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Steering Damper replacement recall - successful?

RBJ

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I got the alert mentioning I have a recall regarding fixing the Steering Damper.

I have a 2019 Moab. Yes, I used to experience a very unsteady & shaky drive when my tires PSI were high after I bought the car from the lot. Ever since bringing the PSI down, the steering has significantly improved. At high speeds 70mph+, it can get unsteady. But, I rarely ever exceed speeds of 70mph.

Iā€™m not sure if Iā€™ve just adapted to the ā€œloose steeringā€ of the JL, or if it just doesnā€™t even exist.

My question is, to those who got the steering damper recall, did it help?

Feedback on whether I should even bother getting the damper/stabilizer fixed?

Feedback is appreciated!
My damper replacement for V41 recall fixed the wobble. Steering feels much tighter now driving. Also, the dealer did a PCM flash on my Jeep Wrangler Rubicon in conjunction with replacing the steering damper. Recommend you get the repair.
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TonyC

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For yā€™all that had your V41 recall done, (steering damper replaced). Did the dealership also flash your pcm?

I replaced my steering damper way before the recall and my wandering issues and loose steering were unaffected. When I got the recall notice, I brought my 19jl rubicon to dealer and told them about the loose steering. Well, they flashed my pcm and Iā€™ll be damned, my rig tracks straight, no wandering, and tight steering. No shit!
When you say they flashed your PCM are you talking about just re-boot/re-set or was there a specific update that they applied? Would appreciate any additional information.
 

Crumpzula

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I would get death wobble over this one bump on my way home at 50mph. I jlhad the dealer change the damper bushing and so far less than 2 months it is fine.
 

2ndGenJeepGirls

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I never noticed an issue with mine prior, and I have a bit of a lead foot. Iā€™m used to a lot of play, as the TJ is all over. Just got home from (trying to) pick it up from having the recall done and got the death wobble on the highway about 2 miles from the dealership.
Needless to say Iā€™m pissed. Turned around, dropped it back off and will see what they can break this time. I guess my question is... should I be concerned that there could be damage now to the front end from them actually doing something to cause a wicked death wobble? Iā€™m thinking they put the damper on backwards. Ugh
 

Nik H

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I've had mine on for a week and a half and I can say I can really tell a difference. Now, personally, the previous steering play did not bother me. Hell, I even taught my daughter to drive and she used the JL to take her driver's license test (and passed). I've had my Jeep since Christmas, and when I picked it up after the recall I could tell a difference just driving in the parking lot! There's very little play in the steering, where as before I probably had a good 2-3 inches (an inch to inch and a half either side of center).

Am I happy with it? I guess so. I was fine before. Will it last? Meh, I'm not worried about it, honestly. If I don't like how it feels later, I'll just do as @Roky and others have done and go aftermarket. But nothing wrong with taking it to your dealer and see for yourself:like:
This is exactly my experience as well. I even got my JLUR at Christmas as well
 

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JeepCares

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I never noticed an issue with mine prior, and I have a bit of a lead foot. Iā€™m used to a lot of play, as the TJ is all over. Just got home from (trying to) pick it up from having the recall done and got the death wobble on the highway about 2 miles from the dealership.
Needless to say Iā€™m pissed. Turned around, dropped it back off and will see what they can break this time. I guess my question is... should I be concerned that there could be damage now to the front end from them actually doing something to cause a wicked death wobble? Iā€™m thinking they put the damper on backwards. Ugh
Hi 2ndGenJeepGirls,

I sincerely apologize for the trouble you are experiencing. If it would be of interest, I would be more than happy to get your situation formally documented and connect you with a Case Manager who can provide an additional layer of assistance for the rest of the process. Please follow up with us via PM to get started.

Mark
Jeep Social Care Specialist
 

jeepdogjl

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I got the alert mentioning I have a recall regarding fixing the Steering Damper.

I have a 2019 Moab. Yes, I used to experience a very unsteady & shaky drive when my tires PSI were high after I bought the car from the lot. Ever since bringing the PSI down, the steering has significantly improved. At high speeds 70mph+, it can get unsteady. But, I rarely ever exceed speeds of 70mph.

Iā€™m not sure if Iā€™ve just adapted to the ā€œloose steeringā€ of the JL, or if it just doesnā€™t even exist.

My question is, to those who got the steering damper recall, did it help?

