So I have a 2007 jk 4 door with 124000 miles on 35s

When driving and taking a turn, sometimes, not every single time, I get about 1/4 to 1/2 of steering wheel turn and nothing happens. Does this sound like a steering box issue?

Cardone Remanufactured Power Steering Gear 27-8417: Advance Auto Parts

I found this from advanced auto for a replacement, any other real options out there?

 

I would check your drag link from the steering box to the knuckle for play. Also check your tie rod to see if there is play in it as well. Might be in either part. Have you changed your ball joints?

 

I have check the drag link and there does not seem to be play, its hard to recreate the issue while parked. no play in the tie rod from what I have seen. I changed my ball joints in december

 

My friends jeep did the same thing when we were out on a trail. It actually happened several times, mostly when maneuvering on an obstacle. Initially, he thought it might be his front lockers affecting the steering. On our last trip, it did the same thing, and finally, no steering. It turned out to be the steering box. My guess is that the steering box was slowly going out, and finally gave. We changed the steering box on the trail. Good to go.

If everything else is tightened, with no play, it may be the same issue.

Have you noticed any steering fluid leaking?

Just a guess,,,,good luck though. Hope you can get that issue taken care of....

 

I would check the bolts on the ends of the trackbar. Are they tight enough? Warn parts like tie rod ends, steering gear and ball joints would be more consistent and would tend to give sloppy steering every time.

Are there any knocking noises, or a bump when the wheel gets loose? Have you tried moving the steering wheel back and fourth with the Jeep stopped and engine on? Watch the tire while you turn the wheel. Is there any side to side movement in the axle?

You should also get underneath and feel the joints while another person moves the steering wheel back and fourth. If you feel one part moving with a slight delay or bump in a connected part then there is something warn that needs to be replaced.

 

This is what I can see from underneath, I dont know if this is a significant leak or not

 

I don't like the way that looks. Blown seal and possibly some sector shaft damage