Power Steering Pump problems of the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee

While driving at approximately 35-40 mph, the steering gear in my 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee locked up. When I tried to make a right turn, the steering wheel turned freely but the steering of the car did not correspond. Luckily, I was able to stop the vehicle as it almost careened into a ditch. This problem caused the vehicle to veer off the side of the road, causing minor property damage to shrubbery but nearly causing an accident or injury to passengers or other motorists. When the vehicle came to rest, the steering would only turn approximately 20% to the right side. The vehicle was near my residence at time of incident and was slowly driven home, then taken the following week to the dealership to diagnose. The dealerships diagnosis was that the vehicle had a faulty steering gearbox, and that the travel stops within the steering gearbox had broken or otherwise malfunctioned, requiring the replacement of the entire steering gearbox unit. This problem is identical to the steering gearbox recall daimler-Chrysler issued on 2000 year model Jeep Grand Cherokees manufactured within 60 days of this vehicle. The cost for parts and labor to replace the gearbox and flush out any old steering fluid is estimated at $1,006. 95. The service history on the vehicle included replacement of the power steering pump (once or possibly even twice) while the vehicle was under factory warranty. The gearbox assembly has never required service, and never given any prior indication of being faulty. A telephone call to the Jeep customer service line resulted in an unsuccessful attempt to have Jeep share in the expense of replacing the faulty gearbox.

Bracket which holds power assist pump broke while starting. Dealer and manufacturer have been notified. Feel free to provide any further information.

99 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been in shop 5 times (current mileage:7500). I have had clattering/noises with sharp turns (transfer case fluid, then case itself, then pump replaced); gear whining noise Chrysler is blaming on the dana corp. My dealer "unable to fix problem as necessary tools are on back-order"; vibration when applying the brakes attributed to a warped rotor (per TSB); problems with keyless remote entry and slow refueling, something leaking from front end. Many other owners are having similar problems as evidenced by the multiple complaints on internet message boards (yahoo. Com; Jeepsunlimited. Com) Chrysler seems to be stonewalling on most of these problems, especially the dana corp. Rear-end problem. I'm very frustrated after having spent $38,000 on this vehicle!.

Consumer purchased vehicle in November 98, and has taken vehicle to dealership four times in four months for steering noise due to rack and pinion steering failure. Dealership replaced steering pump/gear box, and rack and pinion. Vehicle has been at dealership for one month for repairs. Jeep manufacturer is aware of the problems, and sent a representative to new jersey to look at vehicle . Representative has not found a remedy for this defect. Jeep-800-334-9200----reference #5514019.