Government to look into steering issues

[JFox97]

I have a JLR (in the shop now for a new steering box). Our modded JKUR was much better to drive. Good luck in getting yours fixed.

I have always dreamed of having a Jeep but had to exhaust my desire of driving motorcycles and sport cars on bad Pennsylvania roads. I have always road motorcycles to work rain or shine and in the cold down to 20 degree days (with no electrics). I am about the driving experience not the act of driving to get from point A to B, me I live in a box and work in a box riding was a way to be out of the boxes and being alive on each mile, for reasons I walked away from motorcycles on the road and on the track. I searched for a vehicle the would again provide enjoyment on all miles traveled, the goal is to be topless as much as feasibly possible and to start a new adventure off-road. I think the Jeep is the best option and even convinced the wife of that. Not afraid of but actually looking forward to a rougher handling vehicle to be integrated into the driving experience. Have a 2020, 2 door, 6 speed manual; pretty loaded soft top Rubicon sitting at KZ the past three days. Reading input from those who have had older Jeeps but have concerns on the steering capabilities of the JL gives me reason to pause on the excitement to join the long awaited Jeep world with a JL. I could also go with a low mileage older and used Jeep? As I indicated I think “that’s how a Jeep drives” and it’s ability to convert into multiple configurations is the desire, thoughts?

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[RagTopDeluxe]

Tell us more. How were they able to determine the steering box needed to be replaced? Very curious to see if it is a new part number and if it helps.

Oh it’s a long story....

This is how the tech is supposed to test for looseness in the steering box:
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...els-like-it-has-play-and-drifts.3691/page-279

It is referenced in this star case:
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...o-help-cure-steering-issues-68394087aa.25299/

My Jeep is in for steering issues for the fourth time (including the V41). The first time was after two weeks. The third time was a couple weeks ago and they replaced the pitman arm, which made it worse. I took it back a day later and with the involvement of Jeep Cares, they opened a technical case, which means that the FCA engineers got involved and based on the steering box testing determined that it was “out of spec” and needed to be replaced.


As I’ve stated elsewhere, I’ve had wandering, which was helped by longer LCAs to get the caster to 6. Fixing the toe also helped that. I replaced the V41 damper with the Falcon 2.2, which I love for the firmer turning. It didn’t address the play (nor did I expect it to). Tightening the sway links helped the looseness a lot. The Steer Smarts trackbar helped the overall feel.

However, the play is still a big issue and I’m very curious and hopeful to see if the box will help. I’ve been posting updates in the loose steering thread and will post results with the part number. I hope to have my Jeep back Wednesday.

 

[RagTopDeluxe]

I have always dreamed of having a Jeep but had to exhaust my desire of driving motorcycles and sport cars on bad Pennsylvania roads. I have always road motorcycles to work rain or shine and in the cold down to 20 degree days (with no electrics). I am about the driving experience not the act of driving to get from point A to B, me I live in a box and work in a box riding was a way to be out of the boxes and being alive on each mile, for reasons I walked away from motorcycles on the road and on the track. I searched for a vehicle the would again provide enjoyment on all miles traveled, the goal is to be topless as much as feasibly possible and to start a new adventure off-road. I think the Jeep is the best option and even convinced the wife of that. Not afraid of but actually looking forward to a rougher handling vehicle to be integrated into the driving experience. Have a 2020, 2 door, 6 speed manual; pretty loaded soft top Rubicon sitting at KZ the past three days. Reading input from those who have had older Jeeps but have concerns on the steering capabilities of the JL gives me reason to pause on the excitement to join the long awaited Jeep world with a JL. I could also go with a low mileage older and used Jeep? As I indicated I think “that’s how a Jeep drives” and it’s ability to convert into multiple configurations is the desire, thoughts?

I have a 2-door Rubicon and it’s a blast to drive. I love it despite the steering issues (that I really hope get fixed). You can test drive your ordered Jeep and not take it if it’s not right or have the dealer fix it. I had to take mine because I needed to be out of my Miata due to shoulder issues.

I also love the open air driving:

 

[Udi]

2020 2-door Rubicon here. Also having the same loose steering/wandering problem. Driving on the highway is outright dangerous, and very tiring if there is any side wind, which is common here in Colorado. I’m scheduled for inspection at the dealership. Hope they can help but realistically I think a good solution is yet to come from FCA.

Yes, this is a 3 week old 2020 model which tells me newer part numbers is not the solution.

 

[RagTopDeluxe]

2020 2-door Rubicon here. Also having the same loose steering/wandering problem. Driving on the highway is outright dangerous, and very tiring if there is any side wind, which is common here in Colorado. I’m scheduled for inspection at the dealership. Hope they can help but realistically I think a good solution is yet to come from FCA.

Yes, this is a 3 week old 2020 model which tells me newer part numbers is not the solution.

That’s disheartening to hear. I’d recommend getting Jeep Cares involved because they really helped me. I’d also recommend getting alignment numbers for caster and toe (my toe was way off when new) and have the dealer check torque of the components (and not just a “visual inspection”).

Good luck!

