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Steering wheel wobble?

ChattVol

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13k miles on my jlus and steering has been vibrating a good bit and had 1st DW experience 3 weeks ago at 45mph after driving over a small bump on a busy 4 lane road. I hit the brakes hard and it went away at 25mph. I was shook up after it and called my axle shop to look at it because they're closer and could look at it quicker than Jeep.. They retorqued my steering related bolts, checked allignment and made sure axles are centered. They adjusted the front axle a bit and said caster is at 6.0. Since then, I've still been having vibrations and shimmy over certain bumps, but no DW. I checked the oem SS and it did have some inconsistent resistance in a spot that felt like a dead spot. I checked the part # on the SS and it was X064M1, which the 064 is less than 257, so it falls under the needs replacement category. After reading about all the repeated failed oem SS issues and it being time consuming going to jeep, I ordered a Metalcloak SS, bur fear this is a bandaid. I dont want to spend $1000+ on a Yeti steersmart draglink/tie rod/track bar.

Are others finding that having the steering box replaced by jeep has helped? @JeepCares will you please help me fix the root cause and not just replace the SS?
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Chewbacca2264

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13k miles on my jlus and steering has been vibrating a good bit and had 1st DW experience 3 weeks ago at 45mph after driving over a small bump on a busy 4 lane road. I hit the brakes hard and it went away at 25mph. I was shook up after it and called my axle shop to look at it because they're closer and could look at it quicker than Jeep.. They retorqued my steering related bolts, checked allignment and made sure axles are centered. They adjusted the front axle a bit and said caster is at 6.0. Since then, I've still been having vibrations and shimmy over certain bumps, but no DW. I checked the oem SS and it did have some inconsistent resistance in a spot that felt like a dead spot. I checked the part # on the SS and it was X064M1, which the 064 is less than 257, so it falls under the needs replacement category. After reading about all the repeated failed oem SS issues and it being time consuming going to jeep, I ordered a Metalcloak SS, bur fear this is a bandaid. I dont want to spend $1000+ on a Yeti steersmart draglink/tie rod/track bar.

Are others finding that having the steering box replaced by jeep has helped? @JeepCares will you please help me fix the root cause and not just replace the SS?
My Jeep is basically done with new steering gear at the dealer. Will update after I drive it. I hope I got a steering box that is in spec!
 

ChattVol

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My Jeep is basically done with new steering gear at the dealer. Will update after I drive it. I hope I got a steering box that is in spec!
I'm going to ask my dealer about a steering box today today. Are you lifted and on bigger tires? I'm on a RK 2.5" lift with 315/70/17 ko2's...have a adjustable trackbar and longer fixed LCA's. If a new gear box and Metalcloak SS doesnt work, I'll probably shell out $ for a Yeti drag link and tie rod to go with the RK trackbar. I'm tired of messing with the steering.

Previous to this, I had brought it to dealer twice for loose steering before it was lifted. The steering software flash helped a bit.
 

szobell

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My Jeep is basically done with new steering gear at the dealer. Will update after I drive it. I hope I got a steering box that is in spec!
Dealer just called and my steering box replacement is done today as well. I am in the Caribbean so I won’t be able to drive it until Sunday to see if it fixed something.

I look forward to hearing your results today.

Fingers crossed!!
 

JeepCares

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13k miles on my jlus and steering has been vibrating a good bit and had 1st DW experience 3 weeks ago at 45mph after driving over a small bump on a busy 4 lane road. I hit the brakes hard and it went away at 25mph. I was shook up after it and called my axle shop to look at it because they're closer and could look at it quicker than Jeep.. They retorqued my steering related bolts, checked allignment and made sure axles are centered. They adjusted the front axle a bit and said caster is at 6.0. Since then, I've still been having vibrations and shimmy over certain bumps, but no DW. I checked the oem SS and it did have some inconsistent resistance in a spot that felt like a dead spot. I checked the part # on the SS and it was X064M1, which the 064 is less than 257, so it falls under the needs replacement category. After reading about all the repeated failed oem SS issues and it being time consuming going to jeep, I ordered a Metalcloak SS, bur fear this is a bandaid. I dont want to spend $1000+ on a Yeti steersmart draglink/tie rod/track bar.

