2001 Chrysler Concorde Hard Steering

DVALEDA

MEMBER
2001 CHRYSLER CONCORDE
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
17,500 MILES

Our 2001 Chrysler Concorde has recently developed a hard steering on left turn issue. The steering works fine when turning right but is a beast to turn at low speeds going left. This happened all of the sudden when our son was driving home. Any thoughts?

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

If the fluid is full, have the ball joints and other steering components checked. Also, a bad bushing in the rack and pinion could be causing the problem. Are there any leaks?

Joe

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Monday, March 16th, 2009 AT 1:40 PM

DVALEDA

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you for your response!

The fluid level is good and there does not appear to be any leaks. Can a power steering pump cause this or would it be difficult to steer in both directions.

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Monday, March 16th, 2009 AT 3:21 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

I would say the pump would be hard in both directions. Chances are there is a problem with the rack and pinion.

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Monday, March 16th, 2009 AT 3:46 PM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

175,000 miles, huh? If this were a GM product, the problem would have shown up at 35,000 miles!

Your rack and pinion assembly has what's called "morning sickness". It starts in cold weather. There are four teflon seals that shrink and allow pressurized power steering fluid to bypass the power piston. It only affects turning in one direction at first. The other direction will lose power assist within the next few months. The problem usually goes away as the fluid warms up.

Due to the location of the rack and pinion assembly, it's not a do-it-yourselfer project. It will also require an alignment after replacement of the assembly.

Caradiodoc

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Sunday, March 29th, 2009 AT 6:17 AM

MICHAELTRAVER