Backstory...

I had my original power steering gearbox rebuilt in 2010 or so by a reputable rebuilder in town. They did a good job, however, it still had that one finger turn feel which I wasnt a fan of.

So I pulled it eventually and tried the Jeep GC box swap. It was a used unit but the steering feel definitely improved. I ran it for a few years and then it developed a leak recently. Im trying to save my money right now so I figured I would throw on my old box after it had been sitting for about 7 years.

Installed the new unit with new power steering lines and bled the air out by first jacking up the front end and doing the lock to lock with cap off procedure.

Now the power steering feels sticky. It will engage sometimes but its really very stiff and the steering wheel barely returns to center when making a turn.



I dont feel any binding with the front end up and engine off.

I dont hear any power steering whine.

I dont see that the fluid is foaming in the reservoir.


I thought maybe the gear box has gummed up from sitting for so many years, or maybe there is a deep air pocket in there that I cant get out? I dont know if thats possible?

The valve in the back of the power steering pump is not stuck. I really dont think its the pump even though this does seem like its a pressure issue.

Any ideas?