Load moaning sound on cold start – Chrysler vehicles
The power steering reservoirs on these Chrysler vehicles have a fine mesh screen in the bottom. As the ATF fluid breaks down it plugs the screen. The return line from the rack is located right at screen level and swirls the fluid around the screen (see photo). 
When you start these babies cold, the PS pumps are starved for fluid. They make a terrible (and LOUD) moaning sound. As the PS fluid heats up, it swirls around the screen and gets the sediment back in suspension. There is NO WAY to clean out this reservoir. (I've tried). Save yourself the time and aggravation and just buy a new one from the dealer. They're about $25. Then refill the system with ATF+4 fluid. You have to use a vacuum pump to bleed the air out of the system.
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© 2007 Rick Muscoplat
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Hello! Thanks so much for getting this advice out there, especially to those who don’t know a thing about cars. I’ve always meant to educate myself about this stuff and your blog is a lifesaver.
Thanks! Spread the word to your friends to visit my blog
I had an old Dodge pickup that had a growly steering pump most mornings. Now I know why. I had considered replacing the entire pump several times, but ultimately decided against it. Fortunately nothing ever went out, but if I had known it was a $25 fix I would have fixed it and put my mind at ease. Thanks!