Ok folks I need help. I have a 98 jeep cherokee sport. Got to work tonight and shut it off. Started it back up about a hour later and 5 minutes after starting it it stated to make a knocking sound. I got out and looked and its leaking power steering fluid. My question is will the power steering pump knock if its ****. The reason I ask is because the knocking noise doesn't get louder when I accelerate it just gets faster. I'm thinking the pumps just **** really bad. Any insight on my situation would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

Have you tried to listen to exactly where it is coming from

 

I really don't think it's your steering box

 

I may be wrong. But I've heard 98 and 99 cherokees are known for there cylinder head to crack. Due to it being weak between the 3rd and 4th cylinders. From that happening everything leaks down into the lifters and makes them sticky . It will make your engine should like a diesel. Just something ive heard. But remember all these 4.0s are noisy.

 

My steering leaks and i don't hear a thing.

 

I think a video would be extremely helpful so people can hear the sound and make a call from there. HD if possible for the best sound.

 

2000 and 2001.

And, it has nothing to do with the lifters. The coolant erodes the engine bearings.