jturbo

The new (used) box is in. New fluid, bled the whole system. No leaks, yeah!
Took it for a quick spin around the block tonight and it feels better, but tomorrow's drive to work will tell the rest of the story.
JT

jturbo

Been driving the Jeep for a few days now, the new steering box is waaaaaay better.
Easier to turn (old one was very stiff) hardly any wandering. I'll prob adjust the nut an 1/8 to 1/4 turn to take just a bit of play.
Glad I finally got to the bottom of the issue!

jturbo

Back to the steering - the system has been loosing pressure under low RPM's, so the power assist was lacking at slow speeds or idle. So I decided to replace the pump:

During the removal of the old pump, the high pressure line was frozen up at the outlet of the pump, so I ended up snapping that off. Replaced that as well:

Filled with fresh fluid and it's all better. Power assist is consistent no matter the engine RPM's.

Also bought a used AC compressor from Dead Jeep, installed that while I was futzing around the front of the engine. Replaced all the o-rings and vacuumed down the system.

Charged the AC last night - so that's also now fully operational.

Only remaining issue is that the e-fan didn't automatically come on while I was charging the AC. Read that maybe normal on 2000 & 2001 model year XJ's, but I want to do some more troubleshooting on the system to ensure that the fan, relay , etc. is good. The jeep runs consistently at 210 on the factory gauge, so I've never had any issues with the engine temps thus far.

KJamesJR

What did you use for paint to match the gunmetal pearl color?

jturbo

I went to an auto body supply shop with the color code from the door and had a quart mixed.
The paint is professional grade urethane 2-stage base coat / clear coat.

jturbo

Well, the AC works, sometimes. Usually when I first start up the engine for a few miles then nothing. Been doing a lot of reading on the 00/01 AC systems. I'm really starting to appreciate the simplicity of the 99 and earlier models....

thetastelingers

Have you put gauges on it to check pressures?

jturbo

Yes, when I initially recharged the system.... Will need to do it again as well as check a bunch of other items related to intermittent AC clutch engagement.

I was recently having the CEL on for P0441. No apparent leaks in the system. So I ordered and replaced the canister purge valve solenoid - hopefully fixes that issue.

jturbo

Today I had a computer front end alignment done on this 2001 XJ (after all of the steering / suspension replacements over the last year).

Feels soooooo much better. That's all.

jturbo

Passed 229k miles this past week. Went on a small adventure earlier today, snapped a quick pic while we were out and about:

ixanay_on-the_exjay

Nice! Did you ever post anything on those mud flaps you installed? They look pretty clean, would be interested in seeing a closer pic and your method if you get around to it

jturbo

I bought the mud flaps on eBay, (have them on both of my XJ's). If you search eBay for "universal 15x9 mud guards" several sets will be listed for under $30 (for a set of 4).
I don't have any installation photos, but here is a shot of my daughter's 99XJ showing the flap attached to the fender flare:

jturbo

Oh, I just remembered - it's been 1 year since I bought the 2001 XJ.

Photo from first day of ownership:

And now:


I didn't officially start driving it until mid December last year (after I had a chance to complete all of the repairs).....

jturbo

This happened on the way to work today:

And a pic from this past weekend's adventures:

jturbo

So the 01 has been having a check engine light every month or so, code reader shows P0441 (evap leak detected).
I replaced the vapor canister purge valve back in August. I also replaced a section of steel vacuum line in the back of the Jeep (was pretty rusty / crusty)
So I ordered a new (Mopar) gas cap, installed today. Fingers crossed....