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jeremyjeep
Well-Known Member
Here is the latest list of potential steering issue fixes (extreme drifting, steering lock ups, constant corrections required to stay in a straight level lane loose steering, dead spots in the steering wheel, quick unexpected steering corrections by the computer throwing you into other lanes, etc. all verified it isn't a "Jeep thing" by test driving the exact same trim model and tires that doesn't have steering issues).
1. TSB # 08-092-18 Steering Issue / Restore Vehicle Configuration routine. Applies to all JLs mfg between October 30, 2017 and on or before May 8, 2018 and can fix both high and low speed issues even though it mentions high speeds in the TSB. If your dealer won't apply the TSB because it "doesn't match your VIN", you can call Jeep JL hotline at 866-362-2146 to open a case and they will make the dealer apply the TSB. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...sist-steering-lockup-at-highway-speeds.12226/
2. Control Arm Adjustment - loosen, then tighten to the correct amount. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...y-how-much-is-normal.12526/page-2#post-310933
3. Check all 4 ball joint nuts. Reports of them being loose, making noises when making u-turns, but also causes steering drift. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/clicking-noise-when-turning.9713/page-6#post-288471
4. Tire Pressure - tires are way over inflated from the dealer. Match them to the door jam numbers.
5. Steering box adjustment. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...el-play-how-much-is-normal.12526/#post-306343
6. Steering box replacement. There appears to be an original version and a new version of the steering box. The newer version seems to have more success per comments in the JL forums.
7. Front end alignment.
8. Toe-In adjustment. https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=4
9. Steering recall on some early VINs - https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/steering-recall-06-01-18.9747/
1. TSB # 08-092-18 Steering Issue / Restore Vehicle Configuration routine. Applies to all JLs mfg between October 30, 2017 and on or before May 8, 2018 and can fix both high and low speed issues even though it mentions high speeds in the TSB. If your dealer won't apply the TSB because it "doesn't match your VIN", you can call Jeep JL hotline at 866-362-2146 to open a case and they will make the dealer apply the TSB. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...sist-steering-lockup-at-highway-speeds.12226/
2. Control Arm Adjustment - loosen, then tighten to the correct amount. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...y-how-much-is-normal.12526/page-2#post-310933
3. Check all 4 ball joint nuts. Reports of them being loose, making noises when making u-turns, but also causes steering drift. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/clicking-noise-when-turning.9713/page-6#post-288471
4. Tire Pressure - tires are way over inflated from the dealer. Match them to the door jam numbers.
5. Steering box adjustment. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...el-play-how-much-is-normal.12526/#post-306343
6. Steering box replacement. There appears to be an original version and a new version of the steering box. The newer version seems to have more success per comments in the JL forums.
7. Front end alignment.
8. Toe-In adjustment. https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=4
9. Steering recall on some early VINs - https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/steering-recall-06-01-18.9747/
chadc880
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Chad
- Joined
- Mar 26, 2018
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- Location
- Simpsonville, SC
- Vehicle(s)
- 2018 Jeep Wrangler
Is the dead spot completely gone
Mickgolf00
Well-Known Member
Just dropped mine off this morning to have the steering "play" issue addressed. The service department wasn't crazy about me providing the recommendations from this thread but they obviously didn't know anything about the issue(s). I basically asked them to re-flash per the TSB and check the torque on the Ball Joint nuts. The response was..."did I search the TSB against my VIN". I replied that a lot of owners were getting resolution even if their VIN was not included. I was immediately blown off until I threatened to escalate to @JeepCares if they didn't flash.
It's still in the shop...I'll update one way or the other but not feeling real confident at this point.[/USER]
It's still in the shop...I'll update one way or the other but not feeling real confident at this point.[/USER]
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jeremyjeep
Well-Known Member
I wish there was a way to check the software version so one can verify they flashed it. Does anyone know how? I know there are some cryptic version numbers in the dealer mode (Hold your driver's side temperature up, temperature down and front defrost buttons simultaneously).
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Jlrut
Well-Known Member
No, it's not. I've escalated it with JeepCares and they recommended to request a TA (technician from FCA) thru my dealer. I did that and they are to let me know when the next one comes to the dealer. I feel the dealer is doing what they can, but they aren't going to go out on the limb as they are privately owned and not really a part of FCA. Sure they're partnered with FCA, but I'd bet they might have to struggle a little for reimbursement if they performed repairs for warranty or TSB updates that weren't yet approved. So, the service rep did not drive my jeep following replacement of the steering box. Maybe the tech did..I don't know.
None of the issues we are having surprise me. Yes, this is an upgrade from the JK but issues like this should not even make it to production. My guess is that the steering issue is more widespread than has been reported. Plenty of drivers likely think it's just part of a jeep or maybe haven't noticed how it compares to another vehicle they drive.
BTW, the contact at JeepCares recommended filing out the NHTSA form, which I had already done. Still, it tells me that the issue at least has been noticed.
I'm going to the Jeep Invasion in Pigeon Forge this weekend and look forward to speaking with other JHL owners and maybe some vendors about the issue. I'm guessing there will be some who have a really good understanding of the issue and how Jeep should correct it. If they don't, maybe a vendor will offer a fix at some point.
jeremyjeep
Well-Known Member
FYI: I test drove both a 2018 JK and a 2018 JLUR (same tires, no lift, etc.) from the dealership. Steering is perfect in both. Even a friend's 2014 Wrangler steers better. Mine, JLUR does not steer well. Serious drifting and if you drive it in an empty parking lot, drifts so bad, it goes in a wide circle. Alignment, tire pressure, etc. checked already. It requires constant correction while driving on a straight road like when people are obviously fake driving in a movie. So it for me, it isn't an upgrade from a JK. It is a downgrade until it gets fixed.
