mrsaunders27

I just bought this 96 limted jeep cherokee v8 and am having problems with the power steering when I try to make a turn the steering gets real tight so ttight you can barely turn it at all once it is straight there is no problem with the wheel. only turning getting into parking spots etc. the owner told me he had the steering pump replaced because of a leak not a steering problem any info would be great!!!!

nick_n_ii

Well for starters you have a full time T-case. Can you sit still and turn the wheel all the way back and forth? Sounds to me more like you have a bad T-case. the VC in the all wheel drive case (np249) goes bad making it very hard to turn when driving most notably pulling into a parking spot.

mrsaunders27

if i am just sitting there moving the steering wheel back and fouth it will be loose then get tighter and tighter

nick_n_ii

It's a hard one to trouble shot with out being right there.

Try jacking the front axle off the ground, and turning the wheel.. If it turns freely than your T-case is the issue..

mrsaunders27

I did what you told me it didnt move freely. I looked up different things about the tcase but doesnt seem to be my problem anything else that could be wrong? Maybe just the steering pump?

seed

probably the gear box...if it is the t-case you should also be having some chirping or hopping while turning

mrsaunders27

there isnt any sounds while trying to turn o chirping grinding etc. if you were to sit and steer left steer right it will feel fine it gradually gets tighter and tighter the more you turn the wheel. so it starts loose then gets tight So it doesnt sound like a possible steering pump?

nick_n_ii

Could be as simple as are in the power steering lines.

seed

since you put it that way,yea pump could be an issue,or air like in the lines like nick said,you check the fluid?

mrsaunders27

I appreciate all of the info! I have checked the fluids no low fluid no fluid leaks anywhere just seems like everytime i turn the wheel it almost feels like the steering wheel locks up the when i am driving straight i can easily move the steering wheel back and forth no sounds coming from the steering pump no unusual sounds when i turn the wheel

RRAM

do those have u-joints on the axle ends or CV joints? If they have the u-joint type they could be seizing up on you.