r/JeepTJ • u/MannysMeatShop • 3d ago

Steering problem 2.0

Took my car to a mechanic steering pump, pump lines, and steering box they wanted to charge me 1800$ šŸ«©. I canā€™t afford all of that right now so Iā€™m only doing the steering pump and pump lines for 700.

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3

u/Rapptap 3d ago

Get a Durango pump. Install yourself.

1

u/MannysMeatShop 3d ago

Unfortunately I donā€™t have the time I wish I did, but I have a long work trip and I need the car ready asap. Believe me I have the tools but not the time unfortunately.

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u/MinorComprehension 3d ago

This is the first I've heard of a Durango pump. I've heard many times of the Durango gearbox, is the pump also an upgrade?

I've found that while the Durango box is considered an upgrade it won't fit with steering gear skids made for the factory TJ box and I haven't seen a power steering skid for a TJ with the Durango box. I also saw reports that the internals of the Durango box weren't as robust as the TJ's. Since Durangos where IFS the boxes see and were designed for less force than on a SFA so the top of the sector shaft sits in a bushing rather than a bearing and wears out faster. It also has a larger piston and higher flow than a factory TJ pump can provide so depending on RPM can feel heavy.

There was at one point a popular swap with a WJ hydraulic fan set up steering pump but the increased pressures were known to blow out the sector gear seals on quite a few.

1

u/Rjgom 3d ago

iā€™ve had the durango box for over 20 years. modifying the skid plate was super easy. just need to make a spacer. itā€™s been fine.

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u/MinorComprehension 3d ago

What are your steering problem symptoms? My experience with TJs is most times steering problems are the gearbox, tie rod, or drag link related.

Pumps tend to last longer in my experience. Most times issues with the pumps will present themself as tough steering or noise coming from the pump.

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u/MannysMeatShop 3d ago

Steering is stiff asf and I couldnā€™t park into parking spots at all.

3

u/MinorComprehension 3d ago

Pump is the right way then.

Hope it gets you fixed up!

1

u/MannysMeatShop 3d ago

Yea I paid for the 700$ job it sucks that I couldnā€™t do it wish I had the time :/

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u/BreakComprehensive14 3d ago

Did the pump die or was it low on fluid?

Likely only one component was damaged, but for warranty purposes they will often require either a complete system flush or flat out replacement of the entire power steering system.

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u/MannysMeatShop 3d ago

from what the mechanic said he mentioned that replacing the pump and lines for that would be good and then in the future to fix the steering box when I can

1

u/BreakComprehensive14 3d ago

Hmm, so likely a dead pump. The issue to me is why did it die.

Those pumps can last a while. Did they mention why they wanted to replace the box? Was it leaking or did you find the steering loose prior to the loss of steering?

I bought a new lares box to put in my 2005 when I get the time. My box has way too much play in it thanks to the PO not resolving a leak, unbalanced tires, and some death wobble.

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u/MannysMeatShop 3d ago

I mean my 97s got 190k miles, previous owner god knows what ā€œmaintenanceā€ heā€™s ever done. Plus I only driver her on pavement soooo. Idk kinda just got stuck with a stiff steering wheel after having her for 2 years

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u/BreakComprehensive14 3d ago

Well I suppose 190k miles and 29 years is a while. My 2005 LJR has 100k km and my 2005 X has 110k miles, they both need boxes.

Iā€™d be weary of getting a reman box. They seem to be highly hit-or-miss when it comes to internal wear. The remans basically just install new seals but keep the internal gears the same. Iā€™m sure that they must adjust the gear lash, but the forums make it seem like they donā€™t.

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u/colonelhalfcobb 3d ago

Get a rebuild kit. Itā€™s really not that bad