Steering wandering

[Tim_JLU]

https://www.amazon.com/Synergy-Fron...a7-9432-5c55f11c708b&pd_rd_i=B08MB565FY&psc=1

I posted in the general group and I guess I messed up. Thread got hijacked.
First time Jeep owner. All stock 2019 JLU Sahara. Indiana does the chip and seal the roads are very un-even.
My jeep wants to wander, sometimes it's kind of scary. I asked about a aftermarket steering stabilizer, but think this more of my issue.
Tires are brand new, and not my choice.
Thoughts?

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[dragoneggs]

As part of my steering upgrade when I lifted my JL, I added a Sector Shaft brace along with other Steer Smart components. I don’t know your issue but my ride is tight now.

As far as your chip and seal roads, I doubt that has much to do about your wandering/tracking. I know when I added a better than OEM steering stabilizer, it took care of the wandering issue I had on Day 1 from the dealer.

 

[azwjowner]

What is your tire pressure? Too high will increase wandering.

 

[grimmjeeper]

A steering damper likely won't fix the issue.

Best bet is an alignment. Checking all of the steering and suspension components is also a good idea.

One problem with those kind of roads is the width of the ruts. If your track width (width between the tires) doesn't match, you'll end up having all kinds of trouble with the Jeep wandering back and forth no matter what.

 

[Roky]

https://www.amazon.com/Synergy-Fron...a7-9432-5c55f11c708b&pd_rd_i=B08MB565FY&psc=1

I posted in the general group and I guess I messed up. Thread got hijacked.
First time Jeep owner. All stock 2019 JLU Sahara. Indiana does the chip and seal the roads are very un-even.
My jeep wants to wander, sometimes it's kind of scary. I asked about a aftermarket steering stabilizer, but think this more of my issue.
Tires are brand new, and not my choice.
Thoughts?

Sounds like ballpoints are taking a shit…

 

[autotragic]

A steering damper likely won't fix the issue.

Best bet is an alignment. Checking all of the steering and suspension components is also a good idea.

One problem with those kind of roads is the width of the ruts. If your track width (width between the tires) doesn't match, you'll end up having all kinds of trouble with the Jeep wandering back and forth no matter what.

I told you my Jeep doesn't wander on chip and seal roads and suggested increased caster angle, but maybe you need new ball joints and steering stabilizer.

 

[21JLURDG]

I believe your 2019 has the older style steering box that the sector shaft brace can add support to avoid future problems. But I doubt it will help with the wandering.

I always thought my stock JL drove "squirrely" on the highway. After my suspension lift with adjustable control arms and bigger tires, it drove much better. I did keep the stock steering dampener for a while as I don't think it does much besides mask other problems.

 

[Old Dogger]

Unless your 2019 has already had these factory updates performed, then it will need the following: Steering Stabilizer update, computer flash, and cast iron steering box installed..FYI

 

[GaryToo]

A pair of the MOPAR extended lower control arms will give you a little more caster which will help in the tracking dept. They are cheap and very easy to install . Quadratec sells them cheap . If ya live near south Jersey I have two pair sitting in my garage and can beat any ones price I just don't ship . Be sure your steering box is black . If its silver change it or a synergy brace may do it .

 

[dstevens]

I've never found the stabilizer does anything but mask the real problem.
1. The three minute zero cost check up is to get someone to vigorously shake the steering wheel side to side over about 20 degrees while you look at the ball joints, track bar ends, drag link ends, steering sector. Best way is to put your thumb between the two components so you can feel for any movement so make sure the shaker doesn't do anything stupid like suddenly turn full lock. Works for me but some people never grasp what the objective is or how to do this but I'll put it out there for you.
2. Get the alignment measured and check there is enough caster. Some people say 5 degrees, some 6, I like 6.5 degrees. Factory specs I believe are 5 +- 1, varies slightly by model. Edit: can do that yourself by measuring the flat on the front axle using an angle finder and some math.

 

[Odyssey USA]

Unless your 2019 has already had these factory updates performed, then it will need the following: Steering Stabilizer update, computer flash, and cast iron steering box installed..FYI

Earlier this year the best price I found for the Mopar LCA’s was BAM Wholesale in case someone is interested. Still under $100 anywhere. Great, cheap upgrade. I bought another set to install on this JLU.

 

[Tim_JLU]

Thanks for your input.

 

[Roky]

OP says it’s a bone stock Sahara, the caster is already north of 5 degrees. Even though the longer lcas might help a little, it’s not gonna be the same effect as it would be on a Rubi or slightly lifted rig…..
I would definitely look hard at the ball joints…. With the new JL ball joints, mileage is a non factor…. I’ve replaced them as early as 8K and seen them last 60K…..
When they go bad, they don’t always induce DW. Sometimes it’s a wandering issue, and those roads are magnifying the issue…..
Judi some cents…

 

[Nokones]

You are driving a square box into the wind which is pushing you around. Your Jeep has poor aerodynamics. You'll just need to hang on with both hands.

 

[nU7OuxIx]

I'd suggest getting an alignment to check your numbers. I'm a state over and my jeep was scary to drive right out the door from the factory. Got an alignment and saw that the toe was pointed out instead of in.

That fixed it when going over the seals and bridge expansion joints. I'll say it's still not 100% but it's much better.

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