Weak / Hard power steering, can’t figure out the issue...
10-17-2018, 02:57 PM
#1
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L I6
Weak / Hard power steering, can’t figure out the issue...
Ever since i got my Jeep, the power steering is very heavy and hard. It has very little power assist and i can hear the pump whine with every turn.
I took it to both my mechanic and auto shop teacher to figure out the issue.
My mechanic says it’s the ball joints, and my auto teacher says it’s not the ball joints. They both said the steering is very weak and they messed with the fluids in the pump (mechanic removed some, auto shop teacher added some).
Im in a catch 22 here with this problem. If any of you guys could help me out it would be greatly appreciated!
1999 XJ 4.0 4WD Police if that helps anyone
I took it to both my mechanic and auto shop teacher to figure out the issue.
My mechanic says it’s the ball joints, and my auto teacher says it’s not the ball joints. They both said the steering is very weak and they messed with the fluids in the pump (mechanic removed some, auto shop teacher added some).
Im in a catch 22 here with this problem. If any of you guys could help me out it would be greatly appreciated!
1999 XJ 4.0 4WD Police if that helps anyone
Last edited by mlgattracing; 10-17-2018 at 03:04 PM.
10-17-2018, 07:16 PM
#2
CF Veteran
Quick ball joint test is to lift the front of the vehicle off the ground. If you can pivot/turn the tire by hand (by grabbing the tire) back and forth, it is not likely the ball joints. If it is incredibly difficult to turn by hand, it -may- be the ball joints.
If it is incredibly difficult to turn by hand, you can make the test more definitive by removing the drag link to the passenger side knuckled (basically disconnect the front tires from the steering linkage). If it is still incredibly difficult to turn the wheels by hand after doing this - it is the ball joints. If it is easier after removing the steering link, then the problem is up stream, most likely the steering gear or intermediate shaft u-joints (the small u-joints on the shaft that runs from the steering column down to the steering gear).
If your mechanic can not diagnose a hard steering problem, it might be time to start shopping around for a better one. That is a job that every mechanic should know how to do (definitively).
If it is incredibly difficult to turn by hand, you can make the test more definitive by removing the drag link to the passenger side knuckled (basically disconnect the front tires from the steering linkage). If it is still incredibly difficult to turn the wheels by hand after doing this - it is the ball joints. If it is easier after removing the steering link, then the problem is up stream, most likely the steering gear or intermediate shaft u-joints (the small u-joints on the shaft that runs from the steering column down to the steering gear).
If your mechanic can not diagnose a hard steering problem, it might be time to start shopping around for a better one. That is a job that every mechanic should know how to do (definitively).
10-17-2018, 07:29 PM
#3
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L I6
Quick ball joint test is to lift the front of the vehicle off the ground. If you can pivot/turn the tire by hand (by grabbing the tire) back and forth, it is not likely the ball joints. If it is incredibly difficult to turn by hand, it -may- be the ball joints.
If it is incredibly difficult to turn by hand, you can make the test more definitive by removing the drag link to the passenger side knuckled (basically disconnect the front tires from the steering linkage). If it is still incredibly difficult to turn the wheels by hand after doing this - it is the ball joints. If it is easier after removing the steering link, then the problem is up stream, most likely the steering gear or intermediate shaft u-joints (the small u-joints on the shaft that runs from the steering column down to the steering gear).
If your mechanic can not diagnose a hard steering problem, it might be time to start shopping around for a better one. That is a job that every mechanic should know how to do (definitively).
If it is incredibly difficult to turn by hand, you can make the test more definitive by removing the drag link to the passenger side knuckled (basically disconnect the front tires from the steering linkage). If it is still incredibly difficult to turn the wheels by hand after doing this - it is the ball joints. If it is easier after removing the steering link, then the problem is up stream, most likely the steering gear or intermediate shaft u-joints (the small u-joints on the shaft that runs from the steering column down to the steering gear).
If your mechanic can not diagnose a hard steering problem, it might be time to start shopping around for a better one. That is a job that every mechanic should know how to do (definitively).
My auto teacher didn't have much time to explain in full what went on, so tomorrow I will update this post with what he said, IIRC he said that he was able to turn the ball joints.
10-17-2018, 09:36 PM
#4
Old fart with a wrench
I have the very same problem which results in it not returning to center by itself. I'm thinking it's a lack of pump pressure. Nothing is leaking or whining and it's got fair-looking fluid. The pressure hose has a control valve on it where it goes into the pump and I'm toying with the idea of changing that to see if it makes a difference. Ask your shop teacher what he thinks of that. I'm also going to do a complete fluid change.
Last edited by dave1123; 10-17-2018 at 09:39 PM.
10-18-2018, 09:10 AM
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Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Renix
If your ball joints are bad enough to cause steering issues then that rig ought to be all over the road. If you jack up the front and then take a bar under the tire and lift, you can feel play in the joints. As mentioned before, there is a pressure control valve at the top of the pump where the pressure line hooks up. It might be worth it to take that out and see if its gunked up. Unlikely unless your system is really in bad shape. However, power steering is a relatively simple system. I didnt see how many miles you have, but if the pump is worn out, you could easiy have the symptons you are describing. If you have enough miles on the rig, I would change out the pump. The next part is the steering box itself. It is possible that is worn out enough to bind in the box. Or, if the steering was loose and someone started playing with the adjustment screw on the box, it could cause some similar symptoms.
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