Steering Problem????

[KNCJeeper]

Ok so my steering is starting to sound really bad, problem is I dont know what the heck it is!!! I NEED HELP PLZ! Im suppose to go wheeling this weekend but I dont want to mess it up more.

so 1. Its making a whining noise really bad when I turn, its worse when I turn to the right though.

2. I dont know why but i looked underneath(i had no clue what I was looking at) the from Diff. seems to have fluid all over it..like its wet with oil? is that normal cuz I looked at the back and it seemed fine!

3. If my steering is going bad, might as well upgrade right? What are some step i should take there?

4. I checked the power steering fluid and its completely full.

This is an 02 TJ sahara PLEASE HELP GUYS!

[NAILER341]

If there is steering fluid all over the place, how can it still be full?

[KNCJeeper]

im sorry i guess I wasnt clear...just the front diff case(i think thats what it is) looks wet with some kind of oil..i dont know that its steering fluid oil???

[Dukes69]

Check the fluid level, if its low or out, the pump will whine. If you let it go too long you're pump will be toast.

[KNCJeeper]

Check the fluid level, if its low or out, the pump will whine. If you let it go too long you're pump will be toast.

The fluid level where dukes? I checked the power steering fluid and it was full...do you mean in the diff? if so how do i do that?

[Dukes69]

whining noise = power steering pump took a shit or is about to. Maybe your pump is going out. Nothing else can make a whining noise when you turn. are you sure the pump is full?

[KNCJeeper]

Yes...i checked where the power steering fluid goes in...its filled to the brimm

[Dukes69]

its not supposed to be filled to the brim

[KNCJeeper]

hmmm where should it be then? could that cause it? Ive only had it for about a month so all the fluids are what the dealer had it at

[Dukes69]

the cap has a built in dipstick. The fluid should be checked hot. IIRC there are 2 marks on the dipstick "ADD" and "FULL," or something like that. Being over full could possibly cause the fluid to bubble and that can make the pump whine.

[KNCJeeper]

NVM i feel like an idiot...it was low so i filled it but it looks like the power steering box is leaking and thats why the diff cover is so wet

[KNCJeeper]

well i looked at it closer and i believe its the pitman arm? that goes into the PS box..its soaked at the buttom nut? anyone know what that could be causing it to leak??

[goodtimes]

The seal around the output shaft of the steering box.....

Personally, I'd take it to the local coin-op car wash, clean the hell out of the front end (steering, suspension, axle, etc) so you can get a good look at it. It is easier to pinpoint a leak if everything is clean and free of grease and road grime.

[Britain]

If your going to wheel you should be better prepared. Investigated and enroll in some classes of basic automotive repair.

Nothing worse then minor break down and not knowing whatzzzz up??

[KNCJeeper]

im a helicoptor mechianic/Avionics Tech...i know mechanics..i just dont know the componants on a jeep yet...ill figure it out! Thanks for the advice though britian...im trying to find a service manual for my jeep..that will make things a lot clearer