Several months ago, I reported about my 2000 JGC overheating at very high speeds or when climbing a long hill. Many good ideas and advice was offered, but I think the concensus was that I needed to replace the radiator. I have now done this, and it indeed fully cured the problem !! Thanks for all the help on this one.
Further back, I also reported a problem with this same Jeep with what I thought was front-end problems and looseness of some sort when going down gravel roads or other rough road surfaces. As some here suggested, my mechanic checked all sorts of front-end items such as tie-rod ends, ball joints, and the like.
At first, I thought that some oscillation was set up in my front end, that was then transmitted into my steering column and made it rattle and jerk like crazy when I go over rough roads. However, after studying and watching this steering reaction more closely, I can now better describe this rattling/clunking as actually being right in my steering column itself. In other words, and I actually hear this clunking and rattling (quite loud and severe) right in my steering column. I repeat, that this is a very pronounced looseness and jerking, it is strong enough that it feels like my steering wheel might fall off !!
As a non-mechanic, I wonder if the gears in my steering box have worn down, allowing the oscillation to take place in the steering column ? I am told that it is a sealed unit, so if that is the case, I don't know how one would check for it. By the way, at the suggestion of someone here, my mechanic checked the bolts that hold the steering box to the frame were tight and secure, and they are.
Any ideas on this malady ???
Thanks again for the good advice here !!!
James