I searched "hard steering" and nothing really touched on this exactly, but I have perfectly fine PS when driving, but if I'm sitting still, I have to use both hands and its like the PS isn't even working at all. As soon as I give it a little throttle, it kicks in and I can steer just fine. What sucks about it is if I have to turn the wheel before I start moving forward... Say i'm doing a 3 point turn or whatever and I have very little room to maneuver around, I don't exactly want to hit the throttle and move forward if I only have a foot or so of room in front of me just so I can get the steering wheel to move. I mean, I can move it without the throttle, but it acts like manual steering and I have to crank on the wheel pretty hard. What gives? PS pump or gear box? Everything is nice and lubed from what I can tell...

 

My first thoughts are a loose belt or if the PS pulley uses one, a sheared woodruff key or loose bolt allowing it to slip.

 

Good call. I'll look into the pulley when it stops snowing one day. Denver has had 3 days of snow since Friday. But I have no squeaky belt... I'll still check. Thanks!
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I've just added the extract from the 95 FSM too for a few more causes.

 

Excellent. My 40 year old brain must be aging faster than my body because I didn't even think to pick up my Haynes manual and read in there. Haynes isn't the greatest, but it's better than nothing. I may purchase one of the Pacific manuals at some point as well....

 

Any other ideas? I feel like it just has to be a weak PS pump or something. Maybe the impeller is worn out and doesn't move fluid as efficiently...??? Is there even and impeller on these PS pumps? I don't actually know how the insides of ones looks or works exactly. Anyone else have a similar issue with steering being really difficult while not moving forward? Even if I let off the brake and idle forward, it's still difficult to turn, although a little easier since the tires are spinning at that point, but it requires throttle (more RPMS) to make it easy, the way it should be.

 

Have you ever driven a vehicle without power steering (manual from factory)? When you are moving, you don't even notice the steering. Feels normal. When you are stopped, kinda sucks. Maybe you actually don't have any power steering. Does it work when turning the wheel and reving in neutral?

 

Hmmmmm, good call. I will check the steering while in neutral and giving it some gas... I'll have some results in about 30 minutes....
Are these PS pumps prone to the same type of symptoms as other vehicles with the loud whining noise if there is a bad PS pump? But I would also assume there is zero whining if the pump is 100% busted... I have no leaks, so maybe its just time for a new one?

 

How can I check the PS pump to see if its even pumping? Remove the cap and look for turbulence in the fluid? Remove the output line and see if fluid shoots out? Maybe its trying to pump but I have a blockage in the line...?? I highly doubt that though. The previous owner was OCD about maintenance. This XJ looks and acts 10 years old, not almost 25 years old. Except of course for my flat leaf springs....

 

I have great power steering while sitting in park and neutral and hitting the gas. But at idle the power steering really sucks.... Just tested it

 

X2 on that... I remember driving non-power steering vehicles back in the day. and that's spot on.

Also if it's weak...maybe check to see you're not losing fluid or have air in the system too.

 

I'll check the following: belt and pulley situation, air in the system, & leaks. But I have never seen a drop on the ground, so I don't think there is a leak, never know though...
Does anyone know how I can check the PSI of the pump pressure side? Is there a rental tool from AutoZone or something?

 

Just watched some YT video on checking the power steering system, pump and everything else involved. Just need a psi gauge and some hose, and the proper connections... since that seems like an in depth chore, I might wait on that if everything else seems to be acting normal. I can still drive with no problems, its just really annoying.

 

More 95 FSM for you.