Hey fellow XJ owners. i am having a problem with my power steering...
its been below 0*C latly and even if i warm it up befor hand i dont have power steering untill i force it back and forth. it also makes a whining sound and right befor the power comes back its a louder sharp whine, then it works... are the fluid lines freezing or is it a blockage? or could it be just the pump is worn out? perhaps not enough fluid? once it starts working it doesnt have a problem untill the next morning. im pretty sure i need to change the fluid, but iv never done it befor, so if anyone could give me a basic walkthrough aswell it would be very helpful.


thanks


p.s cherokees are awsome for pulling sleds in deep snow! the gf loves it haha.

 

Someone will probably reply to this post but in the meantime if you are interested in a walkthough you can buy at Cdn Tire the Haynes automotive repair manual for this year nr 50010 jeep cherokee 1984 thur 1997 there ard $15.This manual is good for a complete tear down and rebuild so its quite complete with lots of pictures.
The problem could be a few different things, the pulley on the steering box might not be turning when you first start up, or the belt might be loose (this is very common), you might have air in the line, changing the fluid might be in order too.

 

I have one from the library, but its very VERY broad. i figure its pretty basic anyways, but haynes doesnt cover it.

 

I would check the pulley first, get someone to start it for u & watch it. If not then I would try the fluid, not a bad idea to change it any how! But power steering fluid shouldn't freeze. gets -40C here in Alberta & I have no problems

 

Pump is most likely worn out the whining is the impeller bearing giving out. Fast way to know is to lossen off the pressure side to the box and crank the wheel slowly priop to starting the XJ. I would look at your steering stablizer shook to if the rod is bent it can cause the same problem...

Good luck