had it for one day
and replace steering column boot and rack, thats what they said!
anyway, it works for me <img src=icon_smile_tongue.gif border=0 align=middle> oh that was last year, things
are going just fine now . good luck


flacruiser <img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle>

keep on cruizin & smilein larry & pam FLACRUISER

[Stephen R.]

Here's an update:

The Feb 2003 ATF fluid change DID NOT WORK. The problem was merely suppressed temporarily. It's a stalling tactic for the real problem - bad PS quality.

Fast forward to Feb 2004 where the pump is replaced to the tune of some $450 out of my own pocket!

Fast forward to Feb 2005 and I again hear that moan of death. OF COURSE it is now out of that stupidly lame 1yr/12,000 mile warranty period so the dealer just breaks out the "Top 10" answers of irritated customers to get me off the phone. Cost is now estimated at $475.

Today (no kidding BTW) I have come to several conclusions:

1. Find a local mom & pop mechanic that specializes in your make of car so when the factory warranty expires, you're outta that dealership.

2. A factory-certified part (aka genuine Chrysler parts & labor) means nothing. Thinking from a business man's perspective, it makes no sense whatsoever that a PS system should go bad after 40,000 miles. Additionally, it makes no sense whatsoever that a second pump should fail at all. If I had a Chrysler customer who had a senario such as mine, I would try and make it right and sell them on the professionalism of the shop, thereby avoiding losing the customer to point #1 above.

3. In the past, I've had Hondas and sold them only because I got bored with them. I still like my PT, but she's aging not so gracefully.

If MX-5 is still out there (or other seasoned mechanics), please advise on parts, time, etc. on performing this redo.