 

[JFox97]

I have a 2-door Rubicon and it’s a blast to drive. I love it despite the steering issues (that I really hope get fixed). You can test drive your ordered Jeep and not take it if it’s not right or have the dealer fix it. I had to take mine because I needed to be out of my Miata due to shoulder issues.

I also love the open air driving:

Thanks, Great shot!!!! You effectively captured the preferred configuration and spirit that I am hoping to achieve with the Jeep on a daily basis. Leaning towards going forward but concerned about Jeeps fortitude to effectively resolve the issue long term.

 

[jimmydarnell]

Oh it’s a long story....

This is how the tech is supposed to test for looseness in the steering box:
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...els-like-it-has-play-and-drifts.3691/page-279

It is referenced in this star case:
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...o-help-cure-steering-issues-68394087aa.25299/

My Jeep is in for steering issues for the fourth time (including the V41). The first time was after two weeks. The third time was a couple weeks ago and they replaced the pitman arm, which made it worse. I took it back a day later and with the involvement of Jeep Cares, they opened a technical case, which means that the FCA engineers got involved and based on the steering box testing determined that it was “out of spec” and needed to be replaced.


As I’ve stated elsewhere, I’ve had wandering, which was helped by longer LCAs to get the caster to 6. Fixing the toe also helped that. I replaced the V41 damper with the Falcon 2.2, which I love for the firmer turning. It didn’t address the play (nor did I expect it to). Tightening the sway links helped the looseness a lot. The Steer Smarts trackbar helped the overall feel.

However, the play is still a big issue and I’m very curious and hopeful to see if the box will help. I’ve been posting updates in the loose steering thread and will post results with the part number. I hope to have my Jeep back Wednesday.

I had the newest with AF part number. Felt good in parking lot (strange) but did nothing after getting on road. Sucks....Good luck

 

[RagTopDeluxe]

I had the newest with AF part number. Felt good in parking lot (strange) but did nothing after getting on road. Sucks....Good luck

Did your dealer reflash the PCM?

I’m hopeful, but am worried that I’ll be disappointed in the result.

 

[WranglerMangler]

The problem I see is that it's so subjective. I mean Firestone tires exploding, that's fairly clear cut. Knuckles falling off Dodge Durangos - again, easy to see.

But this is a matter of feel and arguably even personal preference (or tolerance perhaps).

I don't disagree that many of the Wranglers had excessive play/wander, but quantifying that is another matter

Free play in steering is measurable and the DOT has clear limits allowed for commercial vehicles. My 2019 JLU clearly has excess free play and I’ve driven plenty of Jeeps to know this one is unusually loose steering.

 

[kobejo34]

why is it the wheel moves 2-4” with or without the Jeep running. I have the same play in any situation. I can turn right or left 3” then feel the jeep begin to go around a curve or change lanes. It will go straight for 100 miles but that first adjustment usually turns me into a seamstress for a couple of miles.

 

[jimmydarnell]

Did your dealer reflash the PCM?

I’m hopeful, but am worried that I’ll be disappointed in the result.

No they said a flash was not needed. I have the fan issue so Im going to try that angle since it requires a flash I believe.....

 

[RagTopDeluxe]

No they said a flash was not needed. I have the fan issue so Im going to try that angle since it requires a flash I believe.....

Interesting. From what (admittedly little) I’ve read, the people with new steering boxes and a reflash are happy with the results.

 

[JeepCares]

2020 2-door Rubicon here. Also having the same loose steering/wandering problem. Driving on the highway is outright dangerous, and very tiring if there is any side wind, which is common here in Colorado. I’m scheduled for inspection at the dealership. Hope they can help but realistically I think a good solution is yet to come from FCA.

Yes, this is a 3 week old 2020 model which tells me newer part numbers is not the solution.

Hi Udi,
We're sorry to hear that you are experiencing this concern with your new Wrangler. If you would like to have this documented as well as get connected with a Case Specialist to work alongside your dealer, please send us a PM.
Alex
Jeep Social Care Specialist

 

[NOMAD-0311]

Just dropped mine today for the recall and oil change.

I talked to them about the loose steering and they decided to keep it overnight and have another mechanic go over it tomorrow. He said they have had at least 4 reports of the same thing in the last 2 weeks.

Such a huge difference going from our Raptor then to my Jeep as far as the responsiveness of the steering wheel and the just dead space centerline

 

[jalbrecht55]

I drove my 2006 LJR on 35” tires to the dealer and then test drove a brand new JLU Sport. My LJ cruises down the freeway effortlessly, one hand on the wheel. It’s more or less stock with a 1/4” suspension lift, 35’s, aftermarket rims, -18 offset IIR.

The JLU took significantly more concentration to keep it where I wanted it in the lane. After only a ten minute drive I was kinda glad to be done with the drive. I won’t say it is terrible but it certainly took more concentration and micro corrections to keep it where I wanted it on the road in comparison to my old Jeep.

I do wonder if more caster and/or less offset wheel (increasing the scrub radius as some call it) might help it naturally track better. I’m sure tire pressure adjustments would help as well. But something isn’t right.

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