Most likely there is internal leakage taking place inside the rack and pinion assembly. At first it will only turn hard in one direction. Within a few months it will turn hard both ways. This problem goes away when the power steering fluid warms up. As the leakage gets worse, it will take longer and longer each day to clear up. This is often referred to as "morning sickness". The fix is a rebuilt rack and pinion assembly. It is much more common on GM vehicles, often occurring within the first 40,000 miles. Chrysler vehicles, such as yours, have relatively little trouble, but you should be warned; it takes about 3 hours to replace it on your car.
If you should find that it steers hard both ways and it doesn't clear up in a minute or two, suspect a worn power steering pump or a loose belt. A loose belt will usually squeal. If the pump is worn, the power assist will come back when you raise engine speed a little. Pumps also take about three hours to change on this car because they're so hard to get to.
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Monday, March 23rd, 2009 AT 1:18 AM
