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Loose steering feels like it has play and drifts

Martindfletcher

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I called the Tazer mfg a while ago and they said that it only disables the steering pump error codes from the computer. It doesn’t allow you to make any steering pump sensitivity adjustments. I suggested that they add this feature. Did they?
As far as I know it just allows you to replace electric with belt driven pump.
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Encycloman

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As far as I know it just allows you to replace electric with belt driven pump.
Did not bother. The Wrangler drives like a dream, no more driving like a bumper car. I'd post a short video, but this system won't let me
 

roaniecowpony

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You will need luck too this MIGHT fix it. 22 other variables and more money likely to follow.
That kit does not include a steering box. So, on one hand, people are reporting play in the steering box (and videos that show it) and this alternative hydraulic power source was the cure for one person's problem. The PSC complete kit upgrades have steering boxes as well as the pump/cooler/hoses/etc., but are $3k.

Before I start throwing thousands of dollars at this, I'm going to have to put a little more effort into diagnosing the looseness. I'll start with the easy stuff, check torques, each rod end in the system for play, ball joints steering column and finally the steering box. If the box has play and I adjust it and worse case: It starts having problems, they are only $460 online. But I've adjusted a handful of steering boxes on my vehicles and others on occasion over the past 40 years and never had issues. The issue is usually adjusting a badly worn box to tighten it up. The internal gear segments wear most at the centered position and nearly nothing at the limits. You tighten it at the center and it binds at the limits. You can break a box in extreme cases. Since my JL has only 5K miles, I'm not worried about wear, in the event I decide to adjust it.
 

jeepfan30

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So I have had my 2020 JLUR for about a week now and in my opinion, this MY is affected by the same steering dead spot problems. Coming from a 2016 JKU, that jeep did not have any issues with the steering at all. Now the 2020 might not be as bad as others, especially the 2018's from videos that I've seen, but the 2020 is still FAR from perfect, at least mine is. I've let 3 other people drive the jeep including my wife without ever mentioning the steering and it took her a whole 2 minutes of driving to ask "Whats wrong with the steering on this thing?" Below is a clip of the steering if you want to judge for yourself.

Mine is better than that now that I have torqued all the steering, got the updated track bar, V41 recall and adjusted the steering box set screw. I don’t even think about steering when I drive now. Good luck.

I didn’t want to adjust the set screw, but after 4 trips to two different dealerships, all said the play was normal and never bothered to test drive a comparable JL. JeepCares has been involved since the beginning, I’m not quite sure how they are helping this process?
 

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JeepCares

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@TDS where can I find instructions how to adjust the steer box?

@Martindfletcher does PSC hydro need a specialist off-road shop. I guess I can ask PCS if they know someone in Ga or Alabama

@JeepCares id go in half in on a new AE if you can get my dealer to install it.
Hi kobejo34,
If you would like to be connected with a case specialist to work with you and your dealer throughout the repair process, please feel free to send us a private message!

So I have had my 2020 JLUR for about a week now and in my opinion, this MY is affected by the same steering dead spot problems. Coming from a 2016 JKU, that jeep did not have any issues with the steering at all. Now the 2020 might not be as bad as others, especially the 2018's from videos that I've seen, but the 2020 is still FAR from perfect, at least mine is. I've let 3 other people drive the jeep including my wife without ever mentioning the steering and it took her a whole 2 minutes of driving to ask "Whats wrong with the steering on this thing?" Below is a clip of the steering if you want to judge for yourself.

Hi autofire87,
We regret to hear that you are experiencing a steering concern with your new JL. If you plan to have your dealer address this, please feel free to send our team a private message and we would be happy to have this documented and looked into further by a case specialist.

Alex
Jeep Social Care Specialist
 

MrSahara19

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I was going to start a new thread about how impressed I am with the steering damper recall fix - Had it done this past weekend and got on the highway today (not a highway daily driver at all) and to backtrack when I first purchased the Jeep at around 70mph there was a noticeable shudder - however I am excited to say today was doing about 80-90 and never even realized how fast I was going because it was so freaking buttery smooth!! And the wondering well it feels more centered if that makes sense no more boat side to side wondering if its me or my driving skills
 

