ok a busy day today. i been getting "stiff spots" in my steering wheel. it'll go stiff, easy, stiff, ect. all the way around ether way. i changed out the power steering pump, no difference. i took the front tires off and disconnected the tie rod ends to check for sezed ball joints or u-joints, everything moved freely. any advise would be much appricated, thanks -Dustin-

 

new pump correct you got all air out so its not whining

 

yes new pump. $49.00 there are no bubbles in the lines at all. and still acts like the old one. gear box maybe?

 

Did it start suddenly or gradually?

 

suddently. took it swamping down a flooded dirt road during the hurricane rains. i went through water/mud bout to the center caps. wasnt that deep. it was fine out there then it started acting up two days after

 

was there water in system

 

who made pump

 

didnt see water liiked mix of p/s fluid and tranny fliud. and idk who made the pump. advanced auto brand. is there a drain plug to the gear box?

 

pumps quiet no whining ,dont think theres a draing fluid would be noticeable if water was present

 

Disconnect the pitman arm and work the steering wheel and the linkages by hand. That'll tell you which direction to look.

 

check the joint at the bottom of the steering shaft, you may have to disconnect it from the steering box to check it correctly

 

I don't think it's the pump. Possibly gear box. Is there any kind of joint or coupler in the steering column? (I've only had my XJ a little over a month; not that familiar with them yet.)

 

****** beat me to it!

 

there is a little u joint in the shaft befor the box. it relly doesnt look bad. after i take the pitman arm off and start moving stuff around what should i be looking for

 

looking for binding or no binding....leading you to the culprit