Hard Steering

2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a hard steering problem. I've changed the power steering pump, high pressure hose and gearbox.... the fan spins slow and it still steers hard ... could this be a hydrolic fan problem ???

2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a hard steering problem. I've changed the power steering pump, high pressure hose and gearbox.... the fan spins slow and it still steers hard ... could this be a hydrolic fan problem ???

So, nothing changed after the parts were replaced? Have you checked for anything binding when front end is off the ground and turning side to side with engine off? I have never seen a cooling cause a steering problem.

Nope... everything.... ball joints, steering shaft, axel, everything ok no binding at all...smooth moving when in the air with engine off... smooth moving when in the air with the engine running...it's only when it's on the ground. This all started after changing the power steering pump & high pressure line because they were leaking.

The high pressure line goes to the hydraulic cooling fan and then from the fan it goes to the gear box.

Since your assist worked ok before the leak repairs, I would say the replacement pump is probably the problem, especially if the problem occurs turning in both directions.

We thought the same ... must be a bad pump, it can happen, so we replaced the pump again, and still no change.

Is it possible the hoses were crossed? Are there any electronics involved in the steering system of your vehicle?

Nope... The fittings are different sizes on the ends and there's no electronics involved... any other thoughts...

You have a hydraulic fan? Never even seen one of those, or atleast without me know it I guess. I would look towards that. If the fan runs off of PS fluid, and it is hard to steer, its like the pump is not fully circulating the fluid. Maybe there is a line that is pinched or plugged, or there might be a solinoid on the line somehwere. I would really take a hard look at the routing of the lines, and determine where there could be a backup, or problem with fluid circulation.

No back up problem, no lines plugged ... bypassed the fan with a piece of hose and voila ... power steering is back. Problem ... bad hydraulic fan! Thanks for all the help, it's greatly appreciated!

great! I started to wonder about that fan. Because there wasnt much else that could be wrong. Good job!