i have a 97 cherokee sport. 6 cylinder. 4.0,,, i recently heard a noise a loud noise which appears to be the power steering pump. but the noise not always shows up. mainly when im going slow or stopped and i turn the steering wheel it happens. but agian not always. it is weird and i need help. i have no idea. sometims it rough to turn and sometimes its smooth and i cant turn the wheel with no problem

 

Obvious questions

Did you check the fluid?

Is it leaking?

Is the pulley unbroken and turning freely?

Is the belt tight?

 

its not leaking and the fluid is full.. but i just bought it 3 weeeks ago and since i bought it , the belt always skweeeked.. i tightened it but it still squeeked. i was told that some pullies were rusted and the jeep just neeed to be driven. bc it was sitting for a long time

 

sounds like air in the system

 

how do i fix that??how did air get in there?? and the power steering pump is still good?

 

its not leaking and the fluid is full.. but i just bought it 3 weeeks ago and since i bought it , the belt always skweeeked.. i tightened it but it still squeeked. i was told that some pullies were rusted and the jeep just neeed to be driven. bc it was sitting for a long time

 

I guess rusty pulleys could make it squeal but it sounds like the belts still loose. They have to be ridiculously tight to be tight enough.

I use the twist method. Grab the belt between the AC and the idler pulleys. Twist it. If can twist it past 90 degrees, it's too loose.

 

so that might be the reason for the squeeling but is that the reason why it makes a noise when i turn the steering wheeel??

 

If while you're putting load on the pump and the belt is slipping, I'd say yes. Whining is usually a low fluid issue. Squealing is usually a belt issue. What happens to the steering wheel while this is going on? Is it bumping as you try and turn it or is it smooth but making noise?

 

ok so i just drove around for 45 or so. and while driving and when i turned i did not hear that noise and the driving was smooth.. but when i was at a light and i moved the steering wheel. it somewat made noise and it got rough to turn the wheel. but in a stopped position..i double checked the fluid before i left and it was full and did not look like it was leaking at all. the belt prob needs a little tightning..

 

I think you're on it

 

does that mean.. its just the belt?? haha im sorry i really dont know much about under the hood. and thank you for helping out.. i appreciate it! what kinda jeep do u have?

 

That'd be my guess. Cheapest and easiest things first. Make sure the belt is tight enough and see if that fixes the problem.

98 XJ Sport

And you're welcome.

 

is the belt adjusted right?

 

mine leaks under load cant see where its coming from but turning in reverse and trying to get my front tire up on a rock will net me a cloud of smoke and a smell like burning wax..., could be the pressure line or a seal? anyone???