change power steering fluid
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Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Norway
Year: 1993
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
My steering fluid looks like this, i got new mopoar and that one is clear, so i shuld change it? Should i remove the return hose from the pump and flush the oil out? Is it ok to start the engine or do i need to turn the wheels to get the pump to start pumping oil?
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,031
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From: Blue Springs, MO
Year: 1993
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Laredo
Some ps pumps use ATF.. I believe your jeep's pump uses the clear type. It looks as if maybe someone used ATF in it, but it might just be really old.
Drain it and refill it with the proper type. Once it's filled to the proper level, put the lid back on and start the jeep. Turn the steering wheel all the way left then all the way right a few times. Don't force it against the stops, just to where it touches, then stop and go the other way. That'll bleed the pump. After 3-4 times back 'n forth, check the level. Should be good to go
Drain it and refill it with the proper type. Once it's filled to the proper level, put the lid back on and start the jeep. Turn the steering wheel all the way left then all the way right a few times. Don't force it against the stops, just to where it touches, then stop and go the other way. That'll bleed the pump. After 3-4 times back 'n forth, check the level. Should be good to go
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
Just a word on your power steering fluid. My repair manual says only Mopar power steering fluid or equivilent. I made the mistake of putting ATF in my Chevy's unit and within 3 days, it started leaking from the shaft seal. I hope Jeep's system is more robust than GM's. It has to do with the seal's compatibility. As far as "export" jeeps are concerned, I've no clue.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 651
Likes: 0
From: Norway
Year: 1993
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Just a word on your power steering fluid. My repair manual says only Mopar power steering fluid or equivilent. I made the mistake of putting ATF in my Chevy's unit and within 3 days, it started leaking from the shaft seal. I hope Jeep's system is more robust than GM's. It has to do with the seal's compatibility. As far as "export" jeeps are concerned, I've no clue.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 651
Likes: 0
From: Norway
Year: 1993
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Some ps pumps use ATF.. I believe your jeep's pump uses the clear type. It looks as if maybe someone used ATF in it, but it might just be really old.
Drain it and refill it with the proper type. Once it's filled to the proper level, put the lid back on and start the jeep. Turn the steering wheel all the way left then all the way right a few times. Don't force it against the stops, just to where it touches, then stop and go the other way. That'll bleed the pump. After 3-4 times back 'n forth, check the level. Should be good to go
Drain it and refill it with the proper type. Once it's filled to the proper level, put the lid back on and start the jeep. Turn the steering wheel all the way left then all the way right a few times. Don't force it against the stops, just to where it touches, then stop and go the other way. That'll bleed the pump. After 3-4 times back 'n forth, check the level. Should be good to goTrending Topics
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
The way I did it was use a suction gun and suck out the reservoir, refill it and drive it for a couple of days, then do it again. That way I didn't have to bleed the air out of the system. While you're at it, check your brake fluid. If it's dark, it's got water in it and needs to be changed and the brakes bled until it comes out clear. Brake fluid is hydroscopic, meaning it will absorb water, and water rusts the insides of brake calipers and other parts. Some manufacturers recommend changing the brake fluid every 30K miles.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 651
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From: Norway
Year: 1993
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
The way I did it was use a suction gun and suck out the reservoir, refill it and drive it for a couple of days, then do it again. That way I didn't have to bleed the air out of the system. While you're at it, check your brake fluid. If it's dark, it's got water in it and needs to be changed and the brakes bled until it comes out clear. Brake fluid is hydroscopic, meaning it will absorb water, and water rusts the insides of brake calipers and other parts. Some manufacturers recommend changing the brake fluid every 30K miles.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 651
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From: Norway
Year: 1993
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
changed the fluid, suction gun and removed the oil, in with new oil. Have done this 3 times and will do it 2 more i think. The steerings is like new and the car/enigne runs better i think. I didnt have any problem with steering, but it was some squeek when it was hot and i did hear the pump if i turn the wheel at low speed/idle. Now the steering is smoother and the response on the engine is faster i think. The sound from the pump is gone to.
BTW, should i replace oil until its clear or is it ok to to repalce it with 2qts ? 6-7 times with suction and refill?
BTW, should i replace oil until its clear or is it ok to to repalce it with 2qts ? 6-7 times with suction and refill?
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
You may have to do it a lot to get it clear. There's probably a lot of crap in the system that needs to be flushed out. Deposits tend to build up around the seals and eventually cause them to fail. It's good that you got to it before this happened.
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