Replace Stabilizer? Did it fix your loose/wandering steering?

[Bowman19]

Had the stabilizer replaced two weeks back at 11k miles. They had to expedite the part. Still experiencing the issue. Not sure if colder temperatures increase the likelihood of noticeable issue or not. Really hoping something more solid comes out from FCA soon.

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[Turbo_punkn]

They are telling me the need to replace my stabilizer too. Sahara with 17k. If putting a firmer stabilizer only masks the problem, wouldnt that mean it will be putting more stress on the part that is actually causing the issue? Maybe making the problem even worse in the end?

Yes!

 

[RubiRob]

Since I went with the Falcon Nexus 2.2 on firm setting steering is marginally better. That said return to center still sucks and handling on the highway is no better.
Chewi

The return to center issue is purely because of the firm setting on the falcon, it's just how it is. I was able to fix my issues with a caster near 6 degrees and a nexus 2.2 SS. I run it on medium and I haven't had a wobble or shimmy since I installed it.

 

[Midwest22]

The return to center issue is purely because of the firm setting on the falcon, it's just how it is. I was able to fix my issues with a caster near 6 degrees and a nexus 2.2 SS. I run it on medium and I haven't had a wobble or shimmy since I installed it.

BINGO! It kills me to see all these people struggling with this issue when the solution is really simple!

1. Replace stock stabilizer with the Falcon EF 2.2 (or Fox ATS)
2. Put adjustable front LCAs on and set caster angle to 6 - 6.5 degrees <- holy grail!

Why FCA set the caster to high 4's makes NO sense to me. BTW, I test drove a Sport and ordered a Rubicon. They did NOT drive the same. Is FCA using the same LCAs for the Sport and the Rubicon, even though the Rubicons springs are longer? If so then this may explain why the caster angle is

I also recommend getting the TSB done for the steering assist and snugging up the steering bolt but doing at least the above 2 things will make you feel like you're driving a brand new vehicle (which drives down the highway as it should).

 

[LadynKy]

Had the stabilizer replaced two weeks back at 11k miles. They had to expedite the part. Still experiencing the issue. Not sure if colder temperatures increase the likelihood of noticeable issue or not. Really hoping something more solid comes out from FCA soon.

So I had the damper and that didn’t work, now they are putting another trackbar on. Any word on yours?

 

[Jaym]

New stabilizer on mine and it was a very noticeable improvement.

Build date was aug 31 I believe.

I also had the Steering config updated back in November, but the difference wasn’t as stark as the stabilizer.

 

[Jaym]

Granted..I didn’t have as much wandering, just a dead zone in the center.

 

[XJrider]

SS doesnt fix problems like this guys...

 

[Jaym]

SS doesnt fix problems like this guys...

Then they must have done something else and not included it in the notes. It’s very noticeable.

 

[XJrider]

Then they must have done something else and not included it in the notes. It’s very noticeable.

What trim and what did you have done?

 

[Jaym]

What trim and what did you have done?

Rubicon.
Had a dead zone in middle. Was able to hold a straight line for awhile.
Build date aug 31.
Took it in to dealer in November. They said they updated steering config on computer.
Felt better, but barely noticeable.
Went back in yesterday and got new SS.
Notes said they tested it, noticed dead zone.
Notes said installed new SS.
Notes said no dead zone.

Difference is definitely noticeable. Feels tighter. Quite a bit.

 

[Jaym]

Rubicon.
Had a dead zone in middle. Was able to hold a straight line for awhile.
Build date aug 31.
Took it in to dealer in November. They said they updated steering config on computer.
Felt better, but barely noticeable.
Went back in yesterday and got new SS.
Notes said they tested it, noticed dead zone.
Notes said installed new SS.
Notes said no dead zone.

Difference is definitely noticeable. Feels tighter. Quite a bit.

I want to add it feels tighter even at rest. Engine on. Not driving.

 

[XJrider]

Rubicon.
Had a dead zone in middle. Was able to hold a straight line for awhile.
Build date aug 31.
Took it in to dealer in November. They said they updated steering config on computer.
Felt better, but barely noticeable.
Went back in yesterday and got new SS.
Notes said they tested it, noticed dead zone.
Notes said installed new SS.
Notes said no dead zone.

Difference is definitely noticeable. Feels tighter. Quite a bit.

This is caster related .... the bracketry on all the axles is the same but lift and weight increases with the trim levels. This reduces caster as you go up the ladder and is accentuated by 33” tires on the final rubicon trim. As a result youll notice most of the rubicons are having most of the issues (not all). Someone post the vehicle weight differences between sport and rubicon. Unsprung weight increses with rubicon as well. Spring rates and dampeneing varys as well. Geometry all remains the SAME. For
The most part.

 

[Jaym]

This is caster related .... the bracketry on all the axles is the same but lift and weight increases with the trim levels. This reduces caster as you go up the ladder and is accentuated by 33” tires on the final rubicon trim. As a result youll notice most of the rubicons are having most of the issues (not all). Someone post the vehicle weight differences between sport and rubicon. Unsprung weight increses with rubicon as well. Spring rates and dampeneing varys as well. Geometry all remains the SAME. For
The most part.

So are you saying the dampener was designed for a lighter vehicle and the new dampener is more stiff?

 

[XJrider]

So are you saying the dampener was designed for a lighter vehicle and the new dampener is more stiff?

No im saying SS should not matter. Geometry is king in handeling.

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