Steering effort between XJ years HELP!!
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 21
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Model: Cherokee
Sorry that didn't produce any benefits for you. I did mine last night as well, and it helped. Like I mentioned earlier, I probably have some underlying issue that is being helped by the fluid change, where as your underlying issue is probably different.
When I was troubleshooting the stiff steering originally, one of the first tests was to disconnect the steering (drag link) from the passenger steering knuckle and with the front of the vehicle lifted, attempting turning the tires by hand. If this is very difficult it points to ball joints that are not moving freely. If they move relatively easily, then you can move upstream. (This can be considered testing from the bottom up).
Testing from the top down usually starts with a power steering pump pressure test. But there is one item above that (upstream) that can sometimes come into play on old XJs and that is the steering intermediate shaft. This is the shaft that runs from the steering column (steering wheel) then down to the steering gear. It has 2 small non-serviceable u-joints on it. Sometimes these can be seized, dry, worn-out, etc. At first I suspected this component on mine, and even purchased a replacement proactively. But ultimately my problem turned out to be further down (most likely the pump).
I mention the steering intermediate shaft, because it is also something cheap and easy to take a look at (and try to lube the u-joints as best possible) to see if it makes any difference at all.
After the ball joints and intermediate shaft, it will almost certainly come back to the pump or steering gear. So the next test would be the pump pressure test.
When I was troubleshooting the stiff steering originally, one of the first tests was to disconnect the steering (drag link) from the passenger steering knuckle and with the front of the vehicle lifted, attempting turning the tires by hand. If this is very difficult it points to ball joints that are not moving freely. If they move relatively easily, then you can move upstream. (This can be considered testing from the bottom up).
Testing from the top down usually starts with a power steering pump pressure test. But there is one item above that (upstream) that can sometimes come into play on old XJs and that is the steering intermediate shaft. This is the shaft that runs from the steering column (steering wheel) then down to the steering gear. It has 2 small non-serviceable u-joints on it. Sometimes these can be seized, dry, worn-out, etc. At first I suspected this component on mine, and even purchased a replacement proactively. But ultimately my problem turned out to be further down (most likely the pump).
I mention the steering intermediate shaft, because it is also something cheap and easy to take a look at (and try to lube the u-joints as best possible) to see if it makes any difference at all.
After the ball joints and intermediate shaft, it will almost certainly come back to the pump or steering gear. So the next test would be the pump pressure test.
No worries, it is ok. The fluid change was worth a try as it was easy and cheap to do. I understand the other issues you mention but am ruling them as probably not because the wheel comes back to center coming out of a turn. If ball joints were stiff, that would affect that most likely. But, when the drag link is disconnected if I go for a box swap, that can be checked then. U-joints in the axles also can do weird things. They were checked already, in fact one is new also. I also thought of the intermediate column shaft. I do drop oil on that joint by the box occasionally. They usually feel different when they are stiff. Where is the second joint you mention? Is that under the dash?
When turning the steering wheel, I never hear the pump work (hiss or moan) unless I go against the lock either way. To me, that hints as if the valving in the box is just "different" and not transferring the pressure the same as others. A pump test would be good to do first. Anybody know that spec off hand?
I just picked up a 1998 Cherokee. It is much better to steer, still not as easy as my friends 98 but none the less it is easier than my by far. It may come to pass that the boxes get swapped. Whatever transpires, I will try to leave behind an answer to this mystery.
Thank you all,
Jim
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,683
Likes: 8
From: Northern New Mexico
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,469
Likes: 26
From: North canaan Connecticut
Year: 01, 99, 98, 98,98
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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
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Joined: Mar 2014
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Model: Cherokee
Lol. I just did ball joints less than a year ago and it didn’t change at all. And over the last winter the steering pump exploded so it has mostly new fluid in it. New pump and new fluid didn’t change anything either. I’m having a bit of return to center issues now but 5 years ago it returned to center fine and the steering was just as it is today. I have a few major things to do this summer/fall if I don’t sell it instead. Even so I might do the work just to get a bit more $ from it. Suspension, a/c and steering box are the 3 most important. So I won’t know until then. I will definitely post if I find a resolution and will be following in the meantime.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2014
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Model: Cherokee
I will take that lightly and try to laugh. But try to realize that some individuals out there have real struggles in life. My life, now at 45 is way different from what it was 10 years ago due to an unknown chronic inflammatory condition. But don't worry, it's ok.
Jim
Jim
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Joined: Mar 2014
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Model: Cherokee
Ok final report on the steering effort thing regarding my 2000 XJ:
A quick back summary, I have noticed 1999 or 2000 XJ's have more steering effort. My 2000 is difficult to steer in the parking lots as I have health issues. I noticed that earlier XJ's have easier steering effort. Ball joints and steering shaft joint were both ruled out and the fluid was changed...still required more effort than I thought should be.
I purchased a 98 XJ for the summer and it was easier to steer than my 2000. In the meantime, a neighbor was cutting up a 97 XJ and gave me the steering box from it. With a helper, I put it in today and it is much easier to steer my Jeep. I am happy with the result. As mentioned early on, this is thought by me to be a 1999 or 2000 (maybe beyond) trait, like maybe a possible valving change or something or maybe just the few I came across. I would be curious if others find the same thing. I sold the 98 Jeep and I am keeping my 2000 Jeep.
Jim
A quick back summary, I have noticed 1999 or 2000 XJ's have more steering effort. My 2000 is difficult to steer in the parking lots as I have health issues. I noticed that earlier XJ's have easier steering effort. Ball joints and steering shaft joint were both ruled out and the fluid was changed...still required more effort than I thought should be.
I purchased a 98 XJ for the summer and it was easier to steer than my 2000. In the meantime, a neighbor was cutting up a 97 XJ and gave me the steering box from it. With a helper, I put it in today and it is much easier to steer my Jeep. I am happy with the result. As mentioned early on, this is thought by me to be a 1999 or 2000 (maybe beyond) trait, like maybe a possible valving change or something or maybe just the few I came across. I would be curious if others find the same thing. I sold the 98 Jeep and I am keeping my 2000 Jeep.
Jim
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 534
Likes: 2
From: Kentucky
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: 4.0L I-6
Mines a 99. I just replaced pretty much everything up front, except the gear box and pump. My steering feels like a new car ! Not loose or sloppy. Firm and solid ! Reminded me of my 96 ZJ in it's infancy !!!
Old fart with a wrench
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 14,398
Likes: 740
From: Manlius, east of Syracuse, NY
Year: 2000 XJ Sport & WJ Laredo
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0L
One thing that seems to have been overlooked is the pressure regulator valve in the pressure hose. On my wife's Dodge Caravan we had the same problem with the steering getting stiffer over time. I was going to replace the pump when the parts guy suggested I replace the pressure valve. I wasn't aware there was one that was replaceable so I bought one, replaced the original, and problem solved. It screws into the pump and the hose screws into it. Simple! EXCEPT on the Caravan the pump is underneath!
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