So, I think I messed up.

About a month ago, my PS pump bearings failed on a road trip. I was able to find the pump/pulley at a nearby parts store and replaced in their parking lot. The guy said I need to use ATF+4 with the new pump, so I used it without being able to flush the system. (like an idiot, I didn't question it)

Now it works ok when cold, but when it's hot I can barely turn the wheel when at idle and stopped. I actually lost PS on a turn yesterday and scared the **** out of me. My first thought is the fluid a mix of PS and ATF and the pump is not happy about that.

Would it be a good start to get the ATF out by flushing it with regular PS fluid?

I'm REALLY hoping I haven't damaged the steering box.

Let me know what you guys think.
Thanks.


Here's what I posted earlier about the failure...

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f59/wh...4/#post3681710

 

Has it had this problem ever since you did the repair a month ago ?
Or did this problem just come on recently?

I would try flushing it out first. Best to jack up both front wheels and
turn it lock to lock 20 times (motor off) to get all the air out of the system.

I doubt the steering box is bad since it is OK cold. It is perhaps more
likely that the new (or reman ?) pump is defective...

 

Yeah, just came on a few days ago.

Thanks for the advise, I’ll start with a flush and go from there. Not ruling out a bad pump though, it’s a MasterPro Re-man. At least it got me home that day.

 

They might have sold you a bad pump... The PS fluid and ATF aren't that much different to cause a complete loss of pump assist... Or the metal shavings from the last pump self destruction ended up in the new pump...

 

I also vote bad pump. I went through 2 "new" reman pumps that failed. One of them lasted 1 afternoon of driving only. Don't fool yourself into believing the pump just has to get rid of all the air in the fluid and then it will be fine. I also crapped my pants when my pump started to go while I was driving. Nothing I want to repeat.

 

When you replace the pump it's a good idea to install an in-line filter in the low pressure line. Flushing helps get the junk from the failed pump out but the filter also helps. Some replacement pumps have a warranty that is void unless you add a filter.

 

Thanks for the info! I jacked up the front last night and did the bump to bump 20 times, engine off, to make sure no air was in there. No change today.

Here's what I'll do...

Flush with this pump first with PS fluid, see if it solves it.

If it's the same, replace pump with a new one (not re-man) and flush again, bleed, etc.

Is this a reasonable path to take?

I appreciate the help.

 

X2 on the reman pumps being garbage. Still need to replace mine again when I get a chance as it's weak, and really noisy when cold.

 

Did a flush with PS fluid, got all the ATF out, didn’t see any metal shavings.

No change. Still really hard to turn at idle when hot.

New pump will be here on Friday.

 

Installed new pump from Rock Auto... Got the one with reservoir, pulley, and cap. Got the rest of the mixed fluid out by running bump to bump, engine off, until fresh PS fluid was coming out the return line. Still no metal shavings.

Issue resolved, the reman was junk.

Thanks for the guidance!