Grinding noise from Steering wheel

[teaman]

I have 1999 jeep GC and about a month ago, i started hearing very loud grinding noises from the steering wheel everytime i made a turn or even when i turned the steering wheel while parked.

had it looked at but the mechanic said it is due to the cold weather, but I dont think that can cause that. Has anyone had that happen to them. I would like to know before I take it to the dealer.

[W84meee]

I also hear a loud grinding noise- deep and alarming- when I turn. Also can hear it is in park, and just turning the wheel. (my weather is HOT right now. previous post said their's was cold)

Mostly it occurs when I am travelling at 30-40 mph, and only when I am turning. Thought it was a power steering fluid problem, but adding it only makes the problem stop for a few days or less. There is a leak on the ground underneath, and I think that it is that fluid. Maybe we overfilled? Maybe there is a leak? Gets very bad after a sharp turn in either direction. Maybe I should just get a new car... ugh.

also, but perhaps unrelated, we are having a water leak issue pooling in the front passenger floorboard. From this thread, I think it is the ac, and am going to try the drilling idea. I mention is only to find out if the problems are somehow related...

[rcrist]

I have a 2001 GC with the exact same problem. I have been told that it is something not to worry about, however I would still love to find out what is really causing it. Hope someone out there has some answers.

[JeepForever]

My brother had a similar problem (with loud noise when turning) in his '95 Jeep GC and it ended up being a broken front axle, or something broken between the weel and gears where the axle connects. That might be something to look into.

[yzfrider97]

This is due to a loss of power steering fluid. I first noticed this on an extremely cold day and had to add fluid about once every week. there is leakage for the box and i'm currently looking into if it can be fixed or has to be replaced

[a97ducati748]

I had a very similar LOUD ALARMING noise with the sterring in my 200 JGC. I ended up having the steering box replaced and the noise went away.

[rcrist]

Originally Posted by a97ducati748

I had a very similar LOUD ALARMING noise with the sterring in my 200 JGC. I ended up having the steering box replaced and the noise went away.

How much did that cost to replace?

[a97ducati748]

I was able to get a remanufactured steering box then get a discount for the core return. I had this done about 6 months ago and I want to say total bill including labor was about $400.

[jeepdwg]

Is the noise from the steering wheel area or in the front end by the steering box?
If it is from the steering wheel area, it could be from a dry non-lubricated contacts in the steering wheel hub. The fix there is to tear apart the steering wheel and airbag assembly and putting a dab of grease there.

[sidmiller]

I recently purchased a 2001 and have been having the same issue in hot weather when the a/c is running. Guess I'll look into replacing the steering box unless anyone has any other suggestions.

Any thoughts on how urgent of an issue this is? Can I put it off or should I bite the bullet and get it fixed ASAP?

Thanks in advance.

[jeepdwg]

Originally Posted by jeepdwg

Is the noise from the steering wheel area or in the front end by the steering box?

If it is from the steering wheel area, it could be from a dry non-lubricated contacts in the steering wheel hub. The fix there is to tear apart the steering wheel and airbag assembly and putting a dab of grease there.

If the noise is further away see if you can isolate where it is coming from. Have some one in the Jeep turn the wheel while you listen to the powersteering pump, and the steering box itself.
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you.