Is my power steering pump overheating?

Rob5589

Rob5589

Certified video trained differential rebuilder
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So I was up wheelin today and it was warm out, around 80-90 depending on where we were. Nothing heavy duty; steep rocky climbs, torn up fire roads, stream beds, mostly easy stuff. But the ps pump was whiny as hell. 2wd or 4wd, not much difference. The pump is only a few months old and was quiet prior to today. When we'd stop for a breather and start up again it was pretty quiet but, the longer we rolled the louder it got. But then when back on the road, the noise faded away. The road in is very windy and fairly slow speed so I would be able to hear it. Got home and made some tight turns to see if I could hear it; dead silent.

Does that sound like a heat issue? The res cap was blazing hot, almost too hot to grab. Fluid was exactly at the hot mark. No foaming, bubbles, etc.

Thanks!
 
Is the power steering reservoir full? Have you ever added anything but ATF+4 to the reservoir? 2003 and newer TJ power steering systems require ATF+4, not power steering fluid.

ATF+4 is a synthetic which works much better at higher temperatures than a conventional PS fluid does.

If it's full of ATF+4, an external power steering cooler would very likely help. I added one to my TJ.
 
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Just checked, ATF +4 and is full. I flushed out all the old fluid when I changed pumps so there shouldn't be any other fluid left behind, not enough to matter anyway.

It seems odd that it would over heat with what I was doing and only 31's but who knows. I am going to get a vacuum pump and make doubly sure there is no air in the system, which I read could cause heat issues. If that does not work I found a Derale ps cooler I will try.

Thanks Jerry.
 
Could the whining have had anything to do with the belt slipping by chance?
 
Rob5589 said:
Just checked, ATF +4 and is full. I flushed out all the old fluid when I changed pumps so there shouldn't be any other fluid left behind, not enough to matter anyway.

It seems odd that it would over heat with what I was doing and only 31's but who knows. I am going to get a vacuum pump and make doubly sure there is no air in the system, which I read could cause heat issues. If that does not work I found a Derale ps cooler I will try.

Thanks Jerry.
Click to expand...
The only thing you need to do to get any possible air out of the system is to slowly turn the steering wheel fully left to right back & forth 40-50 times. That will bleed any possible air out. You can jack up the front end to make that easier if you want.
 
@Chris, no, not that kind of whine.

@Jerry Bransford, I did that when I installed and all seems fine in that respect. Was just a "just in case" thought. I think I will give the cooler a try. It is 30 bucks so won't be out much if it doesn't help.

Thanks again fellas
 
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