1998 Plymouth Voyager Power Steering and Other Problems?

MOUNTAIN123PEAK

MEMBER
1998 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
98,000 MILES

Hi,

I have a 1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager Expresso and I noticed that my vehicle makes a very soft clicking and groaning noise when I turn the wheel completely to the left. I checked the power steering fluid level after driving for about 8 miles and noticed that the level was below the "Hot" mark. I am suspecting that that is what is causing the noise. Why did the steering fluid level go down? Is it okay if I fill it up to the proper level using fluid from Strauss Auto that is compatible with my vehicle, but not the same brand as the remaining fluid in the steering fluid compartment?

I also have two more questions. I just had the PCM, Camshaft sensor and Crankshaft sensor in my vehicle replaced by the service dealer at Chrysler. It was a very expensive repair, and I want to know how I would go about preventing damage to the PCM and sensors in the future? Is there anything I should avoid doing that would damage those parts?

Finally, I have wiper blades that make noise and don't smoothly wipe the rain water when it rains. I asked the dealer and it said that the wiper arms are fine. They told me to replace the blades. I did that once before, but it still didn't clean smoothly after replacement. How can I fix this problem?

Please help. Thanks!

5 Replies

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

First the noise. With what you are discribing I don't think the steering fluid will fix your issue. I believe it is the left side (drivers) front drive axle. I would have it checked. As far as the fluid as long as it is the proper fluid brand doesn't mater. The PCM and such the only thing you should avoid is jump starting anyone or getting a jump start instead use a jump box. As for the wipers get a bottle of glass stripper made by no touch and clean the glass. It may be that you have some film on the glass so the wipers won't work as they should. Wipers these day's seem to need to be replaced yearly so I would pic the fall when the rain season starts so they will be the freshest through winter. Hope this helps if there is anything else let me know.

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Friday, August 21st, 2009 AT 11:51 AM

MOUNTAIN123PEAK

MEMBER
77 POSTS

I took the vehicle to my regular auto repair shop this morning and they said that everything, including the power steering system, is fine. So I asked them where the noise was coming from. They said that some parts of the bushing may have been rusting and other parts wearing out by rusting as well, producing the noise. But they said it's fine to drive. I am guessing that the driver's side front drive axle is rusting as well. Do you think so, and do you think I can repair this several months or several years later instead of repairing it now? Would delaying the repair affect the vehicle negatively and make it a lot worse?

Also, if I ever replace my battery, what should I be aware of? Would doing something wrong (i.E. Putting in a certain brand of battery, or doing something during battery installation) also cause PCM and Camshaft and Crankshaft damage?

Thank you so much!

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Friday, August 21st, 2009 AT 1:41 PM

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

Well I might look for another opinion on that. The noise has to be coming from somewhere. Weather it be the from the strut or strut mount or lower ball joint or control arm bushings it is doing it because something is wearing out. As for rusting depends on how bad the rust is. As for putting it off depends on what is making the noise which has yet to determined. As for changing the battery the only way that will do harm to the PCM or any other sensor is if you were to hook up backwards. As for the noise while turning tell me is it more like a click on take off or what?

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Saturday, August 22nd, 2009 AT 9:15 AM

MOUNTAIN123PEAK

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77 POSTS

Well the noise is a mix of a very low groan and very soft clicks while turning the steering wheel to the left either when the car is parked, at idle, or while driving. While driving, I can't notice the noise as much.

At any instance, the noise doesn't occur at first when turning the steering wheel to the left, but is present when I am reaching the maximum limit of the steering wheel's turn to the left.

Sometimes, it is very hard to hear the noise, even at idle.

Also, I have ordered Permatex No Touch Auto Glass Stripper from Amazon.

Please let me know what you think.

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Saturday, August 22nd, 2009 AT 10:00 AM

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

Ok what I would do from here is flush out the power steering system. You can do this by removing the return hose to the power steering pump and draining it. Now if you can put the front end up on jack stands and turn the wheel back and forth a couple of times (with it not running). This will remove most of the fluid. Then refill it. Now when you go to refill you will get one bottle of lucas power steeing as it will help with sealing and conditioning and then top it off with standard power steering fluid from there. Once you fill it again turn the wheel back and forth (with it not running) and then put it back on the ground start it and top it off (don't over fill it) and see how that does.