Hello all-

So I just bought 2001 xj with 140k. Slowly trying to get things sorted out starting with the steering gearbox. Fluid was leaking out of body after trying to replace high pressure line. So I ordered reman gearbox and new power steering pump assembly along with new lines.

Gearbox was a bit of PITA working off the ground but got it complete and carefully bled steering off the ground. Took it out today and steering was perfect! Nice and light on slow turns and tracked straight. Went to the local turkey store today to pick up a few containers of their delicious gravy and let car run while I was inside. (I had a cylinder 3 misfire driving back home last week that the previous owner mentioned would come on now and then. I found a cracked injector and replaced them all as a couple others were cracked. Added the injector/manifold insulation too. Wanted to see if possible heat soak issue might pop up while I was in store.

came back outside 20 minutes later and start to drive off and steering is hard! 🤬
Checked the fluid level which appeared fine and cycled steering a dozen or so times with a slight improvement. Started limping my way home and steering got better but now makes noise when beginning to take turn from a stop (the kind of noise when you extend wheel to the far left or right stops).

Drove around for a few errands and then a sit and wait to see if some back straps might bless my plate, to no avail.

Once I got back home I pulled into garage and jacked front off ground and turned wheel with no noise turning either way. So now the Big question is do I have a steering pump or gearbox issue; or both! Hopefully seasoned mechanic can chime in or someone else who’s had this same issue. Bit of anxiety going on right now hoping it’s not the gearbox.

Thanks!
Happy T-Day!

 

May have smoked the pump, I would guess you have cavitation in the system if you can go from fine cold to sudden drops after it's warmed up. If this keep re occurring I would suspect you'll eventually be replacing that pump again

 

Thanks for reply. What would cause this? I cycled the steering plenty of times and worked fine for the hour I drove before it sat at idle.

More importantly, what’s my case when I go back to Auto Zone asking for replacement assembly? I can’t live with this noise

 

Replaced with new pump which was not the solution. Lots of mixed bag reviews on alternate replacement gearbox along with hesitant parts salesman who said it’s 50/50 shot with different replacement.

i remember Redhead from years ago and was about to pull the trigger with reviews not so good now.

Ordered a Bluetop having better overall reviews. Should I be OK having pitman arm off a couple times now or should I replace. Front suspension is in overall very good shape