Power Steering - Honk Or Squeal Noise at Low Speed: Overview

NO: 19-05-98

GROUP: Steering

DATE: Aug. 28, 1998

SUBJECT:
"Honk" Or Squeal Noise During Parking Lot Maneuvers

THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS 19-07-97, DATED MAY 9, 1997 AND 19-11-97, DATED DEC. 5, 1997, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES AND NOTED IN THE 1997 SERVICE BULLETIN MANUAL (PUBLICATION NO. 81-699-98004). REVISIONS INCLUDE ADDITIONAL MODELS, ADDITIONAL SYMPTOM/CONDITION, AND REVISED DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR PROCEDURES. **ASTERISKS** ARE USED TO HIGHLIGHT THE CHANGES.

MODELS:
1996 - **1999** (NS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager
1996 - **1999** (GS) Chrysler Voyager (International Market)

NOTE:
THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO LEFT HAND DRIVE VEHICLES.

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:

**SYMPTOM ONE:

"Honk" noise, which may also be described by vehicle operator as an intermittent groan or squawk noise, heard during stationary or low speed parking lot maneuvers, the duration is usually less than one second. The noise usually occurs near the ends of steering travel when reversing direction. This noise condition typically does not develop until the vehicle has accumulated at least a few hundred miles.

SYMPTOM TWO:

A high pitched squeal lasting up to a couple of seconds which occurs when returning the steering wheel to center from near the end of travel. This condition can occur on a new vehicle or one with little or no mileage after service.

Two other potential steering system issues which are not covered under this bulletin are steering moan and steering shudder. Steering moan, unlike honk, is normally sustained throughout the entire steering range and usually related to power steering line grounding, air in the steering system due to leaks, or power steering pump performance. It may or may not be present at all temperatures. Steering shudder is a vehicle vibration which usually occurs during stationary steering and may also be temperature dependent. Vehicles should be expected to have increased shudder after servicing the steering system. Several hundred customer miles may be required to stabilize the system. **

DIAGNOSIS:

**If the vehicle operator describes either of the above Symptoms/Conditions, perform the Repair Procedure. Limited steering evaluations by service technicians to familiarize themselves with the issue should be performed, but prolonged evaluation of the steering system could result in overheating of the system resulting in incorrect diagnosis and system damage.**

PARTS REQUIRED:

1 05011872AA Line, Power Steering Pressure
1 05011873AA Line, Power Steering Return
1 04883077 Fluid, Power Steering
2 04546098 Clip, Line
1 04641780 Strap, Tie
1 06035824 Clamp, Hose
AR (1) 04874878AB Gear, Power Steering
AR (1) 06504585 Bolt, Power Steering Gear Left Side Attaching
AR (1) 06032839 Clamp

POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

TIME ALLOWANCE:

Labor Operation No:

19-50-17-90 P/S Hose Replacement 0.4 Hrs.

19-00-02-92 Steering Gear Replacement 2.3 Hrs.

FAILURE CODE: P8 - New Part