[James 98TJ]

So after driving my 98 TJ for a couple weeks I came out this morning and noticed a puddle under the front end and my power steeing fluid res. was empty It looks like it is dripping from the unit right behind the front bumper. Does anyone know a simple fix for this?

 

[Lookin2buy]

I believe change the steering box....same thing with mine. I have an 02, just bought it, and luckily I had a 30day warranty on it, so they fixed it. Basically they told me the cost of the seal was about as much as the box, so easier to change out the whole thing....

They do make power steering fluid with Stop Leak in it, you could try some of that, but I think that will only lessen the issue (at best).

 

[Sandlapper]

could just be a split hose.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

You're going to have to do more to determine what is leaking before we can make a suggestion. Such a leak could be a blown seal in the steering box, a blown power steering hose, or a blown power steering pump seal. Fill the reservoir back up with power steering fluid, bleed all the air out by turning the steering wheel all the way left/right 25-30 times WITHOUT STARTING THE ENGINE, then start the engine and see where it is leaking from. You can jack the front-end up so it's easier to do the 25-30 time cycling, just don't start the engine until after you've done so or damage to the power steering pump can result.

 

[James 98TJ]

Thanks Ill drive it up on the ramps when I get home and check for hose issues then do the fill and turn and see. It looked like it was leaking right from the big bolt with the steering arm attached though checked for tightness and it didnt budge

 

[James 98TJ]

ook... so this leak is driving me nuts. Sometimes it wont leak a drop then all the sudden it will leak the whole resivoir empty. I used the stop leak fluid and it seems to be working for now. From what I could find the leak seems to be coming from where the pinion arm connects.

Is this a common problem area?

What would make the leak only happen sometimes weather or not the fluid was full or empty?