I have a '96 Cherokee and have a problem with reasonably heavy steering , road tracking and no self centering. Tyre pressures are good, power steer fluid level is good and all seems to be working fine.Tyres have slight abnormal wear, but nothing to indicate severe misalignment. Removed steering damper and test drove....no change. I questioned our local steering/ brake repairer, who didn't inspect the vehicle, but said it's a common jeep problem and the only way to fix is to reco pump and box. There is no noise or leaks from either, and I am not fully confident in what he said. Has anyone else had this problem?? Is it a common problem ?? any suggestions please. Cheers

 

Welcome to the forum. I have had several different steering boxes on my
Jeep and some turned easier than others, but I never had one I would call heavy.
Here a some questions.

How long have you had the Jeep? Did the problem just come up
or has it been that way a long time?

What size tires and what pressure do you run? Does the Jeep have
a lift? If so how many inches?

Alignment should have just a bit of toe-in, 1/8 to 3/16 inch. Without proper
toe-in, the steering can wander on the highway. With too much toe-in,
tires wear on the outside.

Have the ball joints and other steering sockets been greased recently?
If not grease them all and see if that improves things.

Any play in the steering wheel? How many inches do you move it before
it engages?

 

Are steering gear issues common on XJs? I suppose that depends on your definition of "common". There are plenty of reports of the part failing.

The typical issue with the steering gear is the replacement units are generally extremely questionable. Most folks will tell you to have it rebuilt at a trusted specialty shop. That sounds in line with what you're saying but as for whether or not the unit needs a rebuild, you need to check the stuff Bob mentioned and make sure it's the gear. If you don't have leaks/noise, I'd be skeptical.

 

Ended up being steering box adjustment. Previous owner had been playing with it and had the gear adjustment too tight. Thanks for your comments. Much appreciated. Cheers