2020 JLUR steering issue

[Upnarms]

Update 2020 JLU Rubicon Steering/Pull issue. So, went to the dealer today who finally got another 2020 JLU Rubicon. Test drove it - WOW...perfect...not one bit of a pull. Honestly, I let go of the steering wheel doing 70 mph and felt like I could stick my hands in my pockets...not pull whatsoever. Moreover, the left/right steering was equal (unlike mine that seems like it resists steering to the left).
So what was the difference? This was a 2.0L vs my 3.6L.
Question? Does anyone know if the steering box is different on a 2.0L vs 3.6L? I imagine since they are both Rubicon, the only difference is just the engine size, but are there any other differences in the suspension/front end that anyone 100% knows? (Please no guess responses...only if you are certain)
@JeepCares Hint...maybe you should look into this.

So I just looked up part numbers and they are identical on the two v6 and 4cyl. Same power steering gear box.

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[RagTopDeluxe]

Update 2020 JLU Rubicon Steering/Pull issue. So, went to the dealer today who finally got another 2020 JLU Rubicon. Test drove it - WOW...perfect...not one bit of a pull. Honestly, I let go of the steering wheel doing 70 mph and felt like I could stick my hands in my pockets...not pull whatsoever. Moreover, the left/right steering was equal (unlike mine that seems like it resists steering to the left).
So what was the difference? This was a 2.0L vs my 3.6L.
Question? Does anyone know if the steering box is different on a 2.0L vs 3.6L? I imagine since they are both Rubicon, the only difference is just the engine size, but are there any other differences in the suspension/front end that anyone 100% knows? (Please no guess responses...only if you are certain)
@JeepCares Hint...maybe you should look into this.

On my third visit, I drove a JLR off the lot to compare, and it was much better than mine. It was a 2.0 (I have a 3.6). The 2.0 JLUS I had as a loaner was also much better than mine. It had less than an inch of play in the steering wheel, but it wasn't a white-knuckle drive on the freeway.

I had loose sway links and tightening those helped a lot. It's still a mess, tho, and completely unacceptable.

 

[NPE102414]

Update 2020 JLU Rubicon Steering/Pull issue. So, went to the dealer today who finally got another 2020 JLU Rubicon. Test drove it - WOW...perfect...not one bit of a pull. Honestly, I let go of the steering wheel doing 70 mph and felt like I could stick my hands in my pockets...not pull whatsoever. Moreover, the left/right steering was equal (unlike mine that seems like it resists steering to the left).
So what was the difference? This was a 2.0L vs my 3.6L.
Question? Does anyone know if the steering box is different on a 2.0L vs 3.6L? I imagine since they are both Rubicon, the only difference is just the engine size, but are there any other differences in the suspension/front end that anyone 100% knows? (Please no guess responses...only if you are certain)
@JeepCares Hint...maybe you should look into this.

This is going to require work on your part not the forum. Get under the 2.0L you drive and get the part number off the steering box, do the same for yours then compare. Or get the Vin number off the jeep you drove and ask the parts department to look up what steering box goes on that vehicle and compare it with yours.

 

[Jennalee]

The other day I read somewhere on here a person who bought the Turbo that had steering problems.

 

[Upnarms]

4 door part numbers listed on rock auto for mopar steering box for both are either 52126348AE or 68250506AD. There are 2 part numbers for both the 4 door v6 and 4 door 4cyl turbo and they are identical. Not sure if the difference is for the Rubicon vs other.

 

[MntsRcalln]

Im going to be in the market for a 20 very soon. I have test driven several 19 rubicons. The ones I drove were fine. I ran them all up to 70mph+ on the interstate and would let go of the wheel. I tested for dead slack in the wheel, everything. Also took tire pressure into account. What concerns me is when did this show up for all of you? Regardles if I order one or stumble across one on the lot I can deal on, im going to test drive it just like I have the others and probably more. Im not taking delivery if I am feeing anything close to what you guys do. Ive read too much on here. Yep, I get the heat of the moment and one can get like a kid in a candy store. Been there. Im just curious, is this immediately or something that can days or weeks to show up. You guys have a right to be upset. I know I would.

