Category: Maintenance

Replacing a Vacuum Check valve in the HVAC system

Even after repairing the main vacuum line in my HVAC controls I still had the problem that under prolonged acceleration, the vents would loose vacuum and switch to the Defrost setting. This problem is often caused when someone deletes the vacuum bottle behind the front bumper. However, my bottle is still in place behind the stock bumper.

I studied the vacuum diagram and saw there is a check valve where the source connects to the intake manifold. I tested mine by blowing through it. I could easily blow both ways so the check valve is bad.

How to get air flowing again in the HVAC system.

The blower motor stopped running during my last off road trip past winter. Today I decided to find out why and get it going again.

Replcing the power steering pump on my 1991 Jeep cherokee

I have been noticing some intermittent drop out of power assist on my Cherokee for a few weeks now. I tried overfilling the reservoir in case there was an air bubble. That lasted for a while, but today the power assist was dropping out at some very inopportune times. So, since I had a new pump on the shelf I decided to change it out.

Since I don’t have an air box, I did not have to remove it. I did remove the electric fan just to get a little better access.

Trying to find out why things quit working while my engine was out.

WHe nI started my 1988 Jeep Cherokee after having the engine out, I noticed a few things were not working.  My Heater blower, windshield wipers, and turn signals were not working.

I assumed I had forgotten to hook up something or maybe damaged a wire somewhere during the pulling or reinstallation process.  

My old Gabrial air shocks were leaking on my 1991 Jeep Cherokee XJ, so I ordered a set of Monroe Max from Amazon.  https://amzn.to/2niPoCh

I began by spraying the top bolts with PB Blaster. https://amzn.to/2nj1taA  There is access to the top of the bolts through some openings in the bodywork.  My top bolts came out easily.

Fixing a leak on my trailer tire with a tire plug

On my last trip, I noticed that I had a leak in one of my trailer tires.  I did not spot the injury on the road so I just kept an eye on it and made sure to keep refilling it with air.

Back at the shop I removed the tire and spotted the problem right away. There was a nail in the tread.

I finally replaced the Bilsteins on my daily driver Jeep Cherokee XJ

I don’t remember how old my front shocks are. I got them several years ago. I was feeling some looseness in the front so I thought it might be the shocks.

Installing a JKS track bar to correct my loose steering.

On my last trip to Windrock, I noticed quite a bit of play in my steering.  Driving in dirt and rock was fine but paved roads like P1 were kinda scary. Highway 116 was downright terrifying. 

When I got home I checked out the steering.  I found the track bar was really loose. It had play on both ends. Since this one did not have that many miles on it, I decided to upgrade to the JKS track bar.