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[lizardland]

Hi,

I've had a problem with my power steering on a 98 Grand Cherokee 4.0 (old shape) that has been getting progressively worse. Turning the steering wheel to the left is OK but turning it to the right it gets incredibly heavy, almost like it's locked up. Put a bit of weight on the wheel and it seems to jerk past it then locks up again. While it's happening there is hissing/whining from under the bonnet.

It's hard to tell if it is the power steering going dead (feels like driving a heavy car with non-power steering) or if it feels like its trying to turn against some kind of mechanical resistance.

Drive belt is tensioned, fluid level is normal, there is no crunching or grinding like metal on metal. The problem is intermittent but becoming more frequent. I don't think it's speed dependant, it feels worse at slow speeds but i think that's just because there is less momentum to turn the car. It's had the front axle replaced before Christmas but I had it a couple of times before that happened so I'd doubt if it's related. Front right CV boot has been torn for a while though. I've jacked it up when it's happened and tried turning the steering wheel with the front wheels raised and the same thing still happens.

Any ideas? Would a dying power steering pump cause a problem turning one direction only?

Cheers,

Stuart

[nick69]

id start by draining the fluid and putting new stuff in!!
Making sure to bleed the air out after the change!

[Mike Pavelin]

Sounds like the steering box to me.

[Bubba]

me two

[lizardland]

Even if it is intermittent? At the moment it is completely gone, the steering works perfectly. Yesterday morning turning right was like pushing a bus. The difference is like night and day when it happens. There is absolutely no sign of any bother when it functions right.

I'm really considering getting shot of it and going back to a Cherokee. I've had nothing but bother with the Grand.

Cheers,

Stuart

[daggie]

sounds fucking dangerous, to me, get it changed

[greggmo]

i would deffo get that checked out mate. it does sound a bit unsafe.

[lizardland]

Sounds like the steering box to me.

Any pointers as to how to identify what needs doing/fixing/changing? Is it a case of pulling the box out and stripping it down for worn parts?

If it means replacing the whole steering box then I'm getting shot of it rather than spend a load more cash on it.

Cheers,

Stuart

[tim_aka_tim]

A job best left to the experts, you should get it done for a shade over 100 quid.

[Mick O]