Gr Cherokee tranny and front wheel problems

I have a 1998 Gr Cherokee with an automatic tranny. It is slow to shift when cold and the overdrive shifting works reasonably well but I have been told by a reputable mechanic that the tranny needs a new tranny filter at over $1000. My latest check of the tranny fluid and the level and quality indicates both are good. Should I replace the tranny filter?

Also, for the same above vehicle, when I put the vehicle into a moderately hard turn (right and left), the front wheels audibly click and you can feel the click vibration in the steering wheel when happening. Any solutions?

Not for a $1000! The filter is changed by removing the the transmission pan. You can get a filter along with the pan gasket for about $15.00. http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=360696&cc=1315963

As for the clicking while turning, have the front outer U-joints/CV joints inspected for wear.

Tester

Tester is right, but. There’s another way. If you’re like me and a little too old to be fooling with transmissions, there is a process that pumps 16 quarts of fluid through the trans while the motor is running. It cleans the filter lines and trans inner case. I had this done to my 99 G.C., 4.0l, 6 cyl. @ 135,000 mi. because it was shifting OK but was making noise. All is good after the fluid was cleared.

I would not use the machine flush. I have heard horror stories of the transmission dying after these power flushes. I assume it is due to particles being forced into the valve body.