I remember your Jeep...Mojito as I recall. Thanks for this very important input! Light at the end of this tunnel.
That much play in the third video would have to be attributed to the linkage. Most likely the slop in the steering box. You could also observe the pitman arm while turning the wheel.
I test drove a 2018 JKU the other day to compare. I found the exact same results that you mentioned. The $32K JKU drives way better than a $47K JLU. That's great to hear that your dealership agrees and doesn't say "it is a Jeep thing" like the majority of dealers are saying. We need more dealerships like yours. I bet if JL owners test drove a 2018 JKU and compared the steering, they all would be in the "wait a minute, why does my JL drive like crap compared to a JK, I had no idea" camp and would report it as well, driving up the priority for FCA to fix this problem.
Maybe if we all simultaneously file lemon-law cases, that will get their attention to fix it - https://www.dmv.org/automotive-law/lemon-law.php
They replaced my steering box, same problem. I called Rough Country about a stabilizer. After I explained the symptoms, they said a stabilizer would just mask the problem and that it is probably a caster alignment issue. They suggested I call one of their local dealers / 4x4 shops listed on their website - https://www.roughcountry.com/dealer-locator/. After speaking with one of the local 4x4 shops, they said it does sound like a caster issue and that dealerships will just confirm or adjust caster into the "green" based on factory tolerances. What needs to happen, is they need to adjust specifically within the wide spectrum of the spec (green is a wide range) and laser it into a specific amount of caster (add more positive castor for the symptom I described) and not just stop at "it is in spec, have a nice day". If you search YouTube for caster alignment, you will see some videos that explains caster and how it affects steering. They said if the vehicle won't return to center and it keeps going in the last direction, "add positive caster". I plan on bringing it to the 4x4 shop, but it won't be until late September when they have an opening. Argh. I'm not sure if this another dead end or not, but I thought I would share the info. FYI: I don't have the dead spot people are reporting. Mine drifts left and right and requires a ton of constant adjustments to keep it in lane.
Would you be able to posy a video?
They just replaced my steering box yesterday. The part number is 68250506-AD. Same problem. The dealer's tech confirmed it still has the same steering problem, so I don't want to hear "its a Jeep thing" again from the peanut gallery. No dead spot in the wheel (prior steering box didn't have a dead spot either). Still requires constant steering wheel input to keep it in lane both fast and slow speeds. Also, keeps turning into the last direction you went into and requires you to turn the steering wheel back to center, won't automatically go straight when you let go of the wheel on a flat road / parking lot, like a negative caster issue. They also checked ball join nuts, control arm torque, alignment (toe-in, camber, caster, etc.), TSB update, etc. Must drive with two hands at all times, looks like drunk driving, get honked at a lot because it looks I'm about to enter into the lane next to me. As someone said in another post, they got pulled twice by the cops because it looked like they were driving drunk. I know if a patrol car gets behind me, I will be pulled over as well. I have a print out of the dealer's service document in the glove compartment that shows the steering problem documented to show the officer. I just hope I don't get into a wreck because of this steering problem.
I tried, it's really hard to capture. Mine moves immediately, though it's a slight movement. I'll compare to my other vehicles.
Just did this and attached the service doc from my visit to the dealer.
