SOhappy

The steering wheel saws back and forth while turning sharp at slow speed. I know it's been discussed on here before but I furgit, does that mean I need anew wheel bearing or front axle u-joint?

Raspy

First, be sure it's not in 4WD. If that's not it, it may be an axle U joint.

khsjeepr

I've got the same thing going on, not in 4wd. What was the consensus? Visually, the u-joint doesn't look too bad, and there is no clicking or anything when in 4wd. In my case, I have heard a dry squealing coming from up front. It was very similar to a dry squeal that I encountered before changing the rear driveshaft u-joint on the differential side. Needless to say, I'm thinking u-joint. Thoughts?

jlipskoc

definately ujoint imo. jack up the wheel, with the wheel turned all the way right or left. then turn the tire by hand, you should feel the grabbing in the tire. then do the other side, you will find which one is bad.
mine had rust showing near the seal part of the caps, another indicator they are shot.

a person can free up a ujoint temporarily with penetrating spray/then lube, but only for short term till parts are replaced.

Skyd Ram

That binding feeling is the ujoint freezing up from rust. It generelly won't click when this happens. Eventually some of the needle bearings will destroy themselves adn/or fall out and the clicking will start. When it starts clinking that steering "pulse" when turing will go away. You will want to get them changed before this happens as ti can cause damage to the axle shafts yokes in some cases.