What's wrong with my steering??

I have a 96 XJ 4.0 AW4 it's got 5.5" RE LA lift, 4:56 gears, front ARB, SYE, LOTS more, etc. It's got just a hair over 100k miles.

16k miles ago the steering box was replaced with a factory replacement. I also have a borgeson steering shaft installed.

Over the past 5 - 6k miles my alignment has gotten terrible. Yeah, I've been neglecting getting it fixed due to lack of funds. This has also worn my Trxus MTs to the point of needing replacement.

Everything seems to work OK except for low speed tight turns on pavement. You REALLY have to force it to turn. Feels like the power steering cuts in/out/in/out. The fluid is full and in good condition. The old steering box was replaced out of preventative maintenance... back in the days where I had more discretionary income than I knew what to do with... lol

You said "box" twice.

Have you replaced the pump?

:dunno:

Robert

Robert 771 said:

You said "box" twice.

Have you replaced the pump?

:dunno:

Robert

Click to expand...

Yup, steering box has been replaced but the pump has not.

I would think it'd be a little premature for the pump to wear out???

Sounds like your P/S Pump is bad.. A garage with power steering pressure gauges can check.
I check and set my alignment several times a year... Helps keep tire replacement cost down.

Good Luck
Nick

hanaxj87 said:

Helps keep tire replacement cost down.

Good Luck
Nick

Click to expand...

Hell, the way I drive, my tires don't live long enough to wear out...

Robert

90Pio, the good news is that the pump is a lot easier and cheaper to change than the box.

My only tip (I'm in the middle of mine right now) is don't remove the hard line on the return side: Just cut off the rubber hose. That's all the parts places sell as a replacement.

I assumed dunce that they'd replace the whole thing, so I destroyed the hard line getting it out. I'm on my way to the dealer to see if I can get another one...

Good luck!
Robert

Robert 771 said:

the dealer

Click to expand...

Well, at least they can get me one.

Set me back $28 and two or three days. But I guess I learned a lesson...

Robert