Whats wrong here?

[Mr Moose]

Okay, I turn the vehicle to the left at full lock and it feels as if the it is driving over pot holes or a large rock. There is a kind of a squeal/groan when turning.

I turn the vehicle right at full lock and eveything is okay.

It drives fine.

So there's something wrong with the left wheel...but what? The tires are in good nick and the pressure is okay.

[olin18]

If there is a squeal/groan, your belt could be loose. That is where I would start. If the belt is tight, then check for fluid leaks.

[dnixon]

you could be hitting your tire into the springs.. what size tires do you have do you have a lift? if you have a little bigger tires then factory that is probably your problem... if so then you need to crawl under and adjust your bumpstops... these prevent you from turning to the wheel too much... good luck.

[Mr Moose]

Hey olin18, thanks for the swift reply...

Why would a loose belt or fluid leaks cause this?

I have a small leak from my front seal and there is somesort of coolant leak.

But I don't understand why this would effect the vehicle when I turn left at full lock?

The squeal/groan only happens when turning left.

[Mr Moose]

Thanks dnixon.

I have no lift and bog standard tires.

[Stuka]

You arent in 4wd are you? This will cause a "hop" feeling from the inside tire, and may make the steering box groan a bit.

[Mr Moose]

No....

So could it be that somehow the front left wheel is engaged in 4x4 by its self?

Or is it just a quirk of Jeeps that you cant do turns at full lock?

I hope it isn't something major, 'cause I just paid out an arm and leg to replace my rear diff, rear left axle et al.

[dnixon]

You could just be putting too much turn into it.. most power steering boxes don't like being wrenched too far anyways.. you might just have to back off just a little... not sure thats it but mine whines too if i try to force the turn too much..

[Stuka]

When in 4wd, the front inside tire will want to turn at the same speed as the other tires, but because it has a shorter distance to travel, it wants to chirp. If your on a hard surface this feels like its kinda wanting to hop.

What year jeep with what t-case do you have?

[Mr Moose]

Its not a fsj but a 89 Chero.

therefore I guess I should post elsewhere, but eveyone here is so nice!

If its the tire hitting the spring, is it possible to check this without performing the turn? ie if I just crank the wheels to the left will I be able to check this or is it back to the garage...?

[heydave]

Since this is a XJ Cherokee the wheel wouldn't hit the spring. It could hit the lower control arm. I would be more inclined to look at the wheel u-joint on that side and the ball joints.
Good Luck smile.gif