Tylerjcloud92
Well-Known Member
My dealership told me a week ago that they would even make a appointment again after the tsb until jeep cares contacts them again. They have said that the 1 1/2”-2” of play is normal. Called Jeep cares back and they gave me a reference number to go back with and told my to get the service manager to go on a test drive with me. I also gathered from that conversation that if your on a 2.5 lift and 35s they likely won’t even help you... Luckily I’m still stock but that makes me nervous to even do the stuff I wanted to my new Jeep. My 2 door jk was on a 4in lift with 35s and my 4 door was on a 3.5 and 35s both had less play than this does stock.
jeremyjeep
Well-Known Member
Would or wouldn't make an appointment? You said would, but maybe you meant wouldn't?
Tylerjcloud92
Well-Known Member
Yeah I meant wouldn’t.
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Jlrut
Well-Known Member
I won't disagree with you that the steering makes is somewhat a deal breaker in the fact that if it's not right, it cast a large cloud over the entire vehicle. I'd make this point regardless of the vehicle. I drove a friends 4 door Recon this weekend and he drove mine. His was lifted with 37's and the gears were changed, air under the hood, added bigger brakes, etc. Really done right for off road. The steering was as tight as could be and he noticed mine and couldn't believe it.
My comment regarding it being a more widespread problem is based upon a couple of things. 1) I just had my steering box replaced with no noticeable improvement. 2) with today's manufacturing tolerances being hundreds of thousands and more, each vehicle should be pretty much identical to the next one on the assembly line.given the same basic configuration. Certainly there are a few things that could benefit from adjustment, but for the most part they should drive and handle exactly the same. We surely don't expect the same set up with the same engine to perform any better than the next one off the assembly line. Maybe the electronics in the steering are what is different, but if not, I'd like to understand how the steering could be perfect on one JL and so off on the next one.
jeremyjeep
Well-Known Member
That's disappointing that there was no difference with a new steering box. Was it the same steering box or the "new and improved" steering box? Did they do any of the other steering fixes (control arm adjustments, steering box adjustment, checked ball joint nuts for torque, TSB # 08-092-18, etc.)? Checking torque is a 10 minute task.
fat_head
Well-Known Member
Took my Jeep in today. Took the service guy for a spin so he could see it himself. He saw what I was talking about and said it wasn't normal so we'll see what happens.
jeremyjeep
Well-Known Member
Excellent. That's half the battle - the service department didn't say "it's a Jeep thing".
How would you describe the specific steering symptoms? Constantly having to turn the steering wheel to keep it on a straight line or something else?porcusRex
Well-Known Member
first post, long time lurker. i expected i would wait until the 2019s regardless but i've been following this forum since it started.
some conclusions/theories i have come up with:
1. the new wranglers were turned out as quickly as the manufacturer could push them through. there is a lot to be said about the new wrangler. it brings a lot to the table on paper. just about every part of it is an upgrade from the JK. jeep knew they had a winner here, the economy is flush so they build a bunch of these as fast as they could. and it shows i think in a lot of the issues. bad or loose wiring, poor welds and issues here and there. there is a whole set of gremlins that are due to the rate at which the JL was built. most of these (all?) will probably be resolved as experience is gained and a certain rhythm is met .
2. steering. i think there is a good chance the steering as designed is flawed. it sure seems to be sensitive to any number of things, ball joins, computer settings, tie rods, tire pressure, toe-in and so forth. this single issue gives me pause because it may be 'fixed' by some number of modifications, but what is the probability that it will come back later on due to the way the steering system is designed?
3. BSG and the the 48 volt battery.. and the fact that all jeeps have two batteries. The 48 volt battery underneath the jeep with all the hoses for heating and cooling is something i dont want in a new jeep. based on some of what i have heard, if i decide to buy a jeep i may not have a choice. also the idea of two batteries and the issues that might occur if you drain the batteries down also concerns me. i have always been able to pull the negative terminal on my cars when working on them and being assured that there was no power to any part of the vehicle. its unclear to me how you would do this with a two battery system. i assume it is possible but how difficult is it going to be. how hard is it to get to the second battery? and i really dont like the idea of a great big battery sitting under the car either.
anyway, im waiting. im in no hurry.
some conclusions/theories i have come up with:
1. the new wranglers were turned out as quickly as the manufacturer could push them through. there is a lot to be said about the new wrangler. it brings a lot to the table on paper. just about every part of it is an upgrade from the JK. jeep knew they had a winner here, the economy is flush so they build a bunch of these as fast as they could. and it shows i think in a lot of the issues. bad or loose wiring, poor welds and issues here and there. there is a whole set of gremlins that are due to the rate at which the JL was built. most of these (all?) will probably be resolved as experience is gained and a certain rhythm is met .
2. steering. i think there is a good chance the steering as designed is flawed. it sure seems to be sensitive to any number of things, ball joins, computer settings, tie rods, tire pressure, toe-in and so forth. this single issue gives me pause because it may be 'fixed' by some number of modifications, but what is the probability that it will come back later on due to the way the steering system is designed?
3. BSG and the the 48 volt battery.. and the fact that all jeeps have two batteries. The 48 volt battery underneath the jeep with all the hoses for heating and cooling is something i dont want in a new jeep. based on some of what i have heard, if i decide to buy a jeep i may not have a choice. also the idea of two batteries and the issues that might occur if you drain the batteries down also concerns me. i have always been able to pull the negative terminal on my cars when working on them and being assured that there was no power to any part of the vehicle. its unclear to me how you would do this with a two battery system. i assume it is possible but how difficult is it going to be. how hard is it to get to the second battery? and i really dont like the idea of a great big battery sitting under the car either.
anyway, im waiting. im in no hurry.
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