Four problems related to steering gear box have been reported for the 1997 Jeep Wrangler. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Parts are on national backorder. No safety defect mentioned.
Crack in exhaust manifold @ pipe union allows exhaust fumes to enter vehicle. Also, power steering fluid leekage from steering gear box requires complete steering gearbox replacement @ cost of $1350 on car w/ 49,000 miles.
After tolerating both problems for some time (poor starting and leaking power steering fluid), I took it in for repair estimates. My mechanic told me what the problems were and, that in his opinion, neither should be happening at the low miles I have on the vehicle. I am currently trying to get Chrysler to put more than a minimal portion into the repairs. No safety defect listed.
Steering gear box out of order. Yh.