1990 Jeep Cherokee Wheels Lock on Turns

1990 JEEP CHEROKEE
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TLADAMS
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i have a 1990 jeep cherokee just purchased and i noticed today when i make a sharp left or right turnthe front wheels seem to lock upand slide!
straighten the wheel and it goes fine...any help out there?
May 1, 2006 at 6:56 AM
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LOSONE
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Is it two or 4 wheel drive??
May 1, 2006 at 7:06 AM
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TLADAMS
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[quote= "losone"]Is it two or 4 wheel drive??[/quote] it is 4 wheel drive
May 2, 2006 at 12:29 AM
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LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,616 POSTS
You may have a defective CV joint on that side that causes the wheels to lock. Oddly it could be the opposite side that is causing the problem. You can take a bar and position it so you can check for vertical slack in the joints. Do it on both sides with the wheels straight ahead. There shouldn't be over 1/4 inch of vertical slack.

It is not a safe situation because they may start to wear and lock on a small turn. Check it out and let me know. Good luck
May 2, 2006 at 1:56 AM
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Suggested Repair

Inspect both front CV joints for vertical play with the wheels straight ahead; more than 1/4 inch of slack indicates a defective joint that can lock the wheels in a turn and is unsafe.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1990 Jeep Cherokee 4WD says the front wheels lock and slide during sharp left or right turns but drive normally when the steering is straightened. The expert suggests a defective CV joint, possibly on the opposite side, and recommends checking both sides for excessive vertical slack.

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