Just did my PS pump and pressure hose actually, I was careful not to let the steering box get any air in the new pressure line so I dodged any problems.... THIS Time.
Like the magician suggests, jack up both front wheels, one click forward on your key to unlock the steering column and go lock to lock a couple times slowwwwly by grabbing the tire rather than the wheel inside the XJ.
Start it up and try it now - I suggest an excellent Power Steering fluid like Valvoline Max - you might have a little foam and the better fluids have good additive packages in them to resist airing up and foaming - excellent for when you are trying to break in a system after a change.
Do you have a dead spot in your steering also? You could turn the "Taboo Screw" if you dare. People often freak out if you adjust the steering gear backlash screw. It can really help an older sloppier steering box, you just have to make a small move. It took the dead spot right out of my steering.
With the steering unlocked you can check play by grabbing the steering shaft just aft of the box with your hand and rotate it backy-forthy watching the pitman arm. If you can go a good amount either direction before the pitman arm moves, you could benefit from adjusting the backlash.
Pull the electric fan, use a 3/16" hex and 16mm wrench, break the lock nut and tighten the hex wrench only a little bit, a 1/4 turn should be considered a 100,000 mile adjustment (as a rough frame of reference). Lock the nut again and rotate the shaft backy-forthy again - better?
Geez, I've written a book! Anyhoo, I hope that you find at least some of that helpful! Cheers!
:cheers: