POWER STEERING GENERAL SERVICING

1988 Jeep Cherokee

1988 STEERING

Jeep Power Steering General Servicing

Cherokee, Comanche, Grand Wagoneer, Pickup, Wagoneer, Wrangler

LUBRICATION

SERVICE INTERVALS

Check fluid at every oil change. CHECKING FLUID LEVEL

Check fluid level with engine stopped and fluid hot or cold. Fluid level must be at "FULL-HOT" or "FULL-COLD" mark on dipstick. On models with remote reservoir, keep fluid level 0.5-1.0" from top of reservoir with wheels turned fully to left.

RECOMMENDED FLUID TABLE

Application Part Number

Jeep 8993342

REFILLING & BLEEDING SYSTEM

5. Fill reservoir to correct level. Operate engine until
   fluid reaches normal operating temperature. Stop engine. Add fluid (if
   necessary). Turn wheels to full left position. Add fluid to reservoir
   to fill to "FULL-COLD" mark on dipstick.

6. Start and operate engine at fast idle. Recheck reservoir
   level. Add to "FULL-COLD" mark on dipstick. Turn wheels from side to
   side without contacting stops. Maintain fluid level just above pump
   body.

7. When air is removed, return wheels to straight-ahead
   position. Operate engine 2-3 minutes. Stop engine. Road test vehicle.
   Recheck fluid level. Level should be at "FULL-HOT" position after
   system has stabilized. Add fluid (if necessary). DO NOT overfill.

BELT TENSION (Tension in Lbs. Using Boroughs Tension Gauge)
Application New Belt Used Belt

Jeep (1) 125-155 90-115

(1) - Cherokee, Comanche and Wagoneer is 120-140 lbs.

TROUBLE SHOOTING

Refer to TROUBLE SHOOTING - BASIC PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL TROUBLE SHOOTING section.

TESTING

PREPARATION

5. With belt tension correct, disconnect power steering pump
   pressure hose. Keep hose end raised to prevent fluid loss. Connect
   pressure hose of gauge to power steering pump fitting. Connect other
   hose from valve side of tester to steering gear inlet.

6. Open valve. Run engine until fluid reaches normal

operating temperature of 170F (77C). Check fluid level. Add fluid (if necessary).

PRESSURE TEST

5. Note pressure reading with valve open and engine idling.
   Pressure should be 80-125 psi (5.6-8.8 kg/cm).

6. If pressure is above 200 psi (14.1 kg/cm), check hoses
   for restrictions and poppet valve (Saginaw gears) for proper assembly.

7. Close gate valve completely and reopen 3 times. Record
   highest reading each time. DO NOT close valve for more than 5 seconds.
   If pressure is less than specification, clean or replace flow control
   valve in pump. If pressures are still low, replace pump.

4) If readings are within specifications and within 50 psi
(3.5 kg/cm) of each other, pump is operating properly. Refer to the

PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS table. If pressures are high, but do not repeat within 50 psi (3.5 kg/cm), flow control valve in pump is sticking. Remove flow control valve. Clean or replace flow control valve.

5. If pump is within specifications, open valve and turn
   steering wheel from right to left stops. Record pressure. DO NOT hold
   wheel against stops more than 5 seconds.

6. Pressure should measure the same as specified. See the
   PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS table. If pressure is low, steering gear
   is leaking internally and must be overhauled.

7. Turn steering wheel from left to right with engine idling
   at 600-800 RPM. See PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS table.

8. If pressure is low, momentarily close valve. If pressure
   is less than specified, pump is faulty. If pressure is within
   specification but was low at previous reading, steering gear is
   faulty.

PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS TABLE

Application Idle: psi (kg/cm) Relief: psi (kg/cm)

Jeep 80-125 (6-9) 1400-1500 (98-105)