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Gottagetthrough (original poster member #27325) posted at 6:12 PM on Thursday, October 10th, 2013
HELP! 
My car 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee, I drove it about 120 miles this morning.
As I am turning off of the exit ramp a mile from home, the steering wheel locks up, and I have to really have both hands on it to make it move. (Not the usual power steering, can drive with 1 hand)
Could it be that I need power steering fluid? Is that even a thing?
Last time I had it checked (August) they said that the washer fluid storage thing was cracked and leaking washer fluid... I wonder if its also leaking power steering fluid...
I have 0 experience with cars, so I might have just invented what I wrote LOL!! I don't even know if there is power steering fluid-- a friend who also knows 0 about cars said there is...
? Any help appreciated!!!
h0peless ( member #36697) posted at 6:22 PM on Thursday, October 10th, 2013
It could be that you need Power Steering fluid (there is a reservoir for it under the hood that should be labeled. You should be able to find it and see if it's low) or there could be a multitude of other things wrong, starting with the power steering pump and ending with a multitude of front end components. Hopefully it's just the fluid because that's a cheap fix.
MovingUpward ( member #14866) posted at 6:26 PM on Thursday, October 10th, 2013
There is power steering fluid. It is either amber, pink, or reddish in color. If you've seen puddles under your car of that nature then you probably have a leak.
Since the Grand Cherokees all had the 4.0L 6cylinder engine which runs a serpentine belt I would have to believe that your belt is intact and it is either the power steering pump or the power steering fluid level that is worth looking at.
tushnurse ( member #21101) posted at 6:54 PM on Thursday, October 10th, 2013
AS someone who drove with a PS fluid leak for 9 months, yes it was 9 months before it became bad enough for H to finally fix it. I can say that since you can move it that would be the first thing I would check, a broken tierod end usuallly happens with a bang, and then very difficult to steer.
They sell the PS fluid at most gas stations, and also Walmart, and of course automotive stores. You may just be low, or you have a serious leak. You need to make sure you have extra with you if that is what it is. It's also easier to turn when it's low or out when you are rolling, not sitting still.
I hope that is all it is. Good Luck.
Me: FBSHim: FWSKids: 23 & 27 Married for 32 years now, was 16 at the time.D-Day Sept 26 2008R'd in about 2 years. Old Vet now.
Gottagetthrough (original poster member #27325) posted at 7:40 PM on Thursday, October 10th, 2013
thanks guys!! yes, I have noticed big puddles under the car.
fingers crossed it is an easy fix.
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