Chrysler Repair: 03 T&C:Acc. Belt, Water& Steering Pumps Replacement, power steering pump, steering pumps

Question
hey,

The accessory belt needs replacing, there is a leak at the
water pump, and I think that the power steering pump needs
replacing. The power steering pump makes loud whining when
starting the car, especially in cold weather (Northern
Wisconsin), until it warms up. The steering is very hard
when the car is at a standstill, regardless of how warm it
is. There is a leak in the power steering system somewhere.

I know from web research that the power steering is suspect
on this model of car. I have read that if the rack leaks,
the only fix is to replace the rack. Another fix mentioned
is to replace the reservoir because the filter screen
becomes clogged, perhaps causing the hard steering. I plan
to replace the pump just because I will have the front of
the motor accessible to get at the belt and water pump.

The car is a 2003 Town & Country with a 3.3L motor.

I need a remove and replace procedure for the belt, water
pump and power steering pump. I assume that some of the
procedures will overlap, and again, if I have it ripped
apart I would like to do as much of this as possible at one
time. I would probably also replace the thermostat. Are
there other parts that should be replaced, even though they
haven't yet failed (like the belt) as long as I have it
opened up? The car has almost 100k miles on it.

I could use as much guidance and detail in the procedures.
I understand that the exhaust must be detached and moved
out of the way, and that the power steering system has to
be bled. My expertise is sufficient for the repairs, having
owned and repaired several makes and models of cars over
the years, but I have never had to deal with this car, and
it is, as you know, very tight working conditions under the
hood.

For what cost, given that this is a large job, would you
consider letting a dealer fix it? The car can be "on jacks"
for maybe two days before it will cause problems, since it
is used a lot. I have parts in hand, but I could return
them if need be.

I can provide my mailing address if you can send me copies
of the procedures, or they can be mailed to the email
address provided.

I saw a similar question for the power steering pump, but
did not see the Thanks/Rate tab as mentioned in the reply,
so forgive the redundancy.

Thanks, David

Answer
Hi David,
I have the '02 manual which is probably applicable to your '03.
There are probably about 20 pages on the subjects that you are considering. I would xerox copy and mail these to you. Just give me a postal mailing address. After you get them you can send me back either postage stamps or bills to cover the copy cost (10 cents per page side) plus postage (probably about $1.10). Send a follow-up question with your address, and better to check the box for 'private'. I believe your attention to the two pumps and look over the belt/tensioner should suffice. I can't give you any advice about the dealer/diy issue, but it doesn't appear to be too bad so long as you have the manual pages.
Roland
PS: I put 26 page sides in the mail to you this afternoon. My return address in on the envelope. The total with postage was $3.36 but anything close to that would be fine.