Questions and Answers

Jeep Cherokee Steering Jumps, Binds Q. I have a 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, 4.0 litre automatic transmission, 245,000 kilometers, fuel injection, all time 4WD. Once the front end warms up, and when I turn tight, to park, etc, the steering seems almost to lock up and it jumps or binds. This doesn't happen when it's cool and initially I thought it was the power steering pump because it would groan when I turned.

I replaced it and greased all the joints but it still does it. I also have an engine stutter when it's idling and have been told it could be a fuel injector sensor. How can I check these and do you have any schematics for them? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Bill

A. I would first examine the Command Trac axle shift motor mechanism shift motor for proper operation. It sounds like it is malfunctioning and engaging the front axle. Most times removing and reinstalling it will release any binds in the transfer case.

If that checks out okay, I would follow the procedures for transaxle linkage adjustment. There are three different transfer cases used on that vehicle with a different adjustment procedure for each. You can have a Dealer make the adjustment or get a Mitchell or Motors Manual and it follow the procedure.

If you determine that the vehicle is definitely not in 4WD, then you will have to check the steering gear rubber mounts to be sure they are good and that the mounts are tight. It is also possible you have a bad ball joint as well.

I never heard of a "fuel injector sensor". There is a fuel pressure regulator, maybe that's what you mean?

Anyway, I would start with the basics before looking for any other problems A stumble or intermittent rough idle can usually be attributed to a secondary ignition problem, loose connector, vacuum leak or a partially clogged fuel filter.