Good Morning

[Sdude2008]

Hello. 1999 3.0 4X4. steering rack ~ 3 years old, Jeep pump conversion ~ 3 years.
Last week noticed my power steering reservoir cap was missing. I thought I had inadvertently left it off so I ordered a new one. I've been chasing a very slow leak and have a new hose to install when the temps rise. Anyway I parked the truck last night and went to move it just now and the steering felt very stiff. Upon investigation I found this. Has anyone experienced this? The fluid level was low if anything due to the leak. I had just checked it three days ago when I installed the new cap. I see what happened but any ideas on what could have caused this? Thanks for any input. I'll be searching for a replacement bracket today.

 

[Curious Hound]

If I’m seeing the steering pump bracket broken and pump laying loose in the engine bay….

Nope. First time I’ve seen that except in the junk yard.

Pump shaft isn’t seized, is it?

 

[Sdude2008]

Good question I will check. Yes the bracket is broken and the cap blown off. So far I only pulled the belt out. Already difficult to find the bracket. Thank you.

Edit: The shaft/pump isn't locked. With the cap gone and the fluid over flowing I can only guess there was air in the system and it burst the cap off and somehow torqued the pump so it broke the bracket. Strange indeed.

 

[SenorNoob]

Sounds like the fluid got low enough that the pump locked up.