Loss of power steering

Causes of Power Steering to fail.

• Contamination problems occur more frequently in rack and pinion power steering systems. Contamination can occur when pumps fail, hoses deteriorate, or moisture gets into the power steering fluid. All of these problems result in material contaminating the power steering fluid which can plug small orifices in the steering system, increase friction, and interfere with the fluids hydraulic characteristics, resulting in a failure of the power steering system.

Low fluid

• Low power steering fluid levels reduce the amount of hydraulic pressure created by the power steering pump, resulting in hard steering. Low fluid levels also cause increased wear of the power steering pump from inadequate lubrication and high fluid temperatures which further accelerates pump wear. Low power steering fluid can cause a power steering pump to wear out prematurely and can result in the eventual failure of the power steering system if not corrected.

Snapped belt

• Many vehicles use power steering pumps which are driven by a belt connected to the crankshaft of the engine. Worn belts can slip causing a reduction in the fluid pressure produced by the power steering pump, which increases the effort needed to operate the steering system. Power steering belts that catastrophically cause an immediate loss of power steering as the pump is no longer being driven by the engine.

Worn pump

• As power steering pumps are operated and age they wear out. The seals and internal parts of the power steering pump break down over time and lead to an incremental loss of fluid pressure. As the pump wears out, pump noise and steering effort increases. Worn out pumps will eventually fail, leading to a total loss of fluid pressure and a failure of the power steering system.

Leaks

• Power steering systems require hydraulic fluid to operate. Hydraulic power steering fluid can leak from worn or damaged hoses and failing seals. When enough fluid is lost, the power steering pump can overheat or wear out prematurely, resulting in a loss of hydraulic pressure and failure of the power steering system.

is the drive belt of the power steering pump intact, if the loss of assistance was immediate and the fluid level is okay it is almost certain you have lost the belt , or the tension in it has drastically dropped

Priority Action Part Type Cause
1 Inspect Power Steering Fluid Low Power Steering Fluid Level.
2 Inspect Power Steering Pump Worn out or Damaged Power Steering Pump.
3 Inspect Power Steering Hose Leaking or Incorrectly Installed Power Steering Hose.
4 Inspect Belt Tension Incorrect Belt Tension Will Allow Belts to Slip.
5 Inspect Belt Incorrectly Routed, Adjusted(Tensioned), Missing or Worn Drive Belt(s).
7 Inspect Ball Joint-upper Worn, Damaged, or Faulty Ball Joint.
8 Inspect Ball Joint-Lower Malfunctioning Ball Joint.

What happes when a vehicle experiences a loss of power steering, is that the car reverts to a
manual steering car (like in the Model T days), making steering difficult, especially at low speeds,
and during low speed maneuvering.

Section 11-02A: Steering Pump, Power, C-II 1996 Aerostar, Ranger and Explorer Vehicles Workshop Manual REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Pump and Pulley SPECIAL SERVICE TOOL(S) REQUIRED Description Tool Number Steering Pump Pulley Remover T69L-10300-B Steering Pump Pulley Replacer T65P-3A733-C
Removal

1. Disconnect the power steering return hose (3A713) at the pump and drain fluid.
   

1. Remove the power steering pressure hose (3A719) by unscrewing connector from the pump.
   

1. On the Aerostar 3.0L V-6 engine (6007), loosen the drive belt tensioner (6B209) and adjustment bolts.
   
   
   
   
   
   Item Part Number Description 1 10346 Generator 2 8501 Water Pump 3 8678 Belt Idler Pulley 4 3A733 Power Steering Pump Pulley 5 6303 Crankshaft 6 2884 A/C Clutch 7 — Without A/C On the 2.3L I-4 and 4.0L V-6 engines, slacken belt tension by lifting drive belt tensioner in a counterclockwise direction. On Ranger 3.0L V-6 engines, slacken belt tension by lifting drive belt tensioner in a clockwise direction. Remove drive belt (8620) from under drive belt tensioner and slowly lower pulley to stop. Remove the drive belt from the power steering pump pulley (3A733).
   
   
   
   
   
   Item Part Number Description 1 10346 Generator 2 2884 A/C Clutch 3 3A733 Power Steering Pump Pulley 4 8501 Water Pump 5 6303 Crankshaft 6 8678 Belt Idler Pulley 7 6B209 Drive Belt Tensioner

1. NOTE: If the drive belt requires servicing, refer to Section 03-05 .
   
   Remove the drive belt from the power steering pump pulley.
   

1. Remove the oil dipstick tube.
   

1. Remove the power steering pump support (3C511).
   

1. Install Steering Pump Pulley Remover T69L-10300-B on the pulley.
   

1. NOTE: Do not apply pressure on the power steering pump rotor shaft (3B559). Pressure will damage internal thrust areas of the power steering pump (3A674).
   
   While holding the remover tool nut stationary with a wrench, rotate the inner spindle of the remover tool clockwise until the pulley is pulled off the power steering pump rotor shaft.
   

1. Remove the bolts attaching the power steering pump to the A/C compressor mounting bracket (2882).
   

Installation

1. Install the power steering pump on the A/C compressor mounting bracket. Install and tighten attaching bolts to 41-61 Nm (30-45 lb-ft). On 4.0L engine, tighten to 47-64 Nm (35-47 lb-ft).
   

1. Position the support on the A/C compressor mounting bracket. Install mounting bolts and tighten to 47-64 Nm (35-47 lb-ft).
   

1. NOTE: Fore/aft location of power steering pump pulley on power steering pump rotor shaft is critical. Incorrect belt alignment may cause drive belt squeal or chirp. Make sure pull-off groove on power steering pump pulley is facing front and flush with end of shaft ± 0.254mm (± 0.010 inch).
   
