rack and pinon the same in a 1996 and a 1999 Chrysler?

1996 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY
132,000 MILES
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PDICKSON
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Is the rack and pinon the same in a 1996 and a 1999 Chrysler Town and Country Van? I replaced it in my 96 and still have no power steering! The power steering pump seems to be working fine.

Steering got really hard, no noise from pump, took to auto shop and they said the rack needed replacing along with outer tie rod ends. Had work done and still have hard steering.
Feb 12, 2012 at 7:43 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Did they use a rack from a different year vehicle?
Feb 12, 2012 at 8:05 PM
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PDICKSON
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Yes. They used one for a 99. Said it was the same.
Feb 12, 2012 at 8:22 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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We only recommend direct fit parts because things always seem to go wrong when there are differences in years... Contact a parts store and ask if the part number is the same for the two different years. I don't have access to that info.
Feb 12, 2012 at 9:05 PM
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PDICKSON
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I called Napa and the guy I talked to said the part number was the same for both years. I explained my problem and he was not sure what the problem would be. So, being a woman, I am totally confused. Should I go ahead and replace the power steering pump?
Feb 12, 2012 at 9:35 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Before replacing it, make sure the pump is full and the belt is tight.
Feb 12, 2012 at 9:42 PM
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PDICKSON
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I replaced the belt and checked the power steering fluid level. It is full. Could there be air in the system or possibly a bad line? I can replace the lines, but, not sure how to bleed the system to remove air.
Feb 12, 2012 at 10:50 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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It should have been bleed when they did the work. I assume the rack was new that they used (which makes no sense to me why they wouldn't get one for your year vehicle.)
Feb 12, 2012 at 10:56 PM
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PDICKSON
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Yes it was a new one. The shop ordered the wrong year, then called back to get the right year and was told it was the same. I just wanted to make sure. I guess I will have to take it back to the shop, as much as I don't want to. Thanks for answering me and for your time.
Feb 12, 2012 at 11:30 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Yes, it is their responsibility to repair it for you. If they give you a hard time, let me know and I'll try to help.
Feb 13, 2012 at 3:20 AM