While backing slowly and turning, we experienced a catastrophic failure of the mounting bracket for the power steering pump on our 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited 5.2 liter V-8. the failure caused the serpentine belt to fly loose, the pump to become inoperative and the pump to fall into the radiator fan which caused the vehicle to overheat and spray anti-freeze all over the engine compartment. Subsequent examination of the bracket showed an old fracture at the bolt hole nearest the first numeral molded into the part. At a salvage yard a nearly identical bracket from a 1994 model of the same vehicle showed that failure was beginning on that part in precisely the same location.

- Cda, ID, USA

Upon starting the vehicle, I immediately heard a bang followed by loud clanging under the hood. I began backing out of my garage and noticed I had no power steering. At this point I estimated that the belt had broken and shut down the engine. On examining under the hood the power steering pump pulley was visibly out of alignment and the belt was wrapped around the fan. Closer examination revealed that the power steering pump bracket was broken into three pieces. I also have one bolt sheered off with the stud still stuck in the cylinder head. I have acquired a replacement part but the necessary replacement bolt was out of stock. Before repairs can proceed, I will need to drill the existing bolt out, possibly having to remove the cylinder head assy to gain the proper access. Although no injuries resulted, the car is not drivable in this condition and the failure has caused my family major inconvenience. Had this happened at a different time the consequences could have been much more severe.

- High Point, NC, USA

While backing out of a parking space, I heard a loud snap and the suddenly lost the power steering. I could not make it home and had the vechicle towed to a local service station. The aaa tow truck man noticed that the serpentine belft was off the pulley. The power steering pump bracket snapped off the engine block. The head to one of the bolts on the bracket sheered off, leaving the stud in the engine block (probably needs to be drilled out or rebored). I plan to replace the part with the same aluminum dealer part, but I am very concerned about the related safety issue. I had my wife, infant and 3-yr old son in the car. If this would have happened at highway speeds or on a sharp turn, the results could have been disastrous. The dealership claims that this is a typical problem and the bracket can break. This is unacceptable!.

- Issaquah, WA, USA

Replaced two (2) power steering pumps; have written emails to DaimlerChrysler with unacceptable responses; the diferential bearing failures could have been extremely dangerous.

- Bronston, KY, USA

While backing out of a parking space, my wife heard a loud snap and suddenly couldn't steer the vehicle. She was able to make it home, where I discovered the serpentine belt was off the pulley.. upon further inspection the next day, the mount that holds the power steering pump onto the engine block had snapped in 3 places. I have since found more information on the internet that this has happened to others. I am replacing it with the same dealer part; however, if the part itself is defective, this could have disasterous results if it happened while on the road. Here is a link to the info I found: jeepsunlimited.com/zj/steering/bracket.htm.

- Portland, CT, USA

Intermittently when brakes are applied vehicle revs to a high RPM. Also, while making a turn, vehicle will stall out and die. Dealer has inspected vehicle several times, and has not been able to correct problem. There was a crack in the bracket for the power steering pump which disabled the fan belt. Consumer states vehicle has experienced electrical problems.

- Chapel Hill, NC, USA

At a stop light the aluminum power steering pump bracket which connects the pump to the engine block broke completely in half. The pump started to bounce around under the hood while the belt wraped itself around the fan. Had I been on the freeway I wou

- Kingwood, TX, USA

While driving down a residential street power steering suddenly did not respond. After looking under the hood I noticed the power steering pump was detached from the motor mounting. This bracket had separated in three places. I took this part to the dealer and was told that they new this was a defective part and they had already improved these with a new bracket but it was not their responsibility to replace them. If this would have happened at highway speed on a curve this may not have been a pleasant ending as total steering loss was experienced.

- Edmond, OK, USA

Power steering failed due to power steering pump bracket breaking. Dealer replaced the pump bracket. Power steering pump not covered under warranty.

- Roswell, GA, USA

Driving on hghiway at approximately 55mph bracket that holds the power steering pump broke, causing vehicle to lose steering.

- Floral Park, NY, USA

While driving power steering pump failed, causing steering diffculty and may cause an accident..et.

- Dunwoody, GA, USA