Yesterday, as I was backing out of a driveway, I had the wheels turned to the right to enter the street. When I tried to straighten the wheels, it wouldn't budge. It just locked up. I played with it a bit and finally managed to park it in front of the house. After checking to make sure everything was tight, i.e. steering box bolts, ball joints, TRE's, etc., I started the jeep to try it again. I barely nudged the steering wheel to the left, and the front wheels turned almost completely to lock. Turning right was the opposite. I had to fight to get them to turn. Afterwards, when the tires were turned straight, I noticed the steering wheel was facing upside down (180 degrees). The steering box is pretty new (maybe 200 miles). It's from Autozone. During a search for this, I read a lot of negative comments on Duralast parts. I know just because it's new doesn't mean it can't be bad. My jeep has been sitting for a few months because of recent surgeries. It's an '01 sport with 4.5" lift and 31's, and stock steering. The last time it was driven, there was no issue at all. Any ideas?

 

I'm guessing a bad steering box maybe? Anyone?

 

The steering box would be the only culprit. Should upgrade to the v8 Durango box.

 

This can happen if you get the pressure and return lines flipped around. Usually you notice it right away, but if there was air trapped, it won't always do it until full pressurization is reached.

 

It isn't "new", it's a rebuild. I'll bet the spool valve is stuck.

Saginaw/Nexteer doesn't make replacement parts for these boxes anymore, so here's what happens:
The rebuilders strip them into pieces, see if the individual pieces are within wear limits, sort the pieces into bins, then re-assemble using parts from the bins. You get a piece of this and a piece of that.
Sometimes the wear on the parts is complimentary and you get a good box. Other times it's additive and you get a worn out disaster.
I think I know which you got.

 

I was thinking about doing that upgrade. I think the Durango box uses a thicker spacer, if I'm correct.

 

Their rebuild process is worse than I imagined. I thought they just replaced old components with new ones. Had no idea they re-used old bits and pieces just to save a nickel. The box is covered under warranty, so it won't cost me anything but I don't really want to replace it with another rebuilt piece of crap. I'd like to do the Durango upgrade, but don't have the funds right now due to surgery last week.

 

Thanks for all your input