1996 Jeep Cherokee 4.0L. It makes a noise that sounds to me like steel bending or grinding when turning after long drives (1 hour or more). It doesn't do this routinely only after some long trips. It does not make a popping or noise. And does not coincide with braking.

I don't know much at all about cars, I am trying to learn though. Maybe one day I will be able to contribute something. This forum is awesome. Thanks.

By nature this is a guess. It might just be where the spindle stops METAL TO METAL at the extreme of travel when turned fully. There is a spot that can be greased that can make a significant groan like you describe when it's at full left or right position and the slightest movement up or down on the vehicle happens it groans.

That would only be at the full extreme of steering and if this is heard less than that it's NOT that! It's best not to steer any vehicle that far but many do.

Rule out any safety problems. Grease all joints that are greasable and make sure they really take the grease! Some fittings fail and go un-noticed! If you aren't sure get help with someone who has a hand grease gun where you can tell which ones don't work. The shops freqently use power grease equipment which is fine 99% of the time. If that has happened and no grease is in there the joint would quickly fail. You really have to look for grease fittings as many are sealed and not greasable but many replacement parts along the way will have fittings and that gets forgotten.

Not sure how this noise relates to the amount of time driven but it must be checked out and fixed,

T
Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest Boston - USA
_________________________________________

http://www.autoacsystems.com/tomgreenleaf/

Ok: Here's some pics of a well hidden fitting on a U-Joint and what assorted ones may look like uninstalled-duh. Some parts may have little threaded bolt/plugs where a grease fitting can go and should.

These things are used in steering parts, suspension parts, driveshafts, springs on some vehicles, or any place that may pivot - gotta look around,

T
Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest Boston - USA
_________________________________________

http://www.autoacsystems.com/tomgreenleaf/


(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Feb 26, 2008, 7:12 AM)

Thanks Tom.