Loose steering feels like it has play and drifts

[Jlrut]

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.

good questions. I didn't ask if it was the "new and improved" but I will when the TA comes in. as far as the other fixes, they claimed they checked them and they were tight, etc.
The TA is supposed to be here in the next several days and I'm supposed to drive with him.
I'll keep you all posted.

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[GinjaNinja]

I posted this in the other steering thread as well, but I have an assigned case manager from Jeep and I brought the TSB into the dealership for my appointment today. My Jeep did not fall under the criteria as the build date was after May 8th so the service adviser said that they are not technically applying the TSB but they reconfigured the computer the same way. Unfortunately, this did NOT fix my problem...no difference at all. I also had them check all the ball joints and steering components for tightness and they said they were all good (I am still gonna recheck them myself though).

So I am disappointed but I knew it was a long shot. Adjusting the steering box should fix this issue but the dealers are unable to do it since the adjustment screw strips. I may try the method with locking pliers and turn it myself.

Cheers

 

[GinjaNinja]

Yep after seeing that video I feel Jeep will have a recall or something in the future to resolve this. I'm currently working with Jeep on the issue, although I won't be able to take it in for another week or so.

I thought in an earlier post you were able to fix your issue adjusting the steering box? Am I remembering incorrectly or did the issue come back?

 

[Arndog36]

I'm also having this issue with loose steering. How did you guys get your dealership to actually flash the new TSB?

 

[chadc880]

Few Updates Sort of.

First off the AD at the end of the steering box part number is brand newly released. The one just a 2 weeks ago was AC.

My new steering box is in and was suppose to be replaced tomorrow. But after seeing JLrut's post about the steering box replacement not making a difference I decided to put that on hold. I am very fortunate to have an awesome service manager. I pulled him aside and talked with him about what to do. From the TSB, Ball joints correctly torqued, Steering Adjuster and with the small amount of play that I have now vs before all of this, and based upon not only JLrut but others posting about the steering box, We are going to wait until we see a significant change, fix or direction from FCA. I have mine too dialed in to have them tear into the steering and hydraulic crap to end up with no change and then have the chance of getting a looser steering box.

 

[jeremyjeep]

I'm also having this issue with loose steering. How did you guys get your dealership to actually flash the new TSB?

A. If you are able, take it to a different dealer if your dealer won't implement the steering TSB flash update.

B. What is your MFG date according to the VIN? If it is between October 30, 2017 and May 8 2018, call the Jeep JL hotline at 866-362-2146. When I called, they said if the vehicle was manufactured between October 30, 2017 and on or before May 8, 2018 and was made in the US, then TSB # 08-092-18 applies to ALL VINs MFG in that date range. They will create a case and get the dealer to implement the TSB. Be sure to use words that include you feel your safety is at risk, if you feel that way.

 

[kre62]

Jeep needs to just go back to a steel steering box. The weight savings cant be that substantial. If the aluminum box expanding with heat is what caused the lockups, and loosening the box resolved it resulting in loose steering, then wouldn't it make sense to just abandon the aluminum box and go back to the JK version?

 

[vavaroutsos]

Jeep needs to just go back to a steel steering box. The weight savings cant be that substantial. If the aluminum box expanding with heat is what caused the lockups, and loosening the box resolved it resulting in loose steering, then wouldn't it make sense to just abandon the aluminum box and go back to the JK version?

I was thinking the exact same thing. Now we're hearing about a new version of the steering box. I wonder what they changed.

Can anyone who had the steering lock-up issue confirm if they also had loose steering? If not, it sure points to a problem with the new steering box. I check all mechanical connections in my steering, and the only place with noticeable play is between the input shaft and sector shaft of the steering box.

 

[kre62]

I was thinking the exact same thing. Now we're hearing about a new version of the steering box. I wonder what they changed.

Can anyone who had the steering lock-up issue confirm if they also had loose steering? If not, it sure points to a problem with the new steering box. I check all mechanical connections in my steering, and the only place with noticeable play is between the input shaft and sector shaft of the steering box.

From the reports i've seen in the lockup threads, people who got replacement boxes noticed the lockup was gone, but the jeep now had loose steering. Jeep Informant also said something similar in his video, that they had overcorrected for the lockup issue. Its a half asseed way to solve the problem, when a true and obvious solution exists that would actually take care of the customer.

 

[vavaroutsos]

I noticed the TSB states it's for LWB (4-door?) models. I know the 2-door and 4-door have different steering ratios. Is Jeep implying that the issue the TSB addresses does not apply to 2-door models? I have a 2-door, and my steering is loose. Maybe we should make a poll for 2-door vs 4-door with/without loose steering to see what the numbers are.

 

[Holymoly1963]

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.

2 inches of play is ridiculous. My John Deere has less than that. We are dealing with folks that don't have a clue. Sad.

 

[Tylerjcloud92]

I was thinking the exact same thing. Now we're hearing about a new version of the steering box. I wonder what they changed.

Can anyone who had the steering lock-up issue confirm if they also had loose steering? If not, it sure points to a problem with the new steering box. I check all mechanical connections in my steering, and the only place with noticeable play is between the input shaft and sector shaft of the steering box.

just wait maybe psc will come out with a replacement or something. I went and test drove another 2 door with the same result I'm starting to think the people who've had theirs "fixed" are just used to the way it steers and it's just a problem with the box desighn

 

[Tylerjcloud92]

2 inches of play is ridiculous. My John Deere has less than that. We are dealing with folks that don't have a clue. Sad.

yeah I know the sad thing is its going to take someone threatening to sue after this causes an accident for them to do anything

 

[Tylerjcloud92]

I noticed the TSB states it's for LWB (4-door?) models. I know the 2-door and 4-door have different steering ratios. Is Jeep implying that the issue the TSB addresses does not apply to 2-door models? I have a 2-door, and my steering is loose. Maybe we should make a poll for 2-door vs 4-door with/without loose steering to see what the numbers are.

I have a 2 door with the same issues and test drove another one almost as bad today and the still did the TSB you'll just have to go through jeep cares, and just FYI its a band-aide it makes the steering a bit harder to turn so it keeps it from wandering as much but it will still have the same play in the box its just software.

 

[Bearded_Dragon]

I thought in an earlier post you were able to fix your issue adjusting the steering box? Am I remembering incorrectly or did the issue come back?

I removed a lot of play, but still have 1/2" of play in both directions.

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