1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee...power steering is really stiff when turning. Is fine going down the road, but **** to park or turn some corners. I am driving 2000 miles starting on Monday and am wondering if the thing is safe to drive. It also has developed a high pitched squeel...which I think is the serpentine belt. Could this affect the power steering?

the steering rack needs to be replaced..the fan has nothing to do with the rack so that's some "other issue" but it isn't related to the steering.

sound like lack of lubrication at the steering joints, your ball joints need greasing and make sure you bleed power steering system, check power steering fluid level.if low more like power steering system full of air need bleeding.

did you get new wheels or tires recently? It may be the tire making contact with the inside of the wheel well or fender

Check the belt tension,and if it is fine,replace the rack and pinion.

Sounds like the fluid is low...have you checked it? (check running in park, warmed up)

There's a technical bulletin on that from Chrysler....The power steering lines need to be replaced. I have the same problem as you see this link - http://www.wjjeeps.com/tsb.htm#STEERING

SUBJECT:
Steering Honk On 4.0L And 4.7L LHD Grand Cherokee Vehicles
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves the replacement of the power steering pressure
and return hoses and tube.
MODELS:
1999 - 2002 (WJ) Grand Cherokee (Domestic and International Markets)
2001 - 2002 (WG) Grand Cherokee (International Markets)
NOTE: THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO 1999 - 2000 4.7L AND 1999 - 2002 4.0L
GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES THAT ARE LEFT HAND DRIVE (LHD) AND
ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH HYDRAULIC COOLING.
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Some vehicles may exhibit a honk-like sound from the power steering
system. This sound occurs most often during a low speed right hand turn,
as would occur during parking lot maneuvers.
DIAGNOSIS:
If the customer indicates that the above condition is present, perform the section of
the Repair Procedure that is appropriate for the equipped engine.
PARTS REQUIRED:
Qty. Part No. Description
1 04883077 Fluid, Power Steering (MS-5931 quart)
1 05080950AA Hose, Pressure (4.7L)
1 52088116AB Fitting, Pressure Hose - Quick Connect At Pump (4.7L)
19-005-02 -2-
Qty. Part No. Description
1 05080951AA Hose, Return (4.7L)
2 **06504502** Clamp, Hose (4.0L or 4.7L)
1 **52088452AE** Hose, Pressure (4.0L)
1 **52088774AC** Hose, Return (4.0L)
1 **52088775AB** Tube, Return (4.0L)
6 **34201631** Rivet, Plastic Black (Front Fascia - 4.0L)
1 **06102141AA** Screw, Pressure Hose (6 mm - 4.0L)
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
**IF VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A 4.0L ENGINE:**
1. Remove the front fascia panel.
Fig.

Generally, changing the boot over the joint is already too late to make a difference. The boot keeps out road contamination which will quickly cause the joint to fail. Putting in new grease and changing the boot will not repair the joint.

This means your thermostat is bad. Needs to be replaced. Also do coolant flush.

it might be a jammed ball joint or tie rod you have to disconnect tie rod to see whats jam
thanks pierre

If it only goes stiff part of the time, the box is probably OK.

Before considering major surgery:

• check the power steering fluid level.
• condition of the fluid
• condition and tension on the belts
• check for low or uneven tire pressure
• check steering linkages for damage (did someone borrow the car recently?)

If none of these check out, then consider replacing the pump.

Mike