Chrysler Repair: Dinging around turns. Draining of Battery, Hi

Question
Hi Roland,
It has been along time and I've so enjoyed my 98 Chrysler Sebring JX Convertible. When you helped me several years ago it was awesome and your a Godsend to us out here. Thank you for your past help and thank you for your input in this recent problem.
A small leak appeared below the front right side, looked to be under the power steering. I took it in as a seal had been put in when I had money and had the car all fixed. With this leak I took it in to see if they could repair the broken seal/gasket? When the right tire was off and the car was to be repaired with a new seal. The Manufacturer would not warranty it even tho It was approx 4,000 miles on the seal.  So I was unable to put the money together to get that fixed. They put it back together and When it returned home the spot on the driveway was no longer the size of a quarter more like the size of a baseball. I dont drive often maybe a couple times a week around town. A couple times a year maybe five or six times I venture out and I drive long distance. So my driving is limited and not that much. I have been hearing a dinging sound like when I turn to the right. It was sporadic but latley is is continous.
A few weeks ago. I went to start and it was completely dead. So I had it jumped drove to the mechanic and he tested it.. Said all was good. I went to drive it today and it went.. rururur then click click click. I replace the battery less than a two years ago.
Could the sound of the ding ding with regards to The sound of the right turn came every time I turned right?
If you could let me know what the problem might be it sure would help.
If you need more information please email me and I shall give you any detail you may need.
She is an awesome car. I love her and dont want to have any other car. I have put in fluid and oil, Checked transmission and brake fluid often as the leak I wasnt sure where the leak was generating from. The spot seems to not be oil. it is almost transparent with no smell. Small amount has been leaking, but has been leaking almost eight months. None of the fluids I check are depleting quickly.
The dinging sound is like when you start the car.
This sound goes off when I turn the wheel to the right to make a right turn.
Could something be draining my battery? The door latch on the drivers side has always been broken could this cause it to not think the door is closed or is ajar?
Ok Ok.. Im so glad I was able to get on. I tried several months ago and your such a busy man. Thank you again Roland I know we appreciate you.


Answer
Hi Bon,
You are welcome!
On those three problems.
I would check to see whether you might be loosing brake fluid from the disc brake caliper on the right front side. Do you notice the level of brake fluid in the reservoir is below full, or have you had to add some lately? There might be signs of dried fluid stripes on the inner side wall of the tire as well. That is the only fluid that is clear and not too much odor that I can think of.
On the dinging when turning right, in the same area, right front wheel on the back side where the drive shaft enters, try looking under the car at the corroguated rubber boot on the drive shaft: do you notice that it is torn or that grease is splashed up on the chassis directly over the boot? That is the most likely causes of a "ticking" sort of sound when you are in a turning mode. The grease spins out of the joint through a crack in the rubber and it begins to click due to lack of grease. The joint is most articulated when you turn, thus the clicking. If that is the case, and you tend to it quickly you can save the joint and simply have it repacked with grease and a new boot put on. Either way, the half-axle has to come off, but the cost of the boot kit is under $20 while a rebuilt half axle is likely more than $100. So check for that cause and compare the cost including the labor of those two alternatives.
On the battery drain, I suspect that the latching of either the driver or passenger door is too loose so that the push-button in the door frame that senses when the door is opened thinks the door is open when it really isn't, which then causes the interior light to come on. You might not notice it in the daytime, and if you aren't out at night you could miss it too. Sometimes the lights will come on when parked, depending upon the temperature. Try moving the door latch striker which mates to the latch, located in the door frame, in-board a fraction of an inch by loosening the screws that hold it to the frame. Test each door by pushing out on the door panel when sitting in the car to notice if that causes the interior lights to come on. Check both doors. If that doesn't solve the problem, then check also that the glove box light is off as you close its door, and with the help of a trusted friend make sure that the trunk light goes out by getting in the trunk while your friend makes sure you can get out after you are inside and he closes the lid. One of those 'tramp' light scenarios will probably be found present and would cause the drain.
Best wishes. Let me know if these ideas are the answer and we'll try to think of others.
Roland