97 ZJ foaming power steering fluid

[KarlVP]

This morning when the wife left for work, her 97 ZJ (5.2L V8) was making a horrible power steering noise at startup. I checked the fluid it was full but it was all foamed up.

What would cause this? The vehicle had been sitting all night and did not do this when she drove it on Sunday. No fluid leaks that I can see.

 

[maxx]

mine foamed when it was low, but appeared to be full.

Check the lines around the PS box, prone to leakage, cheap to replace.

 

[t1h5ta3]

trany fluid instead of ps fluid. moisture contamination

 

[Jeepasaurusrex]

I would flush it and refill. Lets just hope that what happened to my wife's 5.2 Power Steering pump does not happen to yours. Heading north on I-5 when we hear what sounds like the serpentine belt part company with the Jeep. Then my wife says the steering is hard. Pulled off at the next exit, popped the hood and this is what I found.:eeek:

 

[KarlVP]

Not vying for the worst, but that is possible. This jeep is old and busted. Sounds like she is driving my truck till I figure out the problem.