2006 Dodge Caravan Power steering noises

2006 DODGE CARAVAN
70,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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ASTARNES
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Our van has been great to us. However, we went on a long road trip to South Carolina and after being on the interstate for a while, the van started making a horrible "whining"type noise. The noise was constant, but when i turned the wheel, it got much worse. After letting the van sit for awhile, we got back on the interstate and the noise was gone. About an hour later, the noise returned. It used to only do it after driving at high speeds for a long time, now its doing it if we are on the interstate for only 10 minutes. Do you think this is the power steering or the transmission? The van shifts great.
Thank you,
Andy
Oct 19, 2009 at 10:16 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Andy, when it makes the noise, can you tell if it is coming from the engine area or the trans? Have you checked fluid levels in both?
Oct 20, 2009 at 1:46 PM
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ASTARNES
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I checked the fluid levels of the power steering and the transmission. They are both fine. The noise sounds as if its coming from the engine(under the hood)
Oct 21, 2009 at 12:03 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I need you to try one more thing. WIth the engine cold, remove the serp belt (accessory belt) and start the engine. See if the noise is gone. That way we can determine if it is a waterpump, alt, PS pump...

NOTE: DO NOT RUN THE ENGINE FOR MORE THAN 10 SECONDS. IT WILL OVERHEAT AND CAUSE OTHER PROBLEMS. ONLY RUN IT LONG ENOUGH TO SEE IF THE NOISE IS GONE.
Oct 22, 2009 at 8:09 AM