JeepRider10

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All,
If you are having issues with loose steering as I am and feel the vehicle is on the dangerous side to drive please log into the website I am listing below and file a complaint. Jeep will not fix the issue unless we get some help. The website is for the Nathional Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It may take a little bit but they will get back to you and the more they hear about the issue the better chance there is that they will look into it. Jeep has been allowed to skirt this issue for too long. I for one am tired of getting the "its a jeep thing" and "the wrangler was designed to have 4 inches of dead space in the steering" BS from Jeep. I would go ahead and take the beating and sell my 2019 JLUR (June build) but I feel I need to do everything possible as I could not in good consious sell this vehicle to an unsuspecting person until it is clearly proven to me that the vehcile is designed to have a huge dead spot in the middle of the steering.

www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov

Please if you are having the issue log on and fill in the complaint. It only takes about 3 to 5 mins. You will need you VIN number and an copy of any service records or other documentation as you can upload documents for them to review as well. I provided my service records from 2 service departments that said " could not duplicate issue, vehicle is driving as designed" and then the 3rd service department that found the vechile to be out of alignment. Which helped but not fixed the wandering all over the lane issue but did nothing to improve on the 3" to 4" of dead space in the steering.

Anyway good luck all, lets hope we can get some help in getting Jeep to step up and fix this issue. I do agree with others that have stated, if somebody could identify the issue I would even pay out of my pocket to get it fixed.
 

jmcdtucson

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So the fix is to buy a $1400 steering kit? damn. lol.
Well the price seems to have come down from $3000 - so, progress.
 

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roaniecowpony

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Still having problems with mine. Heading back to the dealer again tomorrow. They are replacing the track bar and steering stabilizer.
Just my opinion from my perspective, I don't see either of those components as contributing to the looseness of the steering. But the steering stabilizer will damp out some things.
 

Vezfly

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Mine is better than that now that I have torqued all the steering, got the updated track bar, V41 recall and adjusted the steering box set screw. I don’t even think about steering when I drive now. Good luck.

I didn’t want to adjust the set screw, but after 4 trips to two different dealerships, all said the play was normal and never bothered to test drive a comparable JL. JeepCares has been involved since the beginning, I’m not quite sure how they are helping this process?
How do you adjust set screw?
 

kobejo34

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All,
If you are having issues with loose steering as I am and feel the vehicle is on the dangerous side to drive please log into the website I am listing below and file a complaint. Jeep will not fix the issue unless we get some help. The website is for the Nathional Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It may take a little bit but they will get back to you and the more they hear about the issue the better chance there is that they will look into it. Jeep has been allowed to skirt this issue for too long. I for one am tired of getting the "its a jeep thing" and "the wrangler was designed to have 4 inches of dead space in the steering" BS from Jeep. I would go ahead and take the beating and sell my 2019 JLUR (June build) but I feel I need to do everything possible as I could not in good consious sell this vehicle to an unsuspecting person until it is clearly proven to me that the vehcile is designed to have a huge dead spot in the middle of the steering.

www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov

Please if you are having the issue log on and fill in the complaint. It only takes about 3 to 5 mins. You will need you VIN number and an copy of any service records or other documentation as you can upload documents for them to review as well. I provided my service records from 2 service departments that said " could not duplicate issue, vehicle is driving as designed" and then the 3rd service department that found the vechile to be out of alignment. Which helped but not fixed the wandering all over the lane issue but did nothing to improve on the 3" to 4" of dead space in the steering.

Anyway good luck all, lets hope we can get some help in getting Jeep to step up and fix this issue. I do agree with others that have stated, if somebody could identify the issue I would even pay out of my pocket to get it fixed.

Thanks I just filed. The key to happens is low expectations so I'm happy.
 

JeepCares

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Still having problems with mine. Heading back to the dealer again tomorrow. They are replacing the track bar and steering stabilizer.
Hi jforse,

Please keep us updated on your dealer visit. If it would be of interest, we'd be happy to have your situation documented and looked into further by one of our case specialists. We're just a PM away.

Mark
Jeep Social Care Specialist
 

powelld353

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Kind of my point. They should be contacting me to update me when something changes or the original timeline changes. Part of their job I would imagine. If it wasn't for me contacting them I would have no information at all.
And the saga continues. Another new ETA for the steering gear box, no word from FCA or the dealership until I call them. Getting very frustrated with waiting and even more frustrated with the complete lack of follow through with the dealer and FCA. Why do I have to be the one calling when the date changes for the 4th time? Only silver lining is they told me it's an AE version of the steering gear box for my 2 door. Not holding my breath on if that's true until I see it.
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