My 2002 Wrangler was steering as usual until I went into a store and stopped the engine. When I can back out, the steering was very difficult. I check the belt, fluid level, greased all the joints on the front end, lubricated the universals, and out of despiration replaced the power steering pump. No luck. HELP!!!!!
tight steering on 2002 Wrangler
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SteelHeadz
Super Moderator
Place the front axle on jack stands and see if there's binding evident on a lock to lock turn. If not, did you find any contamination on your power steering reservoir when you replaced the pump?.
The fluid seamed to be fine. I replace the power steering resivore with new fluid but did not change the steering box fluid. I also removed the check valve a made sure that it was all clean and the small vent hole in the piston was clear. No problems. The steering is tight all the time and when the steering wheel is turned, it stays in that position. Jeeps are "squirrley" on a good day and trying to drive this thing on the highway would be suiside. There doesn't seem to be any binding in the frontend when I turn the steering wheel, just tight. Also, I did check the tire pressure. Does the steering damper ever go bad?
I have seen this on 4WDs with U joints (as opposed to CVs) at the wheels on the front diff; seen it too many times to count/remember and not just on Jeeps; If one of those U joints binds up it'll play all kinds of tricks with your steering; most recently this past winter I had this on my own XJ, and on a neighbor's Ranger.
mud4feet
New member
Well, yes it does - it's manmade and subject to the rigors of age, mileage, and weather. But if it goes bad, I think the effects will be the opposite of what you're experiencing. Sounds to me like something in your power steering (although, new pump..?????) or perhaps u-joints as previously suggested. Is your belt good and tight? Is the tensioner good? My tensioner went out on me one morning going to work on a curvy little mountain road. Brought back memories of the "good ol' days" when power steering was an option. Of course, my belt came off completely so I had all kinds of dash lights flashing along with the "Armstrong" power steering. Just a thought.....does the pump pulley turn when revving?
Wish I could help more.
Don't want another one of those "workouts",
mud
The belt is tight and the tensioner seams to be operating correctly. I will check out the u-joints but have my doubts. Once again, this was not a gradual happening but rather appeared when we got back in the car. Help! Unfortunatley, unless someone can solve this problem, I must take it to the Chrysler garage tomorrow. Who know how much that bill will cost? Many thanks for the attempted help. It is acting like something is holding the steering shaft while I try to turn it. When the engine is shut off there is no feel of restriction. Maybe this added information will help.
SteelHeadz
Super Moderator
If you have reason to beleive that the issue is in the steering shaft, disconnect the intermediate shaft from the steering gear then turn the steering wheel and see if it moves freely. if not the issue could be a bearing on the column. NOTE: make sure that after you disconnect the int. shaft from the steering gear, do not turn the steering wheel more than one revolution then turn it BACK prior to reinstallation.
Bounty__Hunter
Super Moderator
You can also disconnect the draglink from the pitman arm in an attempt to narrow down the location of the problem.
Jeeper99
New member
Just another thought to throw out there, but maybe check the steering box. Mine was actually a little loose, I adjusted the screw and nut to tighten the gear mesh but it was actually a little too much which made it hard to turn and then the wheels would not self center while pulling out onto the road. This is by far a long shot and the other guys on here will be alot more help. Good Luck and let us know what you find out!
SteelHeadz
Super Moderator
Lol, have you ever heard of any solutions without a problem?
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.I did carefully mark the gearbox and made small adjustments, in both directions, to see if there was any difference. No cigar! With everyones help and after trying about everything that I could possibly do, the decision was made to take the Jeep to the Chrylser garage for evaluation. After checking the car, they decided it was the steering gear (box) that was bad. The car should be finished today, to the tune of $1,089.00 plus tax. As Andy Griffith said, sometimes it is just easier to "pay the man". I would like to take a minute to personally thank everyone who tried to help me with the steering problem. Maybe sometime in the future, I will be able to return the favor.
On another note, I was able to find a used hardtop in execllant condition. It has the wiper installed but no electrical or washer. Does anyone know where I could find a wiring harness with the water tank and pump? Used would be OK, if in good condition. You guys have been great!
On another note, I was able to find a used hardtop in execllant condition. It has the wiper installed but no electrical or washer. Does anyone know where I could find a wiring harness with the water tank and pump? Used would be OK, if in good condition. You guys have been great!
Bounty__Hunter
Super Moderator
Ouch, good old stealership. Could have installed a used box for around $75, or parts-store new box for $100-$150.
SteelHeadz
Super Moderator
Yeow! my thoughts exactly.
mud4feet
New member
Yeowww!!!!!!! Dang, over a grand for a steering box??? How do you rip people off like that and still go bankrupt?????
I'm back! I went to pick up the Jeep at my wonderful Chrysler dealership and paid the $1,151.00 bill. When the service manager brought the car around he asked me what I had brought the car in for. Now keep in mind he is the one who wrote up the order. Much to my surprise and after being evaluated by a "certified" highly traned mechanic, who's expert opinion said that I needed a new steering gear, the steering was worse than it was when I took it in. So I went back to the cashier an got a refund on my credit card. Needless to say, the car remained at the dealership. This certainly narrows down two of the main components that were in question. Does anyone else have a possible solution?
SteelHeadz
Super Moderator
My bet is on the powersteering pressure line.
Bounty__Hunter
Super Moderator
I've read they can degrade from the inside out.
So they replaced the steering box and the problem is now worse?
So they replaced the steering box and the problem is now worse?
