Jeep Grand Cherokee Front End Locks Up Momentarily on U-Turns?

Question

I have a 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd, 8cyl and full time 4WD / AWD. When I turn the wheels hard over to either the left or the right it feels like one wheel "locks up" momentarily after a tire rotation, squeaks on the pavement like it's being dragged, then rolls free for a tire rotation before doing it again. It stops doing this when straightening out the wheels or not turning so sharply. Any ideas on what this could be? CV joints maybe?

Answer 1

93 94 95 Jeep with all wheel drive have a problem with the center differential viscous coupler inside the transfer case. It a easy repair but the part is expensive about 800.00 US dollars here is a break down

Parts Information
Part OEM Part Price
Viscous Coupling
New Process (NP-249)
20 - Viscous Coupling 4897221AA $712.00 Notes

Labor Skill
Level Mfg.
Warranty Standard
Viscous Coupling
Replace B 1.8 2.7 Notes

Answer 2

I have a 93 grand cherokee--does the same thing. The chunk in the front end has a uni-lock pinion and actually does lock up and drag one of the tires. The slower tire in the turn is trying to catch up with the other tire on the outside of the turn. This is normal and will not cause a problem.

Answer 3

this is a normal feeling for your jeep, my '98 Full time four wheel drive does the same thing. what you are feeling is the front wheels pulling themselves along. the reason you feel this on sharp turns is because of each wheel turning at different speeds and the sharper the turn the different the wheel speeds can vary. any vehicle in four wheel drive will experience the same problem..... hope this calms you down ;)