Jeep Cherokee Power Steering Hose Replacement

Jeep Cherokee Power Steering Hose Replacement

I have replaced several power steering hoses on various Jeep Cherokees. It has gotten to be a pretty straight forward job. See this previous post on how to replace a power steering hose.

Janice’s 1999 Cherokee had been emitting a puff of smoke each time she turned her XJ to full lock. Although there was little sign of a leak on the hose, our experience with the Green Jeep catching fire due to a power steering hose leak made me extra cautious.

I got a new hose and then pulled the electric fan and the air box to make room. I tried using the various 18mm wrenches I had to get the hose loose from the steering box. I have always been successful in the past using an open end wrench. However, this one refused to budge.

I picked up a set of crow foot flare nut wrenches from my local NAPA store. They have a great set of tools in a nice case for around $20. Unfortunately I forgot that the bottom is an 18mm and the top is a 5/8 inch. I bought only the SAE set. The store was closed for the holiday by the time I figured out I also need the metric set.

Jennifer rescued me by searching until she found a set at O’Reilly’s. It is still a nice set for about the same price as the NAPA set but does not have the nice case.

I used the 18 metric crow foot flare nut wrench to break loose the lower line. It took a lot of torque but it eventually broke free. Janice and Jennifer were able to finish taking it out using the 18mm stubby wrench.

I used the 5/8 crow foot to pop loose the upper hose. It was not nearly as tight. I showed them how to put on the O rings on each end of the hose and let them get the lines threaded into place. The lower one always seems to be difficult and takes some patience to get it started.

After the new line was installed, I had them add some fluid and jack up the front of the Jeep. They turned the wheel from lock to lock to bleed the air out of the line. After that, they started the engine and repeated the process.

Once most of the air was out, she turned the wheel to one of the locks and listened for the pressure relief to open. There was a noticeable change in sound as the last of the air purged.

I rechecked the level of fluid in the power steering reservoir and checked for leaks again. Now we all feel much safer driving the Jeep.


Powercraft Power Steering Pressure Hose – 80290

Powercraft Power Steering Pressure Hose - 80290

How to change the power steering pump on a Jeep Cherokee

How to change the power steering pump on a Jeep Cherokee

Begin by removing the air cleaner box. There are three bolts in the bottom that are access by removing the filter. Be careful when separating the various air line form the box.

Begin by breaking loose the high pressure line. This is a 5/8” hex on most Jeeps.

Remove the low pressure return line as well.

Loosen the jam nut on the belt adjuster under the pump and loosen the drive belt.

Next remove the three bolts on the back of the power steering pump.

Remove the pivot bolt on the front of the pump.

Remove the bracket and pump as an assembly.

Use a pulley removal tool to remove the plastic pulley from the pump. Most Auto parts stores have these as loaners for this job.

Put the two halves of the puller together over the groove in the pulley and the tool. Slide the sleeve over the two halves. Turn the bolt to press off the pulley.

Now remove the bolts that hold the pump to the bracket.

Bolt the new pump to the bracket.

Press the old pulley onto the new pump using the press in the kit.

Thread the stud into the treads in the pump shaft. Place the pressing washer over the stud. Turn the nut to press the pulley into place.

Mount the bracket back on the engine and reconnect the lines.

Adjust the belt tension

Replace the air box and filter

Reconnect the air lines

Fill the reservoir with new fluid but do not start the engine.

Note, if the old fluid looked contaminated, milky or black; you may want to flush the system before continuing. Follow the instruction in the pump kit.

Turn the wheel from lock to lock

Check the fluid level and top up if needed.

Start the engine and again rotate the wheel from lock to lock slowly.

Check the fluid level again and refill as needed.

Check for leaks and correct any you find.

Replace the cap.
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