My steering was making a knocking sound every time I turned to the left or right. I couldn't figure it out so I brought it into a frontend shop. They fixed the knock by tightening the pitman arm but now I can't turn my key anymore and I have to jiggle it, turn it slightly towards the "lock" position then jiggle a little more and turn it to start. Does this sound like something the pitman arm could cause or do you guys think this is a coincidence? It's a 91 cherokee with original ignition cylinder so maybe it just failed??

I'm at a loss. I know switching out the cylinder is a fairly easy but involved process so I'm not too worried about replacing but is this normal occurrence by tightening the steering components?

 

I wonder if they misaligned it when doing the pitman arm...?

 

Sounds like they removed the ignition switch to check the steering interlock (to see if it was the cause of the clicking). When they reinstalled, they probably tightened it more than it was originally. Sometimes, especially if it was an aftermarket ignition switch already, tightening it too much will make the cylinder bind. Take the steering wheel shroud off and try loosening the ignition switch mounting bolts just a tad and see if it loosens it up. I had one that I actually had to shim just a little.