 

[DonBindas]

This issue amuses me, as the JL has a solid front axle and it will always wonder!

The next time that you are at a grocery store, check out the front wheels of your shopping cart.

The vertical shaft above the wheels is not directly above the center of the front wheel, so it will now track in a straight line automatically.

The Jeep can't do this with a solid axles that is attached at the center of the wheel.

Obviously, the larger the tire on your Jeep will increase the amount of steering correction being needed.

 

[Keycub]

Im going to be in the market for a 20 very soon. I have test driven several 19 rubicons. The ones I drove were fine. I ran them all up to 70mph+ on the interstate and would let go of the wheel. I tested for dead slack in the wheel, everything. Also took tire pressure into account. What concerns me is when did this show up for all of you? Regardles if I order one or stumble across one on the lot I can deal on, im going to test drive it just like I have the others and probably more. Im not taking delivery if I am feeing anything close to what you guys do. Ive read too much on here. Yep, I get the heat of the moment and one can get like a kid in a candy store. Been there. Im just curious, is this immediately or something that can days or weeks to show up. You guys have a right to be upset. I know I would.

Picked mine up in georgia. 14 hour ride home to key west. As soon as I hit the highway 2-3 inches of play and a 14 hour rollercoaster home. Lol. Appointment on Monday with local dealer. 20 jlr with all the updated part # So who knows

 

[Upnarms]

Im going to be in the market for a 20 very soon. I have test driven several 19 rubicons. The ones I drove were fine. I ran them all up to 70mph+ on the interstate and would let go of the wheel. I tested for dead slack in the wheel, everything. Also took tire pressure into account. What concerns me is when did this show up for all of you? Regardles if I order one or stumble across one on the lot I can deal on, im going to test drive it just like I have the others and probably more. Im not taking delivery if I am feeing anything close to what you guys do. Ive read too much on here. Yep, I get the heat of the moment and one can get like a kid in a candy store. Been there. Im just curious, is this immediately or something that can days or weeks to show up. You guys have a right to be upset. I know I would.

Again, on mine, it was only a pull issue- I never had excessive play in the steering wheel that some have. I will admit, I did not do a long enough test drive and did not pay attention to the steering as much as I should have before buying. I didnt know about this issue cause all I was thinking about was the 8spd transmission and how the engine felt with it. I own a 2003 TJ and just before my JL I had a 2018 JKU Sport. I test drove a Rubicon and it was pretty overwhelming with all the screens and electronics in them compared to my other Jeeps. I went at night and drove it for less than 10 minutes. Mostly city streets with a quick hop onto the freeway. I was focused on the drive train and if I had known about the steering stuff I wouldve really paid better attention.

After buying it, my wife pretty much drove it most of the time and she probably didnt pay any attention to it either. I did notice the steering wheel was just slightly off center. In fact, when I test drove Rubicons AFTER discovering this issue, the ones that had the steering issues also had steering wheels slightly off center. Dont know if that is a tell-tale sign of the ones with issues, but its a super easy fix to recenter the wheel so I didnt think too much about it. I did notice I was having to input about an inch or two of left steer to keep it straight. I noticed the issue in the first 100 miles so I am sure it was there from the start.

If you test drive one that you can let go of the wheel and it goes straight for you, like you stated, you should be fine. I say, go for it! I really learned a lesson on this one I guess. Maybe overall, the percentage of JLURs with this issue is tiny. Or maybe it is very high but most drivers dont really think about it, how my wife was until I pointed it out to her. Whatever the case, its crazy how inconsistent- or consistently inconsistent the steering issues are in the Rubicons. It is a complete bummer when you buy a new vehicle and its in the shop right away.

