Hi,

A week ago I started up my cherokee to go to work. It was 4:00am and about 15 below zero. I let it warm up for about twent minutes before driving. While I was driving i noticed there was no power steering below 1100-1200 rpms. I figured it was because of the cold and would work better when it warmed up. Well it still won't work below 1100rpms. Kind of annoying when parking. I have to throttle up a bit (manual transmission) to get it to work. Any ideas? I replaced the pump last winter.

 

Check your fluid in your power steering. I was low on power steering just the other day and almost ran into the garage. Put some fluid and it is all good.

 

Yeah did that too. Fluid level was fine.

 

Sounds like the pump may be bypassing at low rpm. Drain the fluid from the pump and check it for debris. Could be the valve in the pump is bad or the pump itself is cooked and not circulating at low rpm. Jack up the front, put it on jackstands, take the wheels off, and have someone turn the wheel while the motor is running, and you check for anything thats binding underneath. if nothing is binding and it's still hard to to turn, pump needs replaced.

 

x2

Does it make any whining sounds or straining/overworking sounds when you try to turn the wheel below 1100rpm?

 

A little bit but has always done. When its cold out and I start it it whines loud and then goes away quickly.

 

Start looking for a pump just in case. But, go through the steps I stated to verify it's the pump and not something thats bent or jammed. Could be a kinked or collapsed hose as well.