Loose steering feels like it has play and drifts

[GinjaNinja]

Having tried this adjustment myself the other day, I can confirm every bit of what you're saying. I was able to break loose the jam nut, but the adjustment screw was stuck with it and as much as I tried, I could not separate them. I finally gave up after 30-45 minutes and just tightened the jam nut back down as much as I could, which resulted in about 1/16" beyond the original setting. It seems to have made a very slight difference, but it would be nice if the steering was just a bit tighter.

I have been eager to try this and this is what worries me...pretty dumb that an adjustment screw has a version of loctite that cannot be broken free. So clearly their intent was to never adjust it otherwise they would have put blue loctite on it . Has anyone tried to put an allen key on an impact gun to break it loose? Looks like the area may be a bit tight to fit one though.

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[Mr Bill]

I for one just filed a safety complaint on the NHTSA website I remember having issues with the 2007 JK first production year filed safety complaint along with a few thousand other jeep owners and it forced JEEP (or whomever owned it back then) to recall the vehicle all it required was a PC flash and fixed the issue not sure if this is the same issue (software or mechanical) but might get FCA's attention! I for one experienced a scary/unsafe situation with the steering play going 65 MPH yesterday totally unacceptable for a 40 plus thousand vehicle I think they just want to produce and sell them as quickly as possible to keep up with demand and f___ the quality!

 

[TJ&JL]

I have been eager to try this and this is what worries me...pretty dumb that an adjustment screw has a version of loctite that cannot be broken free. So clearly their intent was to never adjust it otherwise they would have put blue loctite on it . Has anyone tried to put an allen key on an impact gun to break it loose? Looks like the area may be a bit tight to fit one though.

One guy on here used an impact gun and rounded it off. Mine was very tight but was able to do it by hand. I used a new 5/32 hex bit socket and socket extensions. There maybe something that will loosen the loctite.

 

[bwilliam79]

I have been eager to try this and this is what worries me...pretty dumb that an adjustment screw has a version of loctite that cannot be broken free. So clearly their intent was to never adjust it otherwise they would have put blue loctite on it . Has anyone tried to put an allen key on an impact gun to break it loose? Looks like the area may be a bit tight to fit one though.

With what I experienced, it’s not an issue an impact gun will fix. I ended up rounding out the hex head just trying to turn it with an Allen wrench and a box end wrench. The metal on the adjustment screw just seems super soft, IMO. I don’t see how it could ever be adjusted, without pulling the gearbox out entirely or really mauling things up, personally.

 

[TJ&JL]

One guy on here used an impact gun and rounded it off. Mine was very tight but was able to do it by hand. I used a new 5/32 hex bit socket and socket extensions. There maybe something that will loosen the loctite.

 

[sacourtney07]

The adjuster screw is hard to turn but not impossible. You probably can’t do it with a small Allen key, as you need more torque. Do NOT use 5/32 as it is smaller than 4 mm. Use 4 mm.

 

[Jhoward136]

I'm at a dealer now having loose steering/dead spot examined. This is for a second opinion, as the dealer I purchased from did not notice anything abnormal for a Jeep.

The mechanic's first impression today was that all seemed normal, however, he agreed to go for a test ride and was able to see what the concern is. They are now recalibrating electronics per Jeep Cares recommendations. I will share the results.

If unsuccessful with electronics update, then dealer can replace steering box; but I only want to go through trouble if others can confirm the likelyhood of success. I've heard a couple of success stories replacing the steering box while reading through 47 pages in this forum, but not enough to prove to me that replacing steering box will solve

 

[Mr Bill]

I'm at a dealer now having loose steering/dead spot examined. This is for a second opinion, as the dealer I purchased from did not notice anything abnormal for a Jeep.

The mechanic's first impression today was that all seemed normal, however, he agreed to go for a test ride and was able to see what the concern is. They are now recalibrating electronics per Jeep Cares recommendations. I will share the results.

If unsuccessful with electronics update, then dealer can replace steering box; but I only want to go through trouble if others can confirm the likelyhood of success. I've heard a couple of success stories replacing the steering box while reading through 47 pages in this forum, but not enough to prove to me that replacing steering box will solve

Jhoward136 Thank You for the post and update! I agree with you not sure if it is a PC flash issues or steering gear box (sad to say I hope it is one or the other since it is an issue and NOT my imagination). Please keep us updated would appreciate it much hard to follow this issue on the forum since there are quite a few posts etc. Thanks again and good luck I hope you succeed!

 

[sm16]

So got my Jeep back today. They performed TSB 0809218. It was pouring on my way home, so didn’t really get to test it much, but from what I can tell, it didn’t change much. Still some play in the steering wheel. I had a Ram 1500 as a loaner and the slightest movement of the steering wheel resulted in a change in direction - definitely not the case with the Jeep.
I’ll get to drive it a bit more tomorrow and I’ll see if I notice any difference.

 

[Jhoward136]

Unfortuately the TSB0809218 did NOT solve my issue. It's not the fix for my steering. (Sorry Jeep and Jeep Cares.)

The shop was closing but I did speak to service manager who will speak to the mechanic tomorrow. Mechanic will drive a new JL on lot and compare. If I can prove that it's not a "Jeep thing" then next step seems to be steering box.

I'm attempting to take reasonable steps to address the defect.

 

[Mr Bill]

Sorry to hear that was hoping it worked for you! Please let us know what happens next. Thanks again!

 

[sm16]

Unfortuately the TSB0809218 did NOT solve my issue. It's not the fix for my steering. (Sorry Jeep and Jeep Cares.)

The shop was closing but I did speak to service manager who will speak to the mechanic tomorrow. Mechanic will drive a new JL on lot and compare. If I can prove that it's not a "Jeep thing" then next step seems to be steering box.

I'm attempting to take reasonable steps to address the defect.

Please let us know if the steering box replacement works. If so, I’ll push for that. I just don’t have the patience of going back and forth with the dealer.

 

[Saejin]

So got my Jeep back today. They performed TSB 0809218. It was pouring on my way home, so didn’t really get to test it much, but from what I can tell, it didn’t change much. Still some play in the steering wheel. I had a Ram 1500 as a loaner and the slightest movement of the steering wheel resulted in a change in direction - definitely not the case with the Jeep.
I’ll get to drive it a bit more tomorrow and I’ll see if I notice any difference.

Ram 1500 has a rack and pinion steering setup so it will feel vastly different that the Wranglers steering box. I’m assuming FCA could install a rack and pinion in the Wrangler down the road but it would impact off road capability and longevity. I’m no steering expert but obviously there are reasons the Wranglers kept the steering box.

Anyway, hope your Jeep gets fixed...keep pushing the dealer to make it right as others have had success.

 

[Holymoly1963]

Dealer still has my Wrangler, day 2. Service manager has contacted FCA for help.... will keep you informed as my story unfolds. Driving a 2018 Cherokee loaner which steers a lot better. Huh

 

[Holymoly1963]

Just got a call from the service guy and I got the response I was afraid of and frankly expected.

"We've checked everything related to your steering on your new 2 dr Wrangler and everything is fine. All 2 dr Wranglers have crappy steering. You can come and pick it up tomorrow. We found nothing unusual."

I am beyond frustrated. I very clearly said there is about an inch of play in the steering wheel and I want no play or a reason why some Jeeps steer fine and some don't. I guess I should have bought a 4 dr and everything would be cool. What an idiot I am. Don't know what to do next. Have lost confidence in the Brand and the service department at the dealership. Jeep Cares...anybody out there with common sense. Buehler? Discouraged by mediocrity. I prefer pride and excellence .

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