This past few days my jeep has had bad steering bind at 1/4-1/2 turn either way. when stationary its fine, when driving it is not so fine. I got underneath, nothing out of the ordinary, some rusty knuckles etc. The resevoir is full of PS fluid. Any ideas would be a great help to fix this. No strange noises from the pump either. While diagnosing, i found a pin hole in my exhaust.

 

For the record, this is an '11, and nothing has recently changed from last time it was working normal?

Thinking through the steering system, it seems extremely odd that you can turn as normal while stationary, but not while in motion. The only difference in those scenarios is axle shafts (with u-joints) and diff internals are rotating around while rolling. Have you checked the u-joints on both front shafts? I'd think you'd hear the typical clicking of a bad u-joint if that was it.

 

No, sorry, this is my 2014 unlimited. Yes that is correct. There are no noises I'm not in 4wd etc. Wonder if it's ball joints.

No parts added or taken away. Stock everything with 126000km on it all.

 

If you had bad BJs, I think you'd be feeling it in shimmy/wobble going over bumps/potholes. Also, not something that is going to bind up like that and motion shouldn't make a difference.

 

I'd jack up the front end and then have someone turn the wheels to see what's going on down there. My first instinct is Ball Joints but it's hard to say.

 

I am a small engine mechanic and I know my way around a Jeep. Bj is what I am thinking as well. Or a pooches stabilizer. But there's no damage or fluid.

 

This might be the time I get upgrade itis and put everything new in the front end I have been planning. Ha ha.

 

Alot I have been reading points to the steering stabilizer. Thoughts?

 

I was going to suggest stabilizer but it doesn't make sense that it would be more problematic with power assistance. Usually when they go, you just lose all resistance in both directions unless you've bent it up, or turning is putting it in a bind.

 

Easy to disconnect the stabilizer for troubleshooting. Eliminating the quick and easy is a great place to start troubleshooting.