New Steering box install

[DevilDog305]

I unfortunately missed the window of having my steering box replaced under warranty, I now have over 50k miles on my JLUR, but I've had the steering issue that many have complained about so I decided to order the new steering box from Mopar. My questions is how difficult is the install for those that have done it themselves and do I still need to take it to the dealer for a flash/update of the computer? Any insight would be appreciated.

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[Old Dogger]

We had ours changed out under warranty. But from what I have seen, I suggest that you have your Dealer install it. Major safety issue..

 

[lashlee]

I'm not sure "Major safety issue..." is quite necessary. Let's take into consideration the person doing the work? Do you have the proper tools (in this case a 42mm socket for the pitman arm nut, a pitman arm puller, torque wrench, etc...) should play into the decision of who does the install. Not all dealers can do a better job of installing a given piece of hardware assuming all things being equal. If that's the mentality, I'm not sure anyone should install a suspension lift themselves since the axles may fall out from under the Jeep the first time you unload the suspension. I would feel safer taking it to an off road shop over a dealer.

I wouldn't have a problem completing the install, but be prepared for the time and effort.

 

[DevilDog305]

I'm not sure "Major safety issue..." is quite necessary. Let's take into consideration the person doing the work? Do you have the proper tools (in this case a 42mm socket for the pitman arm nut, a pitman arm puller, torque wrench, etc...) should play into the decision of who does the install. Not all dealers can do a better job of installing a given piece of hardware assuming all things being equal. If that's the mentality, I'm not sure anyone should install a suspension lift themselves since the axles may fall out from under the Jeep the first time you unload the suspension. I would feel safer taking it to an off road shop over a dealer.

I wouldn't have a problem completing the install, but be prepared for the time and effort.

Thank you for the reply, I think I have the tools needed and aptitude to do the install however I'm going to try and see if the dealer will help since it is a known issue, I put in a call to Jeep Care and they gave me a reference number, hopefully they will cover some of the cost.

 

[lashlee]

FWIW, my wife's JLUR was just about out of warranty when we bought it (I think it was 35,8XX miles on it when we bought it) and I brought it up to the service writer after it had crossed over to 40k and they covered it. Hers is an '18 if that helps...

 

[CaJLMetalHead]

Go to youtube and look for PSC steering box installs for JL to get an idea of how to replace the steering box ... not that difficult... ( I will post a link below to one from BleepinJeep, good video ) I recently replaced my entire steering system with a PSC Hydro Assist on my 3.6L Auto JLU... it was way more complicated than just replacing the steering box and I did it myself LOL....

I would never let a dealer touch my Jeep for anything but a firmware update... heck no!!...

The most annoying part was disconnecting the Drag Link from the sector arm... I just removed the steering box with the Drag Link still attached it... then after laying the box on the floor, I replaced the nut on the drag link stud that attaches the drag link to the sector arm in such a way that both the head of the stud and the nut were flush, and then I proceeded to whack it with a mallet... I had to give it quite a few good whacks to dislodge it but it did not damage the stud ( you could also use a Tie Rod. Pitman Arm Puller tool like this one )

 

[smokeythecat]

We had ours changed out under warranty. But from what I have seen, I suggest that you have your Dealer install it. Major safety issue..

This got me thinking. Doing a tire rotation yourself could also be considered a major safety issue but nobody questions that. Certainly changing brake pads would fall into the same category. Or axle bearings.

 

[19 JLUR Bright Whit3]

I have the new steering box in my garage, but havent felt a need to replace it yet. I was under the impression that I would still need to take it in to a stealership for a flash. Is that not the case?

 

[Yellow Cake Kid]

I am wondering what occurs during the flash upgrade that is said to be necessary after updating the steering box.

My mid-year 2020 steering box is eligible for replacement but has not presented any problems, so I have opted, for now, to leave well enough alone, but I wonder why I will need to drive hundreds of miles to get a software update if and when I choose to install the newer version of the steering box.

For example; Is the electromechanical function of the steering box so different that the previous software settings will not communicate with the new system effectively?

Thank you.

 

[DevilDog305]

I think I'm going to let them look at it and if Jeep flips the bill I'll let them do it, otherwise I'll do it myself. Thanks for everyones answer very helpful.

 

[Roky]

I think I'm going to let them look at it and if Jeep flips the bill I'll let them do it, otherwise I'll do it myself. Thanks for everyones answer very helpful.

I’m sure this is in my future, looking forward to seeing what they tell you, if I need to get it flashed or not, mine is 2018, so far no problems, but I know I’m on borrowed time……?

 

[DevilDog305]

I’m sure this is in my future, looking forward to seeing what they tell you, if I need to get it flashed or not, mine is 2018, so far no problems, but I know I’m on borrowed time……?

I have a 2019 and the problem has been there since day one, alignment is never right and my tires are wearing out uneven to the point when slowing down I feel a physical vibration, at first I thought it was my tires, but after replacing the tires with a new set and alignment I started to have the same problem. I refuse to do anything else until that steering box is replaced, then I'm getting a lift and be down with this stock crap.

 

[InjectedCJ7]

I’m still running the aluminum box in my 2018 JLUR. It seems to be steering fine, but I don’t have anything to compare it to. I’d like to get it changed before I run out of warranty. I’m at about 35K now. Do I have to prove some malfunction to the dealer to get it done? Or, can I just claim that the steering wanders a bit, and assume they’ll just change it on my request? Any thoughts?

John

 

[DevilDog305]

I’m still running the aluminum box in my 2018 JLUR. It seems to be steering fine, but I don’t have anything to compare it to. I’d like to get it changed before I run out of warranty. I’m at about 35K now. Do I have to prove some malfunction to the dealer to get it done? Or, can I just claim that the steering wanders a bit, and assume they’ll just change it on my request? Any thoughts?

John

From what Ive read you just have to complain about loose steering, I have over 1" of play in the steering if not more, constantly wonders even after alignment.

 

[roaniecowpony]

I have a 2019 and the problem has been there since day one, alignment is never right and my tires are wearing out uneven to the point when slowing down I feel a physical vibration, at first I thought it was my tires, but after replacing the tires with a new set and alignment I started to have the same problem. I refuse to do anything else until that steering box is replaced, then I'm getting a lift and be down with this stock crap.

I believe you will still have the vibration after your steering box replacement. From what you described, I had the same issues. The balljoints were just loose enough to allow this vibration at certain speed and hitting a bump. I had only 20k miles on my 2018.

I installed Dynatrac balljoints and Reid cast iron knuckles (planning for large tires). The vibration/shimmy was gone.
The cost of the Dynatrac balljoints was 20x what I was used to paying for balljoints. I researched the heck out of other options, but after reading enough bad experiences with other brands in the JL, I bit the bullet and got $700 balljoints. I'm very happy with them after ~1000 miles. It was instantly the fix for my shimmy.

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