Several weeks ago, just as I was getting off the freeway, I noticed lack of power steering. I thought that I'd thrown the serp belt, but watched the gauges the mile to my house. Nothing changed, so I knew it was something else.

Got home, popped the hood - no funny noises or fluids spaying anywhere. The fluid level in the reservoir was good, but could see no circulation goin' on in there like you normally can. No leaks under the Jeep. Figured it's gotta be the pump.

So, I'm out of the country for the next two weeks. When I get home, getting ready to change out the pump (I'd located and ordered one before I left) - when I go to start the car to move it into the garage - the steering is working now. I'm going to drive it around for a couple days to see if it stops working again.

So what gives? Any ideas what else it could be?

I'm getting ready to dive into the FSM to see if there's any diagnostics that may help, but thought I'd ask here first.

Thanks
Doug

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2006 Liberty CRD Limited
Fumoto, Samco, V6 airbox and nylon fan, Gen 2 fuel head, Kennedy lift pump, Magnaflow, Autometer EGT, boost and trans temp gauges, DieHard P5, BFG 235/75-16 Long Trail TA's, PowerStop brakes & Prodigy P3, AirCoils, Euro TC, GDE FT Eco Tune

2005 Liberty CRD Limited
Flipped Spare

2011 17' Casita Spirit Deluxe

I think its a bad pump: These pumps are all the same for so many years(ours only varies slightly from the XJ pump) that what you described sounds like a typical failure I have seen before on the XJ, just fine around town, but then maybe getting off the interstate onto the off ramp or side road the PS stops working, you might notice the same thing in a parking lot at lower speeds.

I don't know what causes it exactly but thats been my experence of it before.

If you don't have a new serpentine belt now is the time to toss one on.

Don't try to get to the pump from the front, remove the airbox and work from down there, be prepared for sore back and scraped arms.

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http://www.Colorado4Wheel.com
"Its not about what you can DO with your Jeep, its about where you can GO with your Jeep."
Knowledgeable - But Caustic

I also agree that it is a pump. Intermittent is a sign of permanent failure to come. When you are replacing, I would make sure to replace the belt as well. Might as well why you are in there. There isn't much else that could cause this. I had this issue before on an older vehicle. Come to find out, mine was caused by my alternator was on the verge of dying. However, there were other noticeable and identifiable symptoms. If you need help, angies list can provide some mechanics in your area.