Zoro said:
Checked the belt like I've always done by twisting it and it's the same as it's always been...How do you adjust the tension?
I drained the PS system today, ran compressed air thru the lines to clear any obstructions and filled it back up and still no Power Steering. The pump was a little low before I did this but still within the acceptable range.
Right after the PS stopped working the pump would whine and scream if you weren't moving and tried to move the wheels. Now no noise and no PS...Something under the hood squeals on the first couple revvs after startup after the XJ's been sitting awhile.
So this definately sounds like the pump, right?
Yeah - sounds like the pump to me, too.
RENIX belt tension is adjusted by moving the power steering pump. You'll loosen two "clamp" bolts onthe back of the bracket, the top pivot bolt on the front, and the bottom "clamp" bolt on the front of the bracket (mixed bag - 1/2" and 13m/m.)
Once you've got them loose, there's a L-O-N-G bolt that runs side-to-side under the pump, and takes a 1/2" wrench or socket - that's the bolt that actually adjuststs tension. Tighten to increase, loosen to decrease. I find it helpful to coat the bolt lightly with never-seez each time I service the belt (about every 3-4 years, in my case,) so it won't stick. That "knuckle" that carries the pump back and forth is sintered, so be careful (I've probably cracked five of them by now - I just haven't gotten around to making a part out of wrought stock yet.) It's fairly cheap at the dealer if you do crack one - but the replacement will be sintered as well, so watch out!
It's a Metric Saginaw pump as used on many Chevvy and Dodge vehicles - the only real difference is the reservoir. Makes it a common part, and relatively cheap - say, $150-180 for a "new" reman w/reservoir.
Might as well change the hoses while you're about it - they're probably old as well. MAKE SURE you get a 'flare nut' wrench when you put the new ones in - I don't recall the size, but I do know it's metric. I'm thinking 17m/m and 18m/m, but I could be wrong. The flare nuts on the replacement hoses are fairly soft, and rounding them off will make you say all sorts of evil words...
5-90