Jeep Grand Cherokee power steering problems

[fredjacksonsan]

Originally Posted by spree

No metal flakes in the old pump. Dumped all fluid on the ground, reservoir was empty, where it came from is still a mystery? Filled reservoir back up and no leaks but stilled whined, so I replaced the pump anyway. New pump was also whining and bubbly like stated above, after a week of driving and topping off reservoir every day it finally quieted down to a level that I can live with, right now temp outside is zero, no more bubbles or pressure in the reservoir and I can see nice clean fluid pumping, hope it stays this way, very little noise right now. I did fill it to the hot line when it was hot, but how much fluid does the system hold? Put 1 quart in and every time it got low, then I added some more, so far there's 2 quarts in it now.

OK so what I'm getting is this:

You had a puddle on the ground and an empty reservoir. Before that you were getting foaming and groaning from the PS pump. There have been multiple power steering pump failures, getting closer and closer together in time interval. You've put 2 quarts into the new system - checking online, the capacity is around 1 quart.

What this tells me is that there is a leak in your system somewhere, which is getting worse. It could be the power steering box, the hoses going to and from your reservoir, or one of the couplings between those units. The leak is not only letting fluid out, but might also be putting air into the system which may have helped cause the initial pump failure.

What I'd do first is wipe down the entire system and get it clean, start it up and turn the wheels all the way L and R, lock to lock. Then examine the system to see where drips/leaks/etc are found. You could also lay under the front of the vehicle (with goggles on) and have someone turn the wheels left and right, lock to lock, and look for any seepage.

[Bigham_12]

I have the same problem with my jeep is the same year same make and model I'm curious if you ever figured out what the problem was?

[spree]

Originally Posted by Bigham_12

I have the same problem with my jeep is the same year same make and model I'm curious if you ever figured out what the problem was?

Yes I did.
I still have this Jeep and it's been over 2 years now and the power steering pump is still quite. I don't even know it's there anymore. What it turned out to be was.
The first pump was definitely bad and needed replaced.
The other pumps failed quickly because of a leak from the high pressure hose where the fitting hooks to the pump. It kept sucking air into the pump. so bleeding it or trying to get the air out was impossible, burning up new pumps.
It was tough tracking down the leak and the hose is expensive from everywhere I looked, but was easy to replace.
I ended up buying a high pressure hose from rockauto.com for 45 bucks I think.
After installing new pump, new high pressure hose, filling with the correct fluid and working out all the air it's been quit ever since.
No more power steering problems!
I hope this helps you and good luck!