[427stingray]

I am on my 3rd pump. The original went after 165,000. Went to Pep Boys bought a new pump, installed it. All was fine for a month then that one went. Got another on the warranty, put that one in, started leaking after a month. I got tired of dealing with Pep Boys so I went to Advanced Auto parts. Bought one there. Now after 2 weeks that one is starting to go. Did all the installations by the book. This starting to really annoy me. Any ideas guys

 

[Zane]

Hey, where's the joker asking if you put fluid in it?

That is really an odd problem.
Does it just stop working?
Makes noise while dying?
Just gets weaker?
Symptons at all?

Partial blockage in the steering unit perhaps?
Making it work too hard.

 

[zombie1969]

Crappy aftermarket or rebuilt parts comes to mind but that does seem od they all leak.Does the system have a cooler that's not working properly and did you flush out the system after replacing the pump?

 

[pdvanocudadave]

Bring it to the dealership and have them flush the system.On some cars and trucks they also have to replace the reservoir.The Town and Country and the Caravan seem to have the biggest problem and the pumps,they will wine and growl.When they flush the system they use a pump and with a cleaner and about a gallon of power steering fluid.Its not cheap to flush the system but its the only way to take care of the problem.I'll be taking my wifes Town and Country in to get this done in a few weeks.Your not alone

 

[427stingray]

The original pump had the front bearing go that is why I replaced it.


Each one has been put in as per instructions and the fluid has been drained on each install with new fluid. 2 of the replacements whined and became hard to steer and one leaked from the rear seal.

I just installed a 4th one this morning. Works fine when under normal driving, but when the truck is standing still the steering is tight like it dosen't even have power steering. I am at a stand still now.

I think I am going to get a used steering box for it and replace that and the hoses. Then everything has been changed.

I was a dealer mechanic for 15 years, ASE certified. And I have never had this much problem with a steering pump.

 

[zombie1969]

Its like anything else that has something go bad like the bearing in your case it could have metal shavings in the rack or box whatever it has causing more problems.Its unlikely all the pumps were bad so I would bite the bullet and replace everything except the hoses maybe because they can be flushed out easy.

 

[427stingray]

I am going to get a used steering box on Monday and give it a try.

The one thing that I didn't think about originally was that I replaced the belt about 2 weeks ago, I don't think that would cause the problem. But I still have the old one and will put it on tomorrow.

 

[427stingray]

Didn't buy a steering box but bought another pump from the junkyard. It worked perfect.

I went through 4 pumps in 4 months. Just shows how crappy rebuilt stuff is.

 

[halburn]

Hello all, new to this site. I am having the same problem with power steering pumps on my 2000 JGC. I replaced the pump and fluid (did not flush however). worked well at first, but in a short time, the pump has no power, ie, if stopped, the wheel cannot be turned. Works fine when moving. I was thinking of a new gearbox next, but it sounds like I may need to pay for a flush and try another pump first. I was wondering if your problem had come back yet 427Stingray, or if you think you got it with a use unit. I know personally, 2 engineers on this years jeep line of vehicals. They tell me that the entire car is only designed to last 100,000 miles. Then they want to start a new revenew stream. I am not a jeep fan!
Thx for any help.
Mark