Seven problems related to steering gear box have been reported for the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving approximately 20 mph, and without any prior warning, steering wheel instantly locked up when a left turn was initiated. Turn could not be completed and the vehicle went off road and into a yard before coming to stop. No injuries, but had speed been higher, or an open yard not available, this would have in my mind been a potentially catastrophic and life threatening event. Engine was running, and serpentine belt had not broken. Vehicle was towed to dealer and reportedly had steering gear box replaced. There have been other similar complaints and this should be investigated given the potential to cause a serious collision.
Seat warmer, when on, gets extremely hot, approximately 214 degrees. Dealer contacted, and cannot remedy the problem. Problem occurred three times. Also, steering gear box locked up and was replaced/transfer case was making noise and was replaced. Provide further information.
Casting of the steering box failed resulting in leaking.
Steering gear assembly failed. Nlm.
Steering wheel locks up intermittently at low speeds, making it impossible to turn the wheel, creating a significant safety hazard. Dealer refuses to fix it because he "can't duplicate the problem".
Vehicle steering locked up almost causing an accident. The consumer was making a left turn while driving in heavy traffic. Suddenly the steering locked up which almost caused an accident. The consumer pulled to the side of the road and checked the belts and power steering fluid, which were alright. The driver resumed driving but when he made another left turn the steering locked up again. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the gear box failed. The repairs were not covered under warranty because it expired, therefore the consumer replaced the gear box himself. The consumer has the original gear box in his possession.
Steering gear box leaking.