Loose steering feels like it has play and drifts

[vavaroutsos]

@mischman, most materials expand with increasing temperature and contract with decreasing temperature. The only exceptions to this that I know, is when freezing where a state change occurs to a solid crystalline structure. The solid crystal structure can actually have more volume than the liquid structure. Liquids are also not compressible as are gasses. Now if somehow some are got in the hydraulic system, I could see this causing a temperature related effect as the volume of air would be greater at higher temperature, and air compresses.

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[barracj]

Well this will probably be my final report on my battle with Jeep and my dealership. We went to pick it up after driving a loaner for 3 days. They said after consulting with Jeep HQ engineers the decision was made to, in their words, "adjust the steering gear 1/4 turn". They said afterwards they detected no excessive play. Well, there is still a deadspot but it is better, maybe 60 to 70% better. I thought maybe someone else on this group could have their dealer try the same thing and see if it does the trick. The Star Case Ref # is: 1880162. I'm tired of fighting and trying to get that last 40 to 30% to have perfect steering just gives me a headache. So until Jeep comes out with a recall for this I'm going to live with what I have. I'll be interested to hear anyone else's results that tries this same fix. Best of luck to you all, and happy Jeeping!

 

[vavaroutsos]

There sure are a lot of after market power steering coolers for Wranglers when you search for it on Google. Here are just a couple on Quadratec's site: https://www.quadratec.com/categories/jeep_steering_brake_parts/steering_pumps/power-steering-coolers. Is there anything in the Uconnect system that will show the steering fluid temperature? I looked but didn't see it. If not, how can one check the steering fluid temperature without disconnecting hoses? I don't think putting a thermometer in the steering fluid reservoir would be very accurate, but I'm not sure.

Checking the temperature of the steering box housing should be pretty close to the hydraulic fluid temperature. Aluminum is a very good conductor of heat, and the steering box has fluid running though it when turning the steering wheel. So maybe turn the wheel back a forth a bunch, then check the temperature of the box.

 

[jeremyjeep]

Well this will probably be my final report on my battle with Jeep and my dealership. We went to pick it up after driving a loaner for 3 days. They said after consulting with Jeep HQ engineers the decision was made to, in their words, "adjust the steering gear 1/4 turn". They said afterwards they detected no excessive play. Well, there is still a deadspot but it is better, maybe 60 to 70% better. I thought maybe someone else on this group could have their dealer try the same thing and see if it does the trick. The Star Case Ref # is: 1880162. I'm tired of fighting and trying to get that last 40 to 30% to have perfect steering just gives me a headache. So until Jeep comes out with a recall for this I'm going to live with what I have. I'll be interested to hear anyone else's results that tries this same fix. Best of luck to you all, and happy Jeeping!

Thanks for the Star case info. Does your steering cooperate any different when the temperature outside is in the low 70s vs the high 80s?

 

[vavaroutsos]

I just checked the lash in my steering box over the complete range from stop to stop. It is tightest on center and gets progressively looser at each stop. At the stops there is about twice as much lash as on center. Being a new Jeep, I wouldn't expect to have worn bearings, recirculating balls, or any other issues that could cause excessive lash. The fact that the lash increases at the stops indicates that at least some portion (if not all) of the lash is coming from the gear mesh. It's typical for the center of the rack and sector shaft to have tighter tolerance than at the stops so the vehicle doesn't wander. Here's a link for those that want more info on how the steering box works. Note that the box on the Jeep uses a ballscrew.

 

[Holymoly1963]

One more thing to consider. I have a Sahara and i'm sure this effects the Rubicon too right? If so, this might discount the tires as the issue since they are different?

I have a sport s with Michelins and the steering sucks. Why do we have to solve this problem in the first place? We didn't make the Jeep ourselves.

 

[x8086]

Agreed.

Now... what do I do with rusty looking welds with holes and pits? One battle at a time I guess.

Just think. I traded a perfectly good 17' Raptor with no issues for this. Not angry at all, just determined to hold them accountable and have some Jeep fun at the same time.

 

[Jlrut]

Update

UPDATE: I picked my 2 door up this afternoon and really can’t believe it. They’ve got to replace the steering box again. Why you Ask? Because they replaced the first one with an identical steering box and not the new updated one. I never spoke to the Technical Advisor that FCA sent so I don’t know all the details. Plus my service rep was out today. I’ll update as I have more info.

