dbmata

Hey guys, got my jeep back from the shop, had them repair a broken water pump.

I've had it back from a week, and now I've come to hear some growling from my Power Steering pump while turning, the reservoir looks to be bone dry. Glanced at the coolant reservoir and noticed it's low, about a quarter full, so I topped it off to the line.

Could the empty p/s reservoir be related to the water pump job?
Is it normal for the cooling system to need a "settle in" period for coolant after a water pump replacement? Would that explain the low fluid level?

Is it possible to replace a p/s pump (if it comes to that) without any special tools or a pressure gauge? I'd hate to have to take the jeep back to a shop so soon to fix this.

mike albo

Yes on the water pump,they may not have rechecked after the first fill and it came up to temp.As for your PS reservore only if they pulled it to get it out of the way and it was tipped so that the fluid leaked out.If I were you I would go back and say something to the owner.

dbmata

I plan on it, I had them do an oil change, since I lack a place to work on my car... and had to go back the next day to get the 6th quart of oil put in.

I found the installer/puller for the p/s pump pulley for loan at autozone, what would I need to make sure the serpentine belt is at right tension?

mike albo

They should have done that to,but all you need is a 13mm wrench.Get a chilton manual on your jeep it will show you all the adjustment points.Most auto part stores will show you to.

mike albo

Look under the PS pump there should be two pivot bolts.Looking from the driver fender the adjustment bolt is under the PS tank.Loosen the pivot bolts,then turn the adjuster clock wise till its tight.

dbmata

I hope I can fix this myself, still gotta make sure it is the p/s leaking, and not the reservoir or something else.

Thanks

mike albo

Check the pressure line that goes from pump to the steering box, look at where the metal crimps on to the rubber,could be leaking from there to.

dbmata

Yeah, first on the docket tomorrow is to get some oil in it, and make sure that groaning goes away, have the mechanic double check his work on the waterpump, then to try to check the hoses.

Hopefully, it's a cheap fix that I can do. Don't want to deal with another $350+ repair bill.

mike albo

If its just the hose it will be cheap.Remember you paid for them to do a job.If they screwed up they need to fix it. Dood luck keep me posted ,Mike

dbmata

Will do, I can nail them on any coolant leaks, not sure I can make a story for any power steering issues. Either way, gotta see what happens.

Thanks for the advice.

dbmata

Can't find the leak in the p/s, but had to put half a cup of fluid in the reservoir.

I'm going to clean it up all with some degreaser and see if the hoses are seeping, the high pressure one is soaked in fluid.

The water pump is something else, now it seems a nipple right below the radiator cap has broken off, it's where the tube from the reservoir connects to the radiator. So now, the mechanic says the radiator needs to be replaced. Is that kosher?

Is replacing it straight forward? I'm going to try to find a friend with a garage... can't really afford taking it to the mechanic.

mike albo

If its the plastice one then yes.If its the copper or aluminum one it can be repaired. Do it your self go to the JY get replacement radiatore.Also just call around and try to find the best price.

dbmata

Yeah, if I can get a place for a few hours, I'll just do it myself.

I picked up some epoxy to patch the hose on, and the sky opened up, it's been raining for about 8 hours now. Heh, timing!