Like the title says, sometimes when it is really cold (around 25 degrees or lower) and the Jeep has been sitting unused for a day or more, on startup the steering wheel will be locked up - can't turn it.

After about a minute, the steering wheel releases and is free to turn normally with no other issues.

This is a new steering pump that I changed last July, with new hoses too. I put in new steering fluid and flushed the steering gear as best I could by turning the steering wheel a few times.

Should I flush it again or is there an additive I can add that will fix it?

Thank you in advance for any ideas.

 

Nothing yet?

 

I am thinking either the steering pump is flawed somehow at low temps, or the steering fluid is bad, or I screwed up somewhere in the process when I swapped it and introduced moisture into the system.

In the spring I will flush it again.

Thanks for asking, Pat.

 

I keep hearing that the aftermarket gears are sort of hit or miss. That's deeply disturbing of course considering the PITA it is to replace the thing.

If nobody jumps in you might try PM'ing Cruiser or Bugout4x4 (among others) and see if they have an expert opinion. I wish I could help but this question is above my pay grade.