Steering Service Bulletin Denied - Advice Please

[72Blazer]

You left the sector shaft portion intact?

Not following?

Sorry. We basically removed these two parts.

So what needs to be removed is the steering box bolts and the drag link.

Went by the dealer today and now my box is apparently 10 days out even though I was there 3 weeks ago and was told it was on order. I’m fine with it as long as it’s ready before our November trip. I spoke with the service guy and he was adamant they could do the replacement. I asked again and explained by steering situation. I guess he second guessed himself and asked me to talk to the technician. After explaining my mods to the technician and having him take a look, he said it shouldn’t be a problem. They would unbolt the drag link and tie rod and pull the box out to replace it. So hopefully In a couple of weeks it’ll be a done deal.


I have noticed driving today with the removed parts that I’m getting A LOT more steering wander over 65. Even to the point it’s a little sketchy at times. I’m definitely in the “steering brace is worth the money” crowd.

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[JeepCares]

My local dealer wouldn’t do anything without driving it and confirming. I called to schedule it with excitement to finally fix the biggest complaint we have with the JLU. My worry is with the cooler temps it has less play than it did this summer.
So rather than take missed time from work, we are pausing on what to do. As soon as it gets hot outside it becomes obvious. Literally have zero reaction from the steering wheel off center both ways. Lots of fun when passing a semi at 70 mph. We have three Jeeps and my old beater YJ project is more responsive at 70 than the JLU. To me it shouldn’t even be a question for repair. Our schedules are busy like everyone else’s and it’s not so easy taking it in and waiting in the service lanes just to let someone else determine if we are being honest.
We bought the Jeep last year with 5200 miles and it death wobbled on the way home. Twice. They replaced the stabilizer with a Fox. We then had the dealer install a Mopar lift and I complained then that it wandered (pre and post lift- no change). When the lift was installed the tech replaced the trac bar. Obviously I’ve waited to see if a real fix came out. I suppose I’ll try in the spring rather than risk them telling me it’s normal and closing the door on future consideration.

Hello @Dave91gt
We certainly understand how this may be an inconvenience. If you would like additional support in having your dealer prepared for your service, feel free to send our team a private message. Our goal is to assist in making this a more seamless procedure by communicating with your dealer on your behalf.

Yes, it does, I had mine done last week, I don't see any improvements and I am scheduled for a check this week. Hopefully, they just missed some think.

Hi there @soringorgan
We are sorry to hear about the outcome of your TSB service. Please know that our team is available via private message for additional support if needed while correcting this with your dealer.

My question is, a lot of people install a lift and bigger tires. It seems like a dealer could easily say that was the problem and not want to fix anything. Anyone with lifted Jeeps get a new steering box?

Hi @wheels082
Please let us know if you face this concern with your dealer. We would be happy to offer our support in resolving this for you.

It sounds like you have a winner of a dealer like me. Mine said the TSB "wasn't needed," and said "That is typical for a lifted Jeep on big tires." I asked if they drove it, and was told, "No, that wasn't necessary."

I have now been told by 3 dealerships that "it's a Jeep thing."

Next up, @JeepCares!

Hello there @AuburnRubicon
We are sincerely sorry to hear about the difficulty you've faced in having this concern addressed. Please send our team a private message - we will gladly ensure that you receive the top level of care from a specialist moving forward.

call me dumb. But i never saw what TSB stands for. My 19 sahara wonders all over the highway at freeway speed and generally pulls left, plenty of play in the wheel. No deathwobble or anything like that. Lifted MC 3.5 and 37s. I have the synergy brace in hand but have not installed it yet plan to this next weekend. Will dealer replace my sterring box? Should it help? (Insert mind blown emoji)

Hi @treyman
Please know that our team is always available for support alongside a dealer visit. Once you bring your concerns to the attention of your dealer, feel free to contact us for additional support if needed.

How do contact Jeep Cares?

Hello @sixspeed
You may send us a private message via this forum by navigating to our profile, which can be located by clicking on our icon image. If you would prefer to discuss your concerns via phone, you may speak to a Jeep Customer Care Specialist by calling 877-426-5337.

Kathryn
JeepCares

 

[hoag4147]

It sounds like you have a winner of a dealer like me. Mine said the TSB "wasn't needed," and said "That is typical for a lifted Jeep on big tires." I asked if they drove it, and was told, "No, that wasn't necessary."

I have now been told by 3 dealerships that "it's a Jeep thing."

Next up, @JeepCares!

That stinks they keep pushing back.
Show them this revision of the TSB.

 

[DexterJeeper]

I made an appointment to drop my Jeep off next Monday. The service manager asked me right away if I have a lift, if I did it myself and if it was aligned. Hopefully they're not going to give me too much of a hard time about this.

That stinks they keep pushing back.
Show them this revision of the TSB.

Thanks for sharing the revised TSB. Do you have a link where I can print this out before my dealer visit next Monday? The service manager already questioned me about my lift and 37's so the revised language should come in handy!

 

[hoag4147]

I made an appointment to drop my Jeep off next Monday. The service manager asked me right away if I have a lift, if I did it myself and if it was aligned. Hopefully they're not going to give me too much of a hard time about this.

Thanks for sharing the revised TSB. Do you have a link where I can print this out before my dealer visit next Monday? The service manager already questioned me about my lift and 37's so the revised language should come in handy!

