just bought 2000 cherokee..hard steering??

seank · 04-03-2007, 06:11 PM

So, the guy told me it probably needs u-joints in front, but the steering is hard
and the steering wheel doesn't go back to "straight" after turning???
Can I still needle some grease into the joints? I also hand rubbed grease into the steering column joint, but it's still a tough steering wheel. Anybody have this?

jeep crazy · 04-03-2007, 06:20 PM

if it doesnt go straight after turns you might want to check the power steering pump

cherokee99spt · 04-03-2007, 06:27 PM

When I bought my 99 I had a lot of trouble turning the wheel. Checked power steering fluid and it was fine so I just got used to it. Its a big difference compared to other cars I have driven. I also found the xj doesn't brake as quick as other vehicles. I also eventually replaces my u-joints and that helped a little bit.

FrumpD63 · 04-03-2007, 06:38 PM

I bought a 2000 a few months ago and had the same hard steering issue and had it checked out. Guy couldnt find anything wrong with any of the steering/suspension components. Very rarely when its wet out the power steering wont even engage immediately from a cold start. I have to turn it off and back on again. Weird. Presumably the pump is going but until it explodes or more likely starts leaking, Im just going to let it be.

rstarch345 · 04-04-2007, 10:57 AM

If you want a definitive check, lift the front so the tires are not touching the ground. Then remove the drag link from the pitman. Now, from the side, grasp the tire on both sides and push/pull the tire one way then the other. The linkage should move with minimal effort to the left then the right. If you have to man handle the wheel to get it to turn, then you may have a problem in the ball joint. The lower would be the first I'd check.

If everything turns easy, then the PS would be the area to check.

04-03-2007, 06:27 PM	#3
cherokee99spt Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Sussex County NJ Posts: 270 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	When I bought my 99 I had a lot of trouble turning the wheel. Checked power steering fluid and it was fine so I just got used to it. Its a big difference compared to other cars I have driven. I also found the xj doesn't brake as quick as other vehicles. I also eventually replaces my u-joints and that helped a little bit. __________________ [FONT="Tahoma"]1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4x4 Black[/FONT] [QUOTE=KMcNaught]If the owner of a Hummer ever threatens to crush your Jeep there is a simple means of escape; just drive off the road.[/QUOTE]

04-04-2007, 10:57 AM	#5
rstarch345 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Where ever I can wheel Posts: 274 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	If you want a definitive check, lift the front so the tires are not touching the ground. Then remove the drag link from the pitman. Now, from the side, grasp the tire on both sides and push/pull the tire one way then the other. The linkage should move with minimal effort to the left then the right. If you have to man handle the wheel to get it to turn, then you may have a problem in the ball joint. The lower would be the first I'd check. If everything turns easy, then the PS would be the area to check.