JIMO

Hello, I love my 2000 XJ but have to put it up for sale and trade for an older one. UNLESS someone has noticed and knows why the later XJ's seem to require more steering effort that slightly older ones. A friend had a 98 that could be steered by one finger. I used to have a 94 with 33" tires that was as easy to steer. But my 2000 requires more effort. Has anyone looked into this and if so is it the box or the pump and what to look out for. I have health issues and chronic joint pain and would love to be able to drive my 2000 pain free like my friend's 98 they had. The ball joints axle joints and steering shaft joint are not the issue, I am pretty sure. It is in the pump or the box. I would love to hear from someone that may have dealt with this before I pay someone to start swapping parts. I no longer have the physical ability to do the labor myself. Finances are low. Searching has turned up nothing.
Thank you in advance,
Jim

4.3L XJ

There are two issues that can affect how much effort you need to steer. One that matters most is the valving in the steering box. You will have to change the box out to fix that. The other is only minor and that is pump pressure, and that would have to be changed out too. But do the box first. A box off something besides a Jeep would be best.

Waynerd

Funny you say that. I’ve been thinking and asking about that for years. I have always assumed it was my particular XJ. It’s a 2001 and I’ve replaced every steering part but the box. I’ve recently started assuming it’s the sagging rear springs throwing the caster off. And actually just while I was typing I realized it may be something to do with the low pinion D30. Also I have a 98 that steers effortlessly like a sedan. I never even though about it being the same with all ‘00-‘01.

5-Speed

I think my 99 has stiffer steering than my 01. The new box I put in the 99 made the steering lighter than the old box too. Neither can steer with one finger at a stop but no problem cruising down the highway with one finger.

cruiser54

94 to 98 ZJ box is a nice upgrade.

JIMO

Thank you, I have gone thru that thought process and understand how it all works. I guess I wanted to check in first to see if anyone went thru this and has a "for sure". I was thinking that I would have to start with the box first. My thought was to get a used box cheap from an older jeep. You said something besides a Jeep? I want to go bolt in with no mods. This is a stock rig and a daily driver.
Jim

EZEARL

See post #10. Cruiser54 can be trusted.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/ste...ptions-243772/

JIMO

Yeah, I had some of those thoughts but the steering comes to center ok out of a turn and is not an issue when going down the road. My issue is in the parking lots. I cringe when I have to park. 3 point turns on a road are out. Do me a favor, swap your steering boxes out for me and let me know LOL

JIMO

The box...interesting. Was that a re-man box? If so, you don't know what it is from originally.

jordan96xj

The steering on my 96 was getting stiffer and stiffer, and I was having return-to-center problems after turns. After extensive troubleshooting, I was about to replace the steering gear. One of my friends (who works at Advance) got the part for me, but asked me to try swapping my fluid out before throwing in the towel. I had been running generic multi-spec power steering fluid, and he recommended going back to ATF+4 or Mopar Power Steering Fluid +4 (or a commercial equivalent such as Valvoline maxlife multi-vehicle ATF). I had nothing to lose, so I gave it a try. It made an immediate difference. The steering effort improved considerably, and the vehicle had no problem returning to center after the change.



Summary, if you are running generic off-the-shelf power steering fluid, give ATF+4 (or the maxlife I mentioned) a shot before swapping parts out. If you are already running ATF+4, Mopar Power Steering Fluid +4, or the maxlife. You can disregard this advice.

cruiser54

Simply CHANGING the fluid is a good idea. Hardly anyone ever does it.

I suck the reservoir out with a turkey baster and refill every coupla years.

JIMO

Thanks, I was thinking of finding one from around those years of 94 to 98 to try. The only thing is I think his answer in in reference to the ZJ box (which I read is a quicker ratio) which is not the main goal. Steering ease is. It is starting to look as the box is the place to start though. Thanks, Jim

cruiser54

Change the fluid first.

What size tires are you running?

Tbone289

It's interesting that you mention the ATF Jordan. I've noticed in the vehicles I've owned that run ATF for PS fluid that when old fluid is changed, there is always a dramatic improvement in (less) effort in the steering. I've never noticed that when changing the generic Prestone fluid I use in the XJ. I use the turkey baster method every couple of years as well.

Mine has always had slow return-to-center. I might have to take your advice, but I hesitate to do that since I have no leaks and it's not a "last resort" situation.

cruiser54

Power steering fluid and brake fluid changes are rarely done and they should be!!!

MAINTENANCE!!!!!