I've had this steering noise for some time now but haven't put much effort into fixing it because the noise has been a nuisance more than anything else. The noise is most noticeable when moving the steering wheel slightly, as heard in the video.

Power steering fluid levels look good and I'm not seeing anything obviously out of place with the components. I watched a few videos and read some posts about the rubber grommet near the firewall needing to be lubricated, but the noise in those videos was more of a squeal than anything else. I did end up adding a bit of white lithium grease on those parts, but nothing changed. The noise can also be heard from the outside.

Not sure how to troubleshoot from here & would appreciate any advice. Thank you!

 

It sounds like steering components. Tie ends,drag ends,etc.
Chuck & brake,put jeep on jack stands to lift front end.
Look and feel for play.
Start jeep and listen for specific noise using shop vac hose to pinpoint issue.

 

I wasn't able to find anyone to help me today, but I did look around briefly and found that the bushing on the left side of the steering stabilizer (closest to the passenger tire) no longer exists. I suspect it rotted away over time. Could this be causing my steering noise, or is this an unrelated problem? I'm planning on picking up a replacement from 4 Wheel Parts tomorrow.

Thanks again!

 

Yes.

 

The steering stabilizer bushing could definitely be a problem.

Have a friend turn the wheel while you look at the steering components. Look for movement in the bushings (especially at the axle-side track bar mount), thats where most of my creaking noises come from.
Spray things down individually with WD40 or PB Blaster until you figure out what is making the noise.

Also, check to make sure all suspension components are properly torqued down - this should be done ideally once a year for safety's sake.

 

I swapped the steering stabilizer today with a new Pro Comp replacement. While the Jeep does handle much better on our crater-like roads, the steering noise persists. I'm going to take a closer look this weekend and post back... thanks for the ideas so far!

 

let us know.

 

If it does need TRE's upgrade them to a mid 90 V-8 Grand Cherokee set under a $100 new and a direct bolt-in, much stronger and solid steel with larger joints.

 

not a very good noise video but anyway most steering squealing is due to old wornout fluid in the power steering pump. Suck out the old, add new a couple of times and everything will be fine.

 

Don't forget to check the trackbar.

 

Updating this because I hate when threads disappear without a solution...

I looked over this with a friend today and, after turning the wheel back and forth while he listened for the noise, we found that solving the problem was as simple as tightening the bolts in the steering box. They weren't particularly loose but tightening them seems to have done the trick.

~20 miles in so far, and no noise yet.

 

Good catch, could've ended up very dangerously too.

 

yes.
you would have broken something.