UPDATE AGAIN: my service rep called this morning to say they wanted to check the tow and alignment. that there was nothing else they could do. I said to him that his counterpart that I spoke to on Friday said something totally different. He said he'd check and call me back.

Well he just called back and is sticking with his story. Says the Technical Advisor from FCA told him that FCA is working on a fix. No time frame, etc. probably just stalling. He did say the TA did drive mine and agrees it is not right. Wants me to bring it in and so on. Same thing others on this thread have said. I'll bring it in and give let them do as they wish. The key for me is "it is still their problem" and I they should fix it, and hope they will. In the meantime, it someone else comes up with a new steering box or whatever, I'll likely look into it.

Now, just hurry up and wait.

 

[jeremyjeep]

Update from early post: I just got back from my test drive at 2:45pm ET. Outside temp is 93 per Uconnect display. Problem confirmed, it drives like total crap when it is hotter outside. - constant steering wheel changes to keep it in lane. I also drove it at around 8am ET today. Temp outside per the Uconnect system was 79 and it drove great, not 100%, but probably 90% - I would be happy at 90%. Prediction: FCA will finally fly in a rep in during the cold months and say "It drives fine. Case closed". Yeah, no s*it f*cking Sherlock.

 

[fat_head]

Update


UPDATE AGAIN: my service rep called this morning to say they wanted to check the tow and alignment. that there was nothing else they could do. I said to him that his counterpart that I spoke to on Friday said something totally different. He said he'd check and call me back.

Well he just called back and is sticking with his story. Says the Technical Advisor from FCA told him that FCA is working on a fix. No time frame, etc. probably just stalling. He did say the TA did drive mine and agrees it is not right. Wants me to bring it in and so on. Same thing others on this thread have said. I'll bring it in and give let them do as they wish. The key for me is "it is still their problem" and I they should fix it, and hope they will. In the meantime, it someone else comes up with a new steering box or whatever, I'll likely look into it.

Now, just hurry up and wait.

As long as Jeep/FCA acknowledges that there is a problem and are working on a fix, I'm ok with this. I'm hearing the same thing from my service rep at the dealer.

 

[jeremyjeep]

Do we have fluid in any part of our suspension?

The only thing i can think of its the steering box or tires getting harder with cold.

Is there any fluid in the steering stabilizer that could be affected by warmer temperatures?

 

[vavaroutsos]

Is there any fluid in the steering stabilizer that could be affected by warmer temperatures?

Yes, most shocks use some type of oil for dampening.

 

[Haines_GT]

FCA is working on a fix you say?

I’ve heard that many times in my life from many sources. Usually means see you in a long time from now with an answer.

I don’t have mine yet but I believe I will be able to tell right or wrong. Never drove a jeep so I certainly won’t be biased,

I hope i dont have these issues.

 

[jeremyjeep]

Yes, most shocks use some type of oil for dampening.

Is it possible / likely that the steering stabilizer could be the cause for those of us who have temperature sensitive related steering issues? Or highly unlikely?

 

[Jarhead1962]

I bought my wife a new Rubicon JL and I drove it the other day and it seems to have some play in the steering and feels like I am constantly trying to correct the direction we are traveling. I thought it was out of alignment but I went and drove another one and it felt the same way. Is anyone else feel this issue and is it just the way it is or is it just a jeep thing? We just sold our 2013 JKU and it was like that too but I expected improved steering on the new JL model. I would like to hear other peoples thoughts about this steering play or drifting feeling. O by the way, She loves her new ride!

Hey nice choice in the Jeep I bought my wife the same model and color. We have had it a week and as most have said it’s scary at 70mph+ speeds it moves all over the lane and if you’re not paying attention it will be in the wrong lane before you know it. My air pressure is 43psi on BFG all Terrain T/A K02 285 x 17. Unlike some of these Macho men replies indicating you should suck it up or a jeeps not for you attitude. This is my 3rd Jeep and none have driven like this one. You don’t spend $50k on a completely factory stock vehicle and have these aftermarket add on caused problems. This Jeep has factory 285 17” tires. I have a 1999 rock cawler with a 12” lift and 35” tires that moves around like it’s on the dance floor but not a stock vehicle. This is not our daily driver and don’t expect to have to get used to driving it the way it is. Will most like add steering stabilizer and adjust the air to make it work. Oh and for all the post that say with a straight axle this is how it handles nothing you can do about it remarks. I have a 1988 Samari and a Toyota pickup both solid front axles and don’t have this problem!

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