I have a 2000 Cherokee Sport 4x4 with only 37K on the odometer. Recently, it has developed a grinding/groaning sound coming from what sounds like the driver's side of the front end when turning the wheel all the way to the right. It does not make this noise when turning to the left or when going straight. It doesn't make the noise when making rolling right turns while on the road. It only makes it when I turn the wheel all the way to the right when backing out of the driveway or a parking place or in similar situations where the car is moving very slowly or is stopped while I am turning the wheel. I tried jacking the front of the car up and turning the steering wheel and it makes the sound then as well. I had my wife turn the wheel while I got under there to listen but although I can hear the noise, I can't tell exactly where the sound is coming from. I greased all of the fittings that I could see on the front end including the upper and lower ball joints but nothing has changed as the noise is still there. In fact, it is getting worse as time goes by. I have tried looking up this problem here on the forum but haven't been able to come to any conclusions on what is happening on my car. So if anyone has any suggestions as to what may be causing this I would apppreciate the help.

 

Tighten up the track bar to driver's side frame rail bracket.

 

moaning/groaning + turning = power steering pump

 

"Tighten up the track bar to driver's side frame rail bracket."

I will take a look at that today and post what I find later on.


"moaning/groaning + turning = power steering pump"

If it were the power steering pump, wouldn't the noise be heard whenever I turned the wheel and also when I turned to the left as well?

 

I checked the track bar and it is tight to the bracket. Other suggestions as to what may be the problem are appreciated.

 

Check brakes..steering box...steering joints...pretty much everything suspension or braking related under your front end.. there are tons of things that can cause that noise... time for some serious noggin' pokin'

 

Uh, is the track rod BRACKET tight to the FRAME?

 

"Uh, is the track rod BRACKET tight to the FRAME? "

Uh, YES it is.

 

Did you actually put a wrench/socket on them or just look?

 

Mine where extremely tight....but when I bumped the steering wheel the bracket would move..broke the bolts with an impact and replaced the hardware...no flex at all now.