1988 Cherokee/steering power ?

[Jewel]

Hello,

I have a 1988 Cherokee Laredo 4.0 automatic. Lately, I have been noticing an oily substance all over the bottom/underneath of my Jeep. I have followed lines leading to different areas where I thought the oily substance might be coming from. Where I end up is at the steering power box and or lines.

Of course I can not find the actual leak, but from what I notice is droplets of this oily substance dripping from that area which end up all over numerous areas underneath when I turn off my Jeep. Is there anyone that can educate me on this find.

Thank you, Jewel

 

[gregthecarguy]

Have you checked your air cleaner? I believe that sits directly above the steering box and those renix era 4.0's are known for pumping oil into the airbox and it will leak out the bottom of the airbox and can be messy. If there is a good bit of oil there are several ways to fix the issue.

 

[Jewel]

I just checked my air filter and it looks good no sign of a oily substance (anywhere). At one time I had oil in the filter, however, I took care of that by replacing the valve cover amongst other things. My Jeep has a 143,000 miles on a rebuilt. I would like to think I care for it well enough. As it starts and drives without a problem (since I live in the mountains/snow etc).

Where I add steering power fluid is at a place next to the air filter (sorta). When I look down at the particular area around the place I fill it appears gummy/oil like. There is a hose/line that looks a bit gummy to below leading down the underside of my jeep. I thought there may be a leak in this hose (old hose). How do I tell if there is a leak in the line? By turning on my Jeep and looking under it while on . . . of course carefully? Is this the only way I can tell. I am not a mechanic, I just can tell when something is not right.

I have felt the hose/area with my fingers and placed another clamp close to the one that exist. I have placed the oily substance between my fingers and did so with the steering power fluid and they appear to be the same. I work rural and there is little between there and home so, I am a bit concerned.

If this is not steering power fluid would you have an idea what it may be.

Peace be with you, Jewel

 

[Jewel]

I have not been able to figure out where the steering power fluid on my 1988 Jeep is coming from. My Jeep does not have a grinding sound as if it were going out. I have a nagging leak . . . could someone explain where exactly (if any) a leak would come from . . . if I were to look under my engine (under the power steering box) the power steering fluid looks as though it is dropping from the lower part of the box. Any ideas?

Jewel

 

[Joopin]

You might need a new steering box. Once the bearings or seals in that go bad you will see leakage right around where the pitman arm attaches to the box.

 

[Jewel]

Thank you very much for your information . . . could you tell me, however, once the leak shows itself how much time I may have before the steering power box needs replaced. I live rather romotely and do not want to become stranded.

Thanks, Jewel

 

[Joopin]

Well when mine went it was leaking for at least a year before I fixed it. I upgraded to an AGR box. You probably have some time... my guess is it would just get more difficult to steer, it's not going to fall off your jeep.

 

[Jewel]

Thank you kindly for your reply. Where/when ever I drive is at a distance. I will keep watch on the leak and take care of it when I can. Thank you for reasuring me.

Peace be with you, Jewel

 

[Jewel]

Hello,

I am starting to hear a grinding noise in my power steering though the actual steering inside the car feels smoothe. When my car warms up the noise is not so bad. Does this mean my power steering is about to go out.

Thanks, Jewel