Are others finding that having the steering box replaced by jeep has helped? @JeepCares will you please help me fix the root cause and not just replace the SS?
Hi ChattVol,
We're very sorry that you haven't found a solution to this concern yet. We are happy to assist you with this to see if there's anything we can do on our end to help. Please send us a private message.
Lydia
Jeep Social Care Specialist
 

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RPerson

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I agree with your mechanic. When I had my #2 stabilizer put on, I could feel it “try to wobble” but stop because the stabilizer. Something is not right if it is starting to wobble and the stabilizer just stops the harmonic from progressing. It shouldn’t start to begin with.
Same. I'm on replacement #2 and I can feel that it really wants to wobble, but presumably the SS keeps it from doing so. There's got to be an underlying problem which I'm just waiting for Jeep to actually identify and do something about.
 

Chewbacca2264

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Just picked the Jeep up from the dealer, drove it about 10 miles in 10 degree weather. Needless to say it does not even feel like the same vehicle. The steering is so tight and the wheels respond so well that I did not even test it further. I figure I will wait for the warmer weather the next few days and then put some miles on it to verify that this is the fix. I will say this, the steering is CONSIDERABLY firmer with this box with the Falcon set on medium than my steering was with the screw turned in 3/16 of a turn and the Falcon on firm with the original gear box. I am trying to temper my enthusiasm due to the fact that it is still very cold, but honestly I walked in to the house with a big a$$ smile on my face! The wife reminded me that my steering was always much better under 20 degrees, so I really need to wait and see until I pronounce this fixed. Gut feeling though is that this is the fix I have been looking for since day 1. I am very fortunate that the service manger took the time to listen to me last week and was willing to push this fix, the May 8 date on the original STAR case for the steering gear is a joke. My build is mid June and the proof is in the pudding. FCA needs to expand this STAR case so that Jeepers whose service manager's are not as receptive as mine can get this taken care of. I will test this further in warmer weather and report back.....so far so good.


Chewi
 

ChattVol

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Just picked the Jeep up from the dealer, drove it about 10 miles in 10 degree weather. Needless to say it does not even feel like the same vehicle. The steering is so tight and the wheels respond so well that I did not even test it further. I figure I will wait for the warmer weather the next few days and then put some miles on it to verify that this is the fix. I will say this, the steering is CONSIDERABLY firmer with this box with the Falcon set on medium than my steering was with the screw turned in 3/16 of a turn and the Falcon on firm with the original gear box. I am trying to temper my enthusiasm due to the fact that it is still very cold, but honestly I walked in to the house with a big a$$ smile on my face! The wife reminded me that my steering was always much better under 20 degrees, so I really need to wait and see until I pronounce this fixed. Gut feeling though is that this is the fix I have been looking for since day 1. I am very fortunate that the service manger took the time to listen to me last week and was willing to push this fix, the May 8 date on the original STAR case for the steering gear is a joke. My build is mid June and the proof is in the pudding. FCA needs to expand this STAR case so that Jeepers whose service manager's are not as receptive as mine can get this taken care of. I will test this further in warmer weather and report back.....so far so good.


Chewi
Glad to hear! I have an appt on Monday with dealer and will share your story and push for a steering box. Please update on the status.
 

Chewbacca2264

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Glad to hear! I have an appt on Monday with dealer and will share your story and push for a steering box. Please update on the status.
I will definitely update once I drive it some more. I worked on the service manager at my dealer, discussion on the STAR case for builds before May 8. Overview of symptoms, showed them the delayed response in the front wheels turning when the steering wheel was moved. Then explained the theory my buddy and I came up with that all of the steering issues stem from steering box not in spec. There is simply not enough tension on the wheels with some of the gear boxes in our Jeeps.....this is the key in my opinion. Luckily my service manager was willing to roll the dice, they replaced the junk box and looks good so far. Now fingers crossed that this one cures the problem for good.
 

RDT300

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I will definitely update once I drive it some more. I worked on the service manager at my dealer, discussion on the STAR case for builds before May 8. Overview of symptoms, showed them the delayed response in the front wheels turning when the steering wheel was moved. Then explained the theory my buddy and I came up with that all of the steering issues stem from steering box not in spec. There is simply not enough tension on the wheels with some of the gear boxes in our Jeeps.....this is the key in my opinion. Luckily my service manager was willing to roll the dice, they replaced the junk box and looks good so far. Now fingers crossed that this one cures the problem for good.
Would you mind posting copies of your paperwork or the part number of steering box for others to take to their service departments??
 

