- Location
- Golden, CO
1990 XJ, 4.0, AW4.
About a year ago, I replaced the power steering pump with a remanufactured unit I found in the junkyard. I also replaced the return hose and added a filter in-line. At that time I filled with Valvoline power steering fluid and replaced the steering intermediate shaft. Later, I replaced the column. The high pressure line was replaced in 2015.
The unit has performed quietly and flawlessly until mid August. At the time I was at six weeks of 20 mile, mostly highway commute. The engine typically cruises at 2500 RPMs, with occasional 4000 RPM blasts to pull a hill or pass traffic.
The problem, the power randomly cuts out. I first noticed while getting off the highway, the steering wheel is hard to turn. Lightly jerking the wheel back and forth confirms the tires do respond to minimal input. Then, the power returns. It can cut out in the start of a turn, then as I crank on the wheel (hard), it comes back halfway through the turn. That part makes the problem a little spooky. The past few weeks, the problem has manifested itself at lower RPMs, and the pump does whine a little.
I have checked the fluid level, no leaks, no foam or other signs of cavitation. The fluid is still clear.
I am guessing the pump has a bypass that is sticking open. I plan to replace the filter, which will drain some of the fluid.
Should I be looking for a different type of fluid to refill the system?
What other things can cause this problem?
TIA
About a year ago, I replaced the power steering pump with a remanufactured unit I found in the junkyard. I also replaced the return hose and added a filter in-line. At that time I filled with Valvoline power steering fluid and replaced the steering intermediate shaft. Later, I replaced the column. The high pressure line was replaced in 2015.
The unit has performed quietly and flawlessly until mid August. At the time I was at six weeks of 20 mile, mostly highway commute. The engine typically cruises at 2500 RPMs, with occasional 4000 RPM blasts to pull a hill or pass traffic.
The problem, the power randomly cuts out. I first noticed while getting off the highway, the steering wheel is hard to turn. Lightly jerking the wheel back and forth confirms the tires do respond to minimal input. Then, the power returns. It can cut out in the start of a turn, then as I crank on the wheel (hard), it comes back halfway through the turn. That part makes the problem a little spooky. The past few weeks, the problem has manifested itself at lower RPMs, and the pump does whine a little.
I have checked the fluid level, no leaks, no foam or other signs of cavitation. The fluid is still clear.
I am guessing the pump has a bypass that is sticking open. I plan to replace the filter, which will drain some of the fluid.
Should I be looking for a different type of fluid to refill the system?
What other things can cause this problem?
TIA