Chrysler Repair: Steering noise on T&C, stomach gurgling, low pitch

Question
In the last three months I have developed a groaning noise every time I turn the steering wheel. At first I thought it might be associated with the cold Chicago weather however now we are in good weather and the groaning noise is still there.
The vehicle is a 2006 Town and Country limited. I have about 96,000 miles on the odometer.
The noise seems to be coming from within the van. I had checked the steering fluid and it is at the correct level. Low steering fluid would give more of a high pitched squeal noise. This is a low pitch groan that sounds more like a loud stomach gurgling.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Bob

Answer
Check the boot behind the brake pedal where the steering column passes through the floor. When the seal dries up it can make a groaning noise similar to what you described. There is also the possibility that the upper bearing on one or both of the front struts has failed.