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Power steering not working properly

Tiny
KLHUDOCK64
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 JEEP LIBERTY
  • 3.7L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 152,000 MILES
Okay. So, I will be driving and my power steering is smooth and tight with no play in the wheel. Every once in a while it's like I can feel the steering wheel catch for a second or two. I had my bro drive it yesterday So he could feel it because it's hard to explain. He felt it and told me not to worry that maybe there's a stone caught up in there maybe there's build-up of something and then said I have rack and pinion and maybe something is catching or something worn. I don't like maybes. I do know both valve covers had been changed prior to me owning it and the guy did a shoddy job oil had been leaking all over. I have replaced passenger side drivers is next. Also when I first bought it and brought it home I noticed the power steering fluid reservoir was on crooked and power steering fluid had been leaking. I don't know maybe it's nothing to worry about but it's something that just bugs me and I need to fix or find whatever it is. Again the symptoms are wonderful power steering no play in wheel every so often it's like the wheel gets stuck for max 1-2 seconds only while driving.
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Thursday, March 25th, 2021 AT 6:29 AM

13 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
More than likely this sounds like the pump is beginning to fail or the belt is slipping which leaves you will not pressure. Here are some guides that talk about this in a little more detail but if it were me, I would look to replace the pump and retest the operation to see if the issue is gone:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-problems

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-power-steering-pump

The only thing I would consider prior to this is to change the fluid if it is low and dirty. If it is then that can cause different assist issues so that is worth looking at.

Below is the process from the manual on how to change the pump.

Let me know what questions you have.
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Thursday, March 25th, 2021 AT 3:45 PM
Tiny
KLHUDOCK64
  • MEMBER
  • 91 POSTS
Thank you very much. It is driving me crazy. I will certainly look at all the info you have sent me. I will try changing the fluid first. I know he was running straight power steering fluid in it but according to owners manual it takes ATF 4 so maybe that would help. If not then I will see about changing the pump. I have always had to buy used cars but I've done it enough to know that I'm going to put about the same amount into it that I paid for it. I do not buy a used car, motor home, truck, bike whatever it may be without realistically expecting to put some money into it. Thanks again for this site as it does help with the labor costs and takes a lot of guess work out of it. Thanks for the fast reply. I will keep you updated. Have a good night!
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Thursday, March 25th, 2021 AT 7:05 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Thanks for the update. Power steering fluid is similar to ATF so it won't hurt the pump but it is not a bad thing to put the proper fluid in it. Looking forward to hearing back. Thanks
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Saturday, March 27th, 2021 AT 6:04 PM
Tiny
KLHUDOCK64
  • MEMBER
  • 91 POSTS
Today I drove a 115 mile round trip and I've felt that tug or slip before before. Before I go tearing everything out and replacing the pump. I'm going to check the belt or belts idk I haven't checked if there's one or two. My 1993 Chevrolet van had one I was going 75 on I65 in the 3rd of 5 lanes and my belt got caught on my A/C compressor pulley and tore a chunk out of the pulley. Then in my Explorer the idler pulley and belt came off. So I'm sure The power steering pump will need changed. I've since researched these vehicles. They seem to have a ton of issues. I just get used to one make and model and get another. Thank you I will keep you updated. Have a nice night!
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Tuesday, March 30th, 2021 AT 8:01 PM
Tiny
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Sounds great. Yes. Checking the belt is a great idea first but if you find nothing else I would agree that the pump is the likely cause.

Keep us posted on what happens with this. Thanks for the update.
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Wednesday, March 31st, 2021 AT 6:39 PM
Tiny
KLHUDOCK64
  • MEMBER
  • 91 POSTS
So I am in the process of having pump changed. It's definitely bad also the power steering pump pulley was a mess. I had to order one it will be here in the morning. Might as well change that too before the S belt snaps.
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Friday, April 16th, 2021 AT 3:05 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
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Yep. Looks like you found it. Please let us m know how you make out with this. Thanks.
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Friday, April 16th, 2021 AT 3:25 PM
Tiny
KLHUDOCK64
  • MEMBER
  • 91 POSTS
Well, the new pulley was put on and the new pump. Besides being all beat up the pulley was spinning too loose. That belt was bound to come off at some point if it hadn't been changed. The hoses all got blown out/cleaned of dirt and debris. Yeah what a big difference. Those pumps are still kind of noisy on those vehicles though. I can't believe how everything had to come off and out of there to change it. They don't leave much room. Not like when I was younger. You used to be able to sit right up on the engine and work on things, lol. I am just glad the pump and pulley are changed and hopefully if I take it easy won't have to be changed again while I own it. Thanks for all of your support. I'll add some pics when it's light out tomorrow.
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Sunday, April 18th, 2021 AT 6:33 PM
Tiny
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Totally understand. I have many scares on my knuckles because of tight spaces and slipping off a nut.

Thanks for the update. Pictures would be great as they will help others as well. Please let us know if we can help in the future. Thanks
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Sunday, April 18th, 2021 AT 7:52 PM
Tiny
KLHUDOCK64
  • MEMBER
  • 91 POSTS
There's really no room to get good pictures. I should have taken them before it was put back together. The new pulley picture might need turned around to see it better.
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Monday, April 19th, 2021 AT 1:36 PM
Tiny
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Yeah. I get that. You are right that one is tight. Thanks for the pictures, they will help others and I am glad you got it taken care of.

Please come back in the future. Thanks
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Monday, April 19th, 2021 AT 6:55 PM
Tiny
KLHUDOCK64
  • MEMBER
  • 91 POSTS
I sure will. I have an exhaust job next. This takes 2 catalytic converters so I'm sure I'll start another thread. I love love that I am getting answers and direction along with diagrams and step by step instructions from real mechanics. Thanks for all you guys do!
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Monday, April 19th, 2021 AT 7:22 PM
Tiny
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You are welcome. We are glad to help. Thanks for coming back and yes, please let us know on a new post if you need more info. Thanks
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Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 AT 7:22 PM

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