Feedback on whether I should even bother getting the damper/stabilizer fixed?

Feedback is appreciated!
I haven't had any steering issues with my JL and I have a 2.5 inch lift and 35-inch tires. I went to the dealer for my free oil change and they also changed the damper. I haven't noticed any change in the way it drives. I don't think that's the solution to the problem. I think the problem is the bad track bar mount welds. My Jeep was produced in October 2018 that's after Jeep knew there was a problem with the welds. the Jeeps having steering issues are earlier production. Rusty's Off-Road makes a track bar mount brace it goes over the brace and is mounted to the frame by the 4 bolts that hold the steering gear on. They are only $99 I'm going to put one on my Jeep to make sure I don't have any problems.
 

TonyC

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I agree with you. I had this recall done and the steering is worse. I have way more play (dead center spot) now.
 

Leights7

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Hi. Is anybody here from Canada and has received the rebate for an aftermarket steering stabilizer?
 

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turbosix

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Can I just get the dealer to give me the new damper so I can install it myself? Just got the recall notice and I think it's fine lol. Don't want anyone making it worse lololol.

(Yes I know this isn't happening)
 

PaPasJP

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Had this done about 3 weeks ago and I can definitely say the overall feel of the steering is wrong.

Before the Jeep would track down the road straight although I had about 2 inches of wheel play it would feel like it was stable even at 80,

Now, it wanders in the lane even at 40 so I have to continue to adjust the steering or it would go out of the lane.

The bumps and twists that the stabilizer is supposed to fix, can't feel any difference.

I took it yesterday to have an alignment at my mechanic and their comment was the play in the steering wheel is excessive and needs to be fixed. They found the shaft into the gearbox from the steering wheel has all of the play and nothing in the other parts.

They can't get the steering wheel straight due to the play And we adjusted it 4 times to try.

I am having the tires checked this morning and when it comes back good I will be talking to the dealer about this.

Yea, yea, I know they won't do much but I do have a good rapport with them and I think they will genuinely try to help me.

More as I find out solutions as I can't continue with this wandering.

I will also have @JeepCares look into this and hopefully get something done.
 

JeepCares

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Had this done about 3 weeks ago and I can definitely say the overall feel of the steering is wrong.

Before the Jeep would track down the road straight although I had about 2 inches of wheel play it would feel like it was stable even at 80,

Now, it wanders in the lane even at 40 so I have to continue to adjust the steering or it would go out of the lane.

The bumps and twists that the stabilizer is supposed to fix, can't feel any difference.

I took it yesterday to have an alignment at my mechanic and their comment was the play in the steering wheel is excessive and needs to be fixed. They found the shaft into the gearbox from the steering wheel has all of the play and nothing in the other parts.

They can't get the steering wheel straight due to the play And we adjusted it 4 times to try.

I am having the tires checked this morning and when it comes back good I will be talking to the dealer about this.

Yea, yea, I know they won't do much but I do have a good rapport with them and I think they will genuinely try to help me.

More as I find out solutions as I can't continue with this wandering.

I will also have @JeepCares look into this and hopefully get something done.
Hi PaPasJP,

I'm very sorry to hear of the steering concerns you are now experiencing. Given your situation, I would be happy to escalate a case on your behalf and get you connected with a case specialist for an additional layer of assistance as you work to address this with your dealer. Please follow up with me via PM to proceed in this manner.

Mark
Jeep Social Care Specialist
 

flyingmonkey

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I will preface by saying that I didnā€™t experience any issue prior to the recall. My steering felt fine. After the the installation, steering felt tighter and I went with it. I wasnā€™t used to it, but thought Iā€™d give it some miles and see. I find that on local roads I have to continually adjust the wheel. It seems to stick whichever way I go and Iā€™m constantly adjusting back to center. It feels like it has a minor wandering issue and small dead spot. There is minimal wheel play off center, perhaps 1ā€ total. It also seems to favor the right, but Iā€™m not 100% that itā€™s due to road crown. It may or may not be.
Highway seems better with less required and distinct adjustments.
I hope that helps.
Is yours similar?
Thanks.
 

flyingmonkey

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Gary,
Iā€™ll need to address this, but it is second in line to my USB/UConnect problems. Iā€™m in for service next week and Iā€™ll see what they say about this, too.
Thanks.
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