Over the past couple of days, I have noticed a whine when accelerating my 2000 Cherokee 4.0L. The first time, it started after ~20 minutes of highway driving, when I noticed it at low speeds in a parking lot. The second time, it started after ~10 minutes of city driving.

When it happens, there is more resistance when turning the steering wheel, as if something is possibly binding.

The whine changes with acceleration - I tried taking a video the last time it happened and posted it below:


Any ideas?

 

Start by checking the p/s pump for the proper fluid level and the condition of it.

 

Nailed it.

 

HOPE that's all it is. Cruiser replaced the old fluid in his and saw a difference in the steering so I recently did mine. Still as easy steering as it was but at least the fluid's clean. Still a chance the OP's p/s pump is bad.

 

The power steering fluid is low enough that it doesn't reach the dipstick. I'll add some and monitor it for leaks.

Thanks for the quick help.