Power steering issues

Clark Collins said:

My power steering has started acting up at low RPM. I have 58K+ miles and some of our local Jeepers have had similar issues with their 3.8l JKs. One of them says he has replaced his PS pump twice. I haven't had mine looked at by a mechanic yet, but thought I would see what I could learn about this issue from the forum. If my PS pump needs replacing is there any value in upgrading to a better pump? I am running 35s and not intending to ever go larger.

Click to expand...

BaddestCross said:

Mine has a leaky seal around the sector shaft. I bought a remanufactured pump to swap in and the plan is to send my factory in to be rebuilt and trapped by West Texas Offroad so I can eventually run they're hydro setup.

For now, I just keep some ATF+4 in the Jeep to top off the steering reservoir and take it easy as I can steering on the rocks.

I'd like to get the big steering box from PSC, but that thing costs a fortune for what it is in my opinion... If I could find a used on on CL, I'd probably go that way instead.

--
Build Thread - Adventures of Fiona - https://wayalife.com/showthread.php?t=47407

Click to expand...

fiend said:

I think you guys are talking about separate things. OP is asking about the PS pump, and you’re talking about the steering box.

Click to expand...

Clark Collins said:

My power steering has started acting up at low RPM. I have 58K+ miles and some of our local Jeepers have had similar issues with their 3.8l JKs. One of them says he has replaced his PS pump twice. I haven't had mine looked at by a mechanic yet, but thought I would see what I could learn about this issue from the forum. If my PS pump needs replacing is there any value in upgrading to a better pump? I am running 35s and not intending to ever go larger.

Click to expand...

Clark Collins said:

My power steering has started acting up at low RPM. I have 58K+ miles and some of our local Jeepers have had similar issues with their 3.8l JKs. One of them says he has replaced his PS pump twice. I haven't had mine looked at by a mechanic yet, but thought I would see what I could learn about this issue from the forum. If my PS pump needs replacing is there any value in upgrading to a better pump? I am running 35s and not intending to ever go larger.

Click to expand...

wayoflife said:

Can you better explain what you mean by "acting up"?

Click to expand...

Clark Collins said:

At low speeds sometimes it acts like the power steering isn't working. It is hard to turn to get out of a parking lot. It has only done this a few times. The flued level was about 1" below topped off, but I wouldn't think that would cause it.

Click to expand...

Clark Collins said:

At low speeds sometimes it acts like the power steering isn't working. It is hard to turn to get out of a parking lot. It has only done this a few times. The flued level was about 1" below topped off, but I wouldn't think that would cause it.

Click to expand...

Clark Collins said:

At low speeds sometimes it acts like the power steering isn't working. It is hard to turn to get out of a parking lot. It has only done this a few times. The flued level was about 1" below topped off, but I wouldn't think that would cause it.

Click to expand...

wayoflife said:

Is the pump making a whining sound when this happens or at all?

Click to expand...

jeeeep said:

1" below level is quite a bit - at the lower RPM the pump doesn't turn fast enough to supply enough fluid to provide pressure when it's low.

If you were to put it in neutral (assuming you have an automatic) and rev it up does it steer easier? It is steering fine now, so this didn't change anything

Once you get moving your rpms are high enough to keep the pressure but I'd guess your steering still isn't as smooth as it can be versus when the fluid level is full.

It may also have air in it with the level so low - that will also make it difficult to steer at low idle (like when parking)

have you looked for the leak in the system?

Click to expand...

Clark Collins said:

I have not, but I just barely topped off the reservoir.

I may have jumped the gun on this issue as it seems to be working fine now. Someone on our local club facebook page posted about this problem on his JK and the next morning my Jeep steered hard turning out of the driveway. Then it did it a couple more times. Since I topped off the reservoir it has not acted up.

Click to expand...

Clark Collins said:

I have not, but I just barely topped off the reservoir.

I may have jumped the gun on this issue as it seems to be working fine now. Someone on our local club facebook page posted about this problem on his JK and the next morning my Jeep steered hard turning out of the driveway. Then it did it a couple more times. Since I topped off the reservoir it has not acted up.

Click to expand...