2001 dodge grand caravan

2001 DODGE CARAVAN
143,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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ANITA LAWRENCE 67
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
If alternater is bad can it make the steering hard? My van is making a clumping sound and somtimes when i get in it to go i have to move the steering wheel and it will finally losen up.
Nov 15, 2010 at 6:28 PM
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DR LOOT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 2,311 POSTS
you've probably got a bad serpentine belt causing the alternator not to work and the power steering and who knows what else.
Nov 15, 2010 at 6:52 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
The only thing I can think is if the alt is locking up and causing the belt to slow. As far as the PS, make sure the belt is tight enough and not slipping. If you are getting a churping, the belt could be loose or dried out. Please remember, if the power assist from the steering is not always working, it could be a bad pump or the rack and pinion could be going bad.
Nov 15, 2010 at 6:53 PM
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