As the pinion gear spins in concert with your steering column, it causes the steering rack to move from side to side. Over time, the exposed position of the steering rack often causes it to suffer damage and wear. Eventually, the rack may cease to perform appropriately.

If your steering rack is damaged, the level of comfort and safety in driving will be significantly reduced. If you drive your Chrysler on potholes often, you risk damaging its steering rack. Not only that but turning your Chrysler carelessly can also do the same damage

Like the other systems in your vehicle, the power steering system simply ages and degrades over time. As you put more miles on your vehicle, the O-rings and seals in the power steering system lose flexibility, and tiny bits of the seals end up in the fluid.

Damage To Steering And Suspension System
Other than the alignment, a bad jolt from a pothole can also damage your Chrysler steering and suspension systems. These systems include shocks & struts, tie rods and tie rod ends, bushings, hubs & wheel bearings, rack & pinion, sway bars & sway bar links, etc.

Measuring movement
Tell the helper to move the wheel very slowly, and to stop when you call out. Call when you see the track rod move. If there is more than 1/2in (13mm) movement in the steering wheel, check for play at the steering rack and at the track-rod ends.