   Install the Steering Pump Pulley Replacer T65P-3A733-C and install the power steering pump pulley.
   

1. Install the drive belt on the power steering pump pulley.
   

1. On the 2.3L I-4, Ranger 3.0L V-6, and 4.0L V-6 engines, position and rotate drive belt on engine. While lifting drive belt tensioner in a counterclockwise direction (clockwise on Ranger 3.0L V-6), slide drive belt under drive belt tensioner and lower drive belt tensioner to drive belt.
   On Aerostar 3.0L V-6 engine, position the belt idler pulley (8678) assembly to give the drive belt the tension specified. Refer to belt tension check in Section 03-05 . Tighten the drive belt tensioner and adjustment bolts to 47-64 Nm (35-47 lb-ft).
   

1. Install the power steering pump support, if removed.
   

1. Install the oil dipstick tube.
   

1. Install the pressure hose tube nut and new Teflon® wagner into power steering pump valve outlet fitting (3D654) and tighten to 41-54 Nm (30-40 lb-ft).
   

1. Connect the power steering return hose to the power steering pump, and reposition the clamp.
   

1. Fill the power steering oil reservoir (3A697) with Premium Power Steering Fluid E6AZ-19582-AA or equivalent fluid meeting specification ESW-M2C33-F. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel (3600) from left to right without hitting stops to remove air from the system.
   

1. Check for leaks and recheck the fluid level. Add fluid if necessary to proper level as specified in Section 11-00 .
   
   
   Power Steering Pump and Power Steering Pulley, 2.3L TPH Engine, Ranger Only
   
   
   
   
   
   Item Part Number Description 1 2882 A/C Compressor Mounting Bracket 2 N606543-S2 Bolt (2 Req'd) 3 N606069-S2 Bolt (2 Req'd) 4 N605803-S2 Bolt 5 N800199-S8M Screw 6 3D673 Power Steering Pump Pulley 7 3F671 Power Steering Belt Idler Support 8 N806020-S2 Bolt 9 3A674 Power Steering Pump 10 19703 A/C Compressor A — Tighten to 21.2-29 Nm (16-21 Lb-Ft) B — Tighten to 40.3-55 Nm (30-41 Lb-Ft) C — Tighten to 44-51 Nm
   (32-38 Lb-Ft)
   
   Power Steering Pump and Power Steering Pulley, 3.0L Engine, Aerostar
   
   
   
   
   
   Item Part Number Description 1 3A674 Power Steering Pump 2 3C511 Power Steering Pump Support 3 6007 Engine 4 N803564 Stud 5 N802827-S2 Nut 6 N800199-S8M Screw (3 Req'd) 7 N8011179-S2 Screw (3 Req'd) 8

Check belt tension, squeeling is most likely due to belt slippage. Have you noticed any fluid leaking from under your Jeep? Coolant level drop could be from bad water pump, when the pump needs replacing, water flows out of a "weep hole". It could be leaking onto your belt also, causing it to squeel

First thing, check to see if idle is within factory spec. 650/700 in drive. If manual trans, 700 in nuetral. Check for correct belt tension and correct belt routing. Make sure good pressure and return at all fittings. Biggest problems with hydro-boost systems is collapsing return lines. Lack of fluid causes cavitation and unit overheat. Hope this helps. Note: had a ford with factory defect in pressure line in my shop, steel fitting into hose not set correctly, caused pressure to drop under low rpm's. Pressure checks at all fittings very important.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

1. Disconnect the hoses at the pump and tape or plug the openings shut to prevent contamination or excessive fluid loss. Position the disconnected lines in a raised position to help prevent leakage.
2. Remove the pump belt.
3. Loosen the retaining bolts and any braces, then remove the pump assembly.

To install:

1. Install the pump on the engine with the retaining bolts hand-tight.
2. Remove the plugs or tape, then connect and tighten the hose fittings.
3. Refill the pump with fluid and pre-bleed by turning the pulley counterclockwise (viewed from the front). Stop the bleeding when air bubbles no longer appear.
4. Install the pump belt on the pulley, then properly adjust the belt tension and tighten the retaining bolts. Refer to of this guide for details on belt adjustment.
5. Check for proper operation, then recheck fluid level and bleed the system, as necessary.

SYSTEM BLEEDING

1. Fill the fluid reservoir with fresh fluid.
2. Let the fluid stand undisturbed for two minutes, then crank the engine for about two seconds. Refill reservoir is necessary.
3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 above until the fluid level remains constant after cranking the engine.
4. Raise the front of the car until the wheels are off the ground, then start and run the engine. Increase the engine speed to about 1,500 rpm.
5. Turn the wheels to the left and right without hitting or only lightly contacting the wheel stops. Check the fluid level and refill, as necessary. If the oil is extremely foamy, allow the car to stand a few minutes with the engine off, then repeat the procedure.

I assume you've checked belt condition, belt tension, as well as fluid level?

HI. You power steering fluid level may be low at this point, a quick inspection of the fluid level, will be in order, if possible. Once you have verified that the fluid level is sufficient, move on to the actual power steering belt and unit. Make sure the belt is tight, and rotating the pulley. If the fluid level is low, be sure to fill to specifications.

Now, If the pulley and belt are rotating without a wobble, and the fluid level is sufficient, this will lead to a failed pump. The pump should be replaced in this case. Make sure you exhaust all inspections points mentioned before replacing the pump.

CHECK LIST

1. Check the power steering pump hoses for leaks
2. Check the power steering pump pulley for lose fit or wobble during rotation,
3. Check the power steering reservoir for proper level(add if needed)
4. Check the power steering drive belt for the proper tension.

Pump is starting to fail. Good news is that it isn't too hard to change. Hope this helps...