Sorry, no link. I screenshot from Jeep FB group. I will attach all 3 pages. Hopefully you can screenshot or print somehow.

 

[DexterJeeper]

Sorry, no link. I screenshot from Jeep FB group. I will attach all 3 pages. Hopefully you can screenshot or print somehow.

this is perfect! Thanks for doing that so quickly!

 

[emptyminded42]

Just got word that my dealer ordered a new steering box for my unmodified JLU Sport S after I mentioned the wandering steering when I dropped it off this morning. Don't know when parts will be available but just a point of reference.

To be clear - I haven't done any alignments, off-roading, lifts, steering damper recall, or anything whatsoever since I picked up my Jeep on Halloween last year. Tires are the OE all-season light truck Michelins and they are at the proper pressures. They did the steering damper before I bought it. I'd describe my steering as poor-to-fair overall - about a 2" deadzone on center and wanders at speeds between 35-60 on backroads so much I can't use just one hand to drive. It's not bad enough I'd classify it as dangerous but it's definitely noticeable and annoying. Hopefully the new box will help.

 

[DexterJeeper]

Sharing my experience with Pinckney CDJR in Michigan. I dropped the Jeep off along with the TSB--Thanks @hoag4147! Got a call the next day from a service manager asking if I did the lift myself (I have a Mopar 2" lift) and if I know if it was properly aligned. I answered 'yes' to both questions and they told me they have to check with the regional rep. Within a day it was approved. Of course the part is on backorder but I'm glad the (positive) decision was made quickly. If you live near the Ann Arbor area in MI, this is the dealer to work with--I've tried 3 other ones

 

[Harrybeerbelly]

Okay from the TSB 08-074-20 REV. B. is states the 68507569AA is not the correct gear for the diesel?

I have a 2020 High Altitude Diesel and the gear was replaced with part number 68507569AA

 

[Driftyd]

Yes cases has been opened and with 2nd call to complain about having to wait since I complained 2 days after taking delivery, as per FCA cases has been updated. Means 2 month wait vs 3

I called FCA just before I took my vehicle in to bring up the issue with them again and apparently there is a safety recall and a national safety recall now on the steering gear. I informed them that I’ve been trying to get this fixed and changed out for a while. I took my jeep to the dealership and they said they are only allowed to order them every 14 days because they are on back order and it could be a month to two months and it’s been three weeks and I still do not have my jeep.

 

[Driftyd]

Sharing my experience with Pinckney CDJR in Michigan. I dropped the Jeep off along with the TSB--Thanks @hoag4147! Got a call the next day from a service manager asking if I did the lift myself (I have a Mopar 2" lift) and if I know if it was properly aligned. I answered 'yes' to both questions and they told me they have to check with the regional rep. Within a day it was approved. Of course the part is on backorder but I'm glad the (positive) decision was made quickly. If you live near the Ann Arbor area in MI, this is the dealer to work with--I've tried 3 other ones

Thanks for this post this gives me faith that mine will be fixed. I called FCA right before I took it in which is been about a week now and they informed me that there is a safety

Yes cases has been opened and with 2nd call to complain about having to wait since I complained 2 days after taking delivery, as per FCA cases has been updated. Means 2 month wait vs 3

I didn’t know if you were aware but I found out through FCA and doing some digging if there is a safety recall for that steering gear it is U48 and He said there is a national safety recall it is NHTSA 18-V-343

 

[Windshieldfarmer]

Thanks for this post this gives me faith that mine will be fixed. I called FCA right before I took it in which is been about a week now and they informed me that there is a safety

I didn’t know if you were aware but I found out through FCA and doing some digging if there is a safety recall for that steering gear it is U48 and He said there is a national safety recall it is NHTSA 18-V-343

That’s an old recall for an intermediate shaft...Nothing to do with steering gear TSB

 

[DexterJeeper]

Thanks for this post this gives me faith that mine will be fixed. I called FCA right before I took it in which is been about a week now and they informed me that there is a safety

I didn’t know if you were aware but I found out through FCA and doing some digging if there is a safety recall for that steering gear it is U48 and He said there is a national safety recall it is NHTSA 18-V-343

@Driftyd, sorry to hear about your troubles. Just to be clear, I have clearance to get my steering gear replaced but I'm still on a waiting list. They are not giving me an ETA on when they can get me in. My other suggestion is to work with a few dealers in your area, if possible. It took me three tries to find this one. I initially went to Suburban in Ann Arbor then Golling in Chelsea, neither were very friendly with modified Jeeps. Not that Pinckney goes way above and beyond but at least they are very reasonable and doesn't write you off as soon as they see your lift.

By the way, are they holding your Jeep while they're waiting for the steering gear? Or is there other work being done? If it's just to wait for the part, there's no reason why they shouldn't release your Jeep until the part comes in?

 

[Whiskey 13]

To all who are waiting, you are not alone. I am in north west FL and my steering box has been on order since September 24th. Call the dealer again today and got the typical startled deer in the head light response. Well sir according to the parts department it is listed by the vender as over due. Well no shit Batman. I won't let them have my jeep, it is drivable but in all of my years of being a jeep owner this has been the longest I have ever waited for a damn part.

 

[MNWrangx2]

I just went to Park Jeep here today, and they will fix mine after having evaluated it but it is unknown when the parts will be in.

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