Buy Chrysler Town & Country Rack and Pinion Assemblys

Chrysler Town & Country minivans use a hydraulic rack‑and‑pinion (also called a steering rack, steering gear, or rack unit) to turn the front wheels. It bolts to the front sub‑frame, relies on pressurized fluid for power assist, and is a common wear item on 2001‑2016 models. Typical replacement runs 4‑6 hours of labor, with total costs around $1,300-$1,600 depending on year and region. Proper upkeep-fluid service, boot inspection, and correct torque-helps the unit last well past 100,000 miles. (RepairPal.com, NAPA Blog, RepairPal.com)

The rack‑and‑pinion assembly turns the rotary motion of the steering wheel into side‑to‑side motion that pushes the tie‑rods and wheels. Inside the housing, a small "pinion" gear meshes with a long toothed "rack" bar. Hydraulic power steering adds a piston and fluid passages to lighten effort. (Moog Parts)

Pressurized fluid from the power‑steering pump fills chambers on either side of the piston. When you steer left or right, valves route fluid to one chamber, moving the rack and the wheels with it. Loss of fluid makes the wheel hard to turn and can overheat the rack.

A parts‑data chart shows Town & Country steering racks listed for nearly every model year from 1990 through 2016, with slight design changes tied to engine size and front‑suspension revisions. Always match your exact year, trim, and engine before ordering. (Parts Geek)

• Clunking or knocking while turning. (YouTube)
• Steering feels loose, wanders, or needs constant correction. (RepairPal.com)
• Pink or reddish fluid under the front of the van, pointing to a leak at the rack seals or hoses. (Moog Parts, )
• Wheel becomes very hard to turn at low speed when fluid runs low. (NAPA Blog)

Dry or cracked rack seals, worn tie‑rod bushings, and loose hose fittings can all start leaks. Driving with low fluid can overheat the gear, damage the pump, and eventually seize steering. (Moog Parts, NAPA Blog)

1. Park on level ground, set the brake, and raise the front safely.
2. Wiggle each wheel sideways; play may indicate inner tie‑rod or rack bushing wear. (YouTube)
3. Slide under with a flashlight and look for wet boots or fluid‑soaked crossmember. (Moog Parts)
4. Check that both rubber bellows are intact-tears let grit destroy rack teeth. (NAPA Blog)

A popular step‑by‑step guide shows these main tasks: disconnect battery, remove outer and inner tie‑rods, unbolt fluid lines, support the engine cradle if required, remove three rack bolts, and slide the unit out the driver‑side wheel well. Reverse to install, then bleed the system by turning the wheel lock‑to‑lock 30 times with the engine off. (YouTube, chryslerminivan.net)

• Rack‑to‑sub‑frame bolts: about 55 ft‑lb (factory spec).
• Outer tie‑rod end nut: 30-40 ft‑lb; overtightening can crack the aluminum knuckle. (JustAnswer)
  Always use a calibrated torque wrench and new locking hardware where specified.

Repair‑cost databases list an average parts price of $867-$995 and labor of $405-$594, totaling $1,271-$1,589 for most Town & Country models. Expect the van to be in the shop half a day, plus an alignment afterward. (RepairPal.com, NAPA Blog)

• Flush and replace ATF+4 steering fluid every 60,000 miles or when dark.
• Keep rack boots tight and free of tears.
• At every oil change, glance for leaks and check reservoir level.
• If the pump ever fails, flush lines to remove metal shavings before installing a new rack.

Because the rack connects to the entire steering system, you may also need new inner and outer tie‑rods, a power‑steering pump, fluid cooler hoses, or a new steering column coupler during service. Replacing these together saves labor and protects the new rack. (, JustAnswer)

A 2004 recall addressed upper power‑steering cooler hoses that could split and leak fluid near hot engine parts.
Separate 2020 and earlier recalls cover emblem hardware inside the steering‑wheel air‑bag module, loose control‑arm bolts, and other safety items; owners can search the VIN at the NHTSA recall portal for current actions. (Cars.com)

Power‑steering fluid is petroleum‑based. Large or repeated spills can irritate skin, harm aquatic life, and contaminate storm‑water drains. Always capture leaks, store used fluid in sealed containers, and recycle at authorized centers. (Connecticut College, NCBI, ADEQ)

Q: What years of Town & Country use this rack‑and‑pinion design?
A: Chrysler used hydraulic racks on most vans from 2001 through the final 2016 model, with earlier versions dating back to the early 1990s. Always verify by VIN before ordering. (Parts Geek)

Q: Can I keep driving if the rack is leaking?
A: A small drip may let you drive short trips, but once fluid runs low you risk hard steering and fire hazards from fluid on hot parts. Fix leaks right away. (Moog Parts, JustAnswer)

Q: Why does the wheel feel loose but quiet?
A: Worn internal bushings or tie‑rods let the rack shift without noise at first; play grows over time and affects alignment. (RepairPal.com)

Q: Do I need an alignment after rack replacement?
A: Yes. Removing the rack changes toe settings. A fresh four‑wheel alignment prevents tire wear and returns straight‑line tracking. (NAPA Blog)

Q: What fluid does the system use?
A: Chrysler specifies ATF+4 automatic‑transmission fluid for the power‑steering system on these vans. Using the wrong fluid can ruin seals. (Haynes Manuals)

Q: How long should a new rack last?
A: With clean fluid and intact boots, most racks last well beyond 100,000 miles. Regular checks catch small leaks before they cause damage. (RepairPal.com)

Q: Are electric racks available for this model?
A: No. All Town & Country minivans use hydraulic power steering, so replacement units remain hydraulic.

Q: What are common noises from a failing rack?
A: Clunks on bumps, whining when turning, or a grinding feel at full lock point to internal wear or low fluid. (YouTube)

Q: Can I rebuild the rack instead of replacing it?
A: Professional seal‑kit rebuilds are possible but require special tools and time; most techs install a remanufactured or new unit for reliability. (NAPA Blog)

Q: How do I bleed air after installation?
A: With the front tires off the ground and engine off, turn the wheel lock‑to‑lock 30 times, then start the engine and repeat until bubbles stop. (chryslerminivan.net)

This guide gives you the key specs, symptoms, costs, and care tips you need to keep your Chrysler Town & Country steering smooth and safe.