2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee -

Front alignment on the jeep is probably best place to start looking. Especially if you have a long overhang on the rear of the motor home. the combination of out of alignment and sharp turns with the coach can cause the front end of the toad to turn far enough in one direction they cannot return.

imgoin4it wrote:
Front alignment on the jeep is probably best place to start looking. Especially if you have a long overhang on the rear of the motor home. the combination of out of alignment and sharp turns with the coach can cause the front end of the toad to turn far enough in one direction they cannot return.

Interesting thought, I had not considered that?

The Jeep has ~135,000 miles. One event occurred while the braking system was not hooked up. I have an appointment on Thursday for the rotors to be looked at. I'll have the alignment checked.

Thanks

Ron,
While an alignment check might be something to look at, unless something's gone seriously wrong with your alignment, I don't think that should be your issue. You see, if your alignment had gone bad, enough to cause your issue(s), I'd sure think you'd notice some odd behavior in just driving the toad.

I don't know if you've ever had those steering wheel locks apart or not but, I have and, while it's not often, they can get defective, warped, bent etc. enough to cause issues. And, I've had the key system out of several jeeps and, it too can wear and cause issues. The steering wheel lock mechanism is nothing but a round plate, with a series of slots (almost round)cut into the outer perimeter.

The ignition/key mechanism has the "pin" that is retracted or, inserted into any one of those slots, depending on steering wheel position when the ignition is turned off. But, again while not common, that pin and the plate with the holes/slots can get together almost without the key being turned off. It's incredibly rare, due to the liability of such a phenomenon while driving the car.

Another possibility of your problem is, on rare occasions, the wheels can simply "lock" in a turned position. I've had it happen a few times on one of our Jeeps. It usually only happens when the toads wheels hit the limit stops and, for whatever unknown reason, fail to return to the straight forward position. It doesn't mean there's an alignment problem though. You see, cars/trucks/SUVs/ etc. were all designed and meant to "drive" not tow. It just so happens we, as RVrs, tow many of them and, usually without issues. So, go ahead and check the alignment but, consider other possibilities too.
Scott

Scott

The key position does seem a bit mushy. I use a "dumb" key, which may not be as precise a key as the original, but I do like it as it provides a bit more security and does not have other keys or fobs dangling from the ignition.

The Jeep does seem to drive well with no signs of alignment issues.

The steering wheel lock/unlock mechanism has been a bit more difficult to operate

I chatted with my mechanic this morning, and he is doing some more research into this.

Thanks for your comments.

Ron

PS(Edit): I just remembered that my mechanic recently had to remove the steering wheel to replace an air bag sensor/warning light (circular switch?) in the steering column. He had to get a new (used) steering wheel because the old one had been installed upside down and had been forced on with the keyways oriented 180 degrees from each other, and needed to be cut apart. Someone had to work really hard to make that happen?

So, after a couple of days in the shop and several many hundred dollars, I think that the problem has been resolved. Front rotors, calipers, brake pads and hoses were replaced.

The rotors were indeed warped, the calipers were sticking, and part of one brake pad was actually missing. The left front wheel was unable to turn without extreme effort, which may have (probably) caused the issues that I experienced. The front end suspension looked great with no sign of binding.

The steering wheel, transfer case, transmission, front suspension, and key position seem to function correctly.

Thanks for all of your comments. I'll keep you posted.