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Chewbacca2264

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Would you mind posting copies of your paperwork or the part number of steering box for others to take to their service departments??
I was so pumped to drive the Jeep I didn't even look at the paperwork. Will look tomorrow ad see what they gave me.
 

Chewbacca2264

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So 40 miles of testing with ambient temps approaching 30, steering is much better. With the increased temps I did put the Falcon back up to firm setting for best results. I would say that this thing is now about 85% of what I expected. The wheel is much tighter and the sloppy feel and constant sawing of the wheel is long gone. Still there is a vague feel to the steering that is hard to explain. First I had the toe set 1/16 past spec, when they checked my Jeep over after the install they put it back to spec, so I may need to increase toe a bit. Also I am running a tire that is not as firm as most folks so I have more sidewall flex, that was intentional and was something that I did on one of my JK's. Bottom line is my off road use consists of getting to my hunting and fishing spots and I can accomplish that with my chosen tire. It allows me to run a tire year round in the crazy weather we get here in central NY. All said I have some playing to do, but there is absolutely no sign of vibration or wobble through the wheel. In the end I may now admit that this vague steering is a Jeep thing, as there is not much more for me to do. A bolt kit will go in when the weather breaks, a bit more toe and I will play with tire pressure a bit. I still believe that my issues were 90% the gear box, this box is much better and gives a much better feel. I guess all said I still prefer my JK in the steering department and kind of wish that we had the ability to adjust the steering, as a slightly firmer box or less steer assist would still make me happy, though this is the best it has been so I feel like I need to log some miles in all sorts of road conditions before I say much more. I checked my paper work and all I got was simple receipt, there was not a write up like some of the guys have gotten. Nothing has posted to my Mopar account so maybe it will show up. The part number on the steering box is 68250506AD, if that helps anyone.

Chewi

 

szobell

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Ok - do not have a ton of mileage on mine yet with the new steering box - it is much tighter of a feel from what i could see in my limited driving today.

Tomorrow is my regular 60 mile round trip commute - I'll report back after that as I know of 3-4 places i can reproduce it at will on my drive each way.

Attached is the copy of my write-up from the service. (not sure why i blacked out my VIN - i just see others do it <G>)

IMG_1192.jpg
 

Kadonny

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So 40 miles of testing with ambient temps approaching 30, steering is much better. With the increased temps I did put the Falcon back up to firm setting for best results. I would say that this thing is now about 85% of what I expected. The wheel is much tighter and the sloppy feel and constant sawing of the wheel is long gone. Still there is a vague feel to the steering that is hard to explain. First I had the toe set 1/16 past spec, when they checked my Jeep over after the install they put it back to spec, so I may need to increase toe a bit. Also I am running a tire that is not as firm as most folks so I have more sidewall flex, that was intentional and was something that I did on one of my JK's. Bottom line is my off road use consists of getting to my hunting and fishing spots and I can accomplish that with my chosen tire. It allows me to run a tire year round in the crazy weather we get here in central NY. All said I have some playing to do, but there is absolutely no sign of vibration or wobble through the wheel. In the end I may now admit that this vague steering is a Jeep thing, as there is not much more for me to do. A bolt kit will go in when the weather breaks, a bit more toe and I will play with tire pressure a bit. I still believe that my issues were 90% the gear box, this box is much better and gives a much better feel. I guess all said I still prefer my JK in the steering department and kind of wish that we had the ability to adjust the steering, as a slightly firmer box or less steer assist would still make me happy, though this is the best it has been so I feel like I need to log some miles in all sorts of road conditions before I say much more. I checked my paper work and all I got was simple receipt, there was not a write up like some of the guys have gotten. Nothing has posted to my Mopar account so maybe it will show up. The part number on the steering box is 68250506AD, if that helps anyone.

Chewi

Ditto on the Falcon Nexus, the wobble is entirely gone. Now is it gone forever? Not sure.

I set my Falcon up to firm and didn't really dig it. I can see it's use on the highway though, especially if you are taking a longer trip. It's amazing the difference between the Falcon and the OEM.
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