Question

I have a 2004 Chrysler Town & Country 3.3 litre extended Minivan. In November 2006 I heard a howling sound from steering when temperatures are low in the morning. My mechanic suggested flushing the power steering reservoir and it worked for a year. Again in November 2007 the same noise returned when the colder mornings arrived. The mechanic gave me suggestions on repeating the same, replacing a pump or the rack may need to be replaced. Well we flushed again and another year passes and November 2008 the noise comes back! This thime the mechanic notices leaks and a low fluid level. I have been reading Chrysler seems to be having several problems with the power steering on these vans. Before I spend around $1,000 on a rack and alignment is this the problem, and will lit fix the noises, and do you think the Rack needs to be replaced now?