I am thinking about replacing my ps pump in my 2004 wrangler 2.4L. Does anyone know if this is a fairly simple process or does a professional need to do it? If I can do it, can you describe the procedure?
I'm not a professional but I have replaced my power steering pump twice. It's not a particularly difficult job but it's more of a job than I'd think most inexperienced wrenchers would want to attempt.
But basically it's an unbolt/bolt-in process. Have a catch basin under the steering box to catch the ATF+4 as it pours out of the high pressure connector at the steering box. The steering-box end fitting for the low pressure return hose that attaches between the steering box and the PS pump reservoir does not need to be removed from the steering box, just pull its other end off the nipple on the reservoir.
Once the new PS pump is bolted back into place, jack the front axle up enough to take the weight off the tires. Fill the PS reservoir with fresh ATF+4. 2003 and newer TJs use ATF+4 & not power steering fluid. Don't start the engine. Now fully cycle the steering from turn-lock to turn lock 25-30 times to bleed the air out. Check the fluid level & top it off. Once you have done that, you can start the engine. The PS pump may screech a little at the beginning but the screeching (caused by cavitation caused by air bubbles) should stop shortly after starting the engine. After running it 10-15 minutes, check the fluid level again.
The OE pump is adequate for 31" tires, I wouldn't start worrying about a bigger pump until you get to a significantly bigger tire like 35". If do do a lot of heavy offroading with lots of repetitive tight-twisty trails, the PS fluid can get hot enough to make steering harder so perhaps a PS fluid cooler may be a good idea for a future upgrade but even that wouldn't be high on my list of priorities with 31" tires. I'm adding a Derale steering system cooler soon for my TJ but it's running 35" tires, I'll do a writeup on the installation once I get the rest of the remaining needed parts together.
Going to attempt to change my PS pump, following what you said and a Youtube video... is a pump from any auto-parts store acceptable? Any to avoid? And do I need to get one with the pulley already attached?
So Jerry. I'm doing as you said and as I'm going to the right I hear hissing and sputtering coming from the reservoir cap. But quite going left. Is that normal
I'd stick with Mopar if you can. Most auto parts places around me have a pulley puller/press for loan. It took me about 10 minutes to transfer my pulley onto the new pump.
I wouldn't start worrying about a bigger pump until you get to a significantly bigger tire like 35". If do do a lot of heavy offroading with lots of repetitive tight-twisty trails, the PS fluid can get hot enough to make steering harder so perhaps a PS fluid cooler may be a good idea for a future upgrade but even that wouldn't be high on my list of priorities with 31" tires.
I replaced my power steering pump when it failed with an O'Reilly's MasterPro. This pump failed (started squealing and making the fork-in-a-blender sound) within 3 months. I took it back and received another MasterPro under warranty. It has since been ~4 months, no problems.
With cheap remanufactured parts, this happens...
I prefer electric also. That is the reason for the higher capacity pump, ability to steer and winch. You also have to deal with hydraulic lines as well.
Thank-you but not looking for an argument of electric vs hydraulic. I currently have a Warn MX-8000 and am going to go with a Mile Marker and am not looking for argument or discussion about my decision. I know about reduced steering with the winch running, hence my question about obtaining a PS pump with more capacity to handle the demands of the winch motor.
Thanks.
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