1994 ZJ Power Steering Problems Jeep Grand Cherokee

[snofellow2003]

Hi, I have this problem and need some help diagnosing whats wrong. Yesterday I was doing some doughnuts in some dirt/ light mud. In the middle of a doughnut, my 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee (6 cyl. 4.0L) lost power steering. Now, especially when at idle, or when parking, it is really hard to turn the steering wheel. There is also a low pitched whine when I turn the wheel. When I turn the wheel all the way, hitting the bump-stops, I hear a loud "vibrating" noise- it kinda sounds like the fan hitting something(but it isnt). When this happens, the power steering pump and hose that comes out of the top of the pump/ reservoir vibrate pretty fiercely. Another thing that I noticed is that when I am going very slow (5 mph +/-), like when i'm parking, I can shift int neutral and rev the engine up a little and that makes it a LOT easier to turn the wheel. That is why I think the problem may be in the power steering pump. I have the correct level of P/S fluid, so that isn't the problem. Although the fluid is a dark brown, indicating that it is dirty. Could this be the problem?
IF ANYONE COULD HELP ME DIAGNOSE THIS PROBLEM, PLEASE POST A REPLY OR E-MAIL ME AT [email protected]. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
-Chris

[fredjacksonsan]

Hope you enjoyed the donuts. I do.

Had a similar power steering problem with another car, somehow got water in the ps pump, it leaked and worked funny until I replaced the fluid.

[ZJbumping]

I had the same problem. I had to get my power steering pump replaced. Can you hear a humming noise, sort of a Brrrrrrrrrrrrr. That would be the pump going bad. You should have the option of either putting a refurb back on $99 or a new one $215, i got the refurb.

I got mine replaced but now i am having a problem, that just developed, and is probably due to the dipshit Jeep dealership here in Mo-town. When i am sitting there in park and turn my wheel i get this one time clunk/pop, when i turn the wheel either to the right or left......this just started, so i am investigating wheter the jeep dealership did this, since it didnt do it before.

[fredjacksonsan]

Yeah, those dealers in Morganhole are usually suspect. WVU alum here....go Mountaineers!

I was thinking that the problem happened really suddenly, and he didn't mention any moaning or noises prior to the donut incident.

[sergeantduncan]

I get the same noise, I found it to be the sway bar links. Take a good look at all of your ball joints and links