Be very diligent like you sound like you have been and you will be ok. The other thing I have seen pop up on quite a few Jeeps in this forum is the other issue I had. The windshields were not seated correctly at the factory to when you drove at highway speeds, especially when warm out, air would sneak through the seal on the driver's side and cause a morse-code type of sound- beep beep beeeep beep beeeeep.....sounded electronic but it was all wind apparently. Maybe there was a group of drinking buddies on the assembly line for a bunch of these vehicles and they had some bad batches.

Good luck on your hunt for a 2020! LIke I have said, I am completely happy with the v6 8spd trans and the 4:10 gearing on my JL. The steering and electronics are the weak link for sure, but otherwise Im overly thrilled with its performance.

 

[Upnarms]

This issue amuses me, as the JL has a solid front axle and it will always wonder!

The next time that you are at a grocery store, check out the front wheels of your shopping cart.

The vertical shaft above the wheels is not directly above the center of the front wheel, so it will now track in a straight line automatically.

The Jeep can't do this with a solid axles that is attached at the center of the wheel.

Obviously, the larger the tire on your Jeep will increase the amount of steering correction being needed.

The JK and the TJ have solid front axles too. My TJ doesnt wander, my JKU did not wander. My JL doesnt wander, but it pulled. It doesnt now, but it is SUPER sensitive to the road crest/ curve/ grade whatever you call it to where it does not track very well if you take your hands off the wheel... I know that isnt how you are supposed to drive haha, but anyway compared to my other jeeps WITH solid axles it is much different in a negative way.

 

[NPE102414]

This issue amuses me, as the JL has a solid front axle and it will always wonder!

The next time that you are at a grocery store, check out the front wheels of your shopping cart.

The vertical shaft above the wheels is not directly above the center of the front wheel, so it will now track in a straight line automatically.

The Jeep can't do this with a solid axles that is attached at the center of the wheel.

Obviously, the larger the tire on your Jeep will increase the amount of steering correction being needed.

I’m on a 3.5” lift with 35’s and mine requires very minor steering correction to stay straight. I can let go of the wheel for a good 7 seconds before I need to correct again. We had 50mph winds today and I got pushed around really good but still stayed straight. The problems people are complaining about is extensive play in the steering wheel. Well, when do you notice this excessive play? The steering box in the JL is an electric hydraulic system that Increases and decreases input/play as needed and will never be the same at any given time. At a red light it can take mine a 1/4 turn of the steering wheel just to barely move the tires but when I get going it might only take half an inch to feel the input. In theory it’s a good idea but in the real world not so much. In my opinion Jeep should’ve stayed with an engine driven hydraulic system. I think most of the pulling and wandering issues have to do with tire size and under/over inflation on stock set ups. Mine wandered like crazy until I found the sweet psi spot. Even though mine tracks great, a bad road, windy conditions and incorrect tire pressure will take me for a ride I never signed up for. Death wobble, bump steer and excessive steering wheel play under all conditions Is unacceptable, but a little wandering and pulling is almost always caused by poor alignment or poor tire performance. First time Jeep owners and people with zero automotive mechanical ability expect the dealers to fix their issues and rightly so, unfortunately that’s not how it works. I installed the Mopar 2 inch lift which in reality was closer to 4”. It caused a lot of problems for me but I addressed each one individually and solved the issue. The dealers will not be able to solve your problems because they don’t know what the problem is. As a Snap On Tools dealer that has a jeep dealership in his route I see the technicians that work at these places. The dealerships are so desperate for mechanics they hire clueless kids straight out of school and put them to work on our vehicles. It’s sickening what really goes on behind the dealership curtain, one of my dealerships keeps EpiPen’s in their first aid kit because half of their technicians are addicts. My long winded point is get off the forums and find a Jeep specialist in your area to fix your issues. The kid that’s working on your jeep at the dealership probably never worked on a jeep in his life and now you’re expecting him to fix your issues If sitting back and complaining is the only course of action then trade in your Jeep and buy something else.

 

[Upnarms]

I’m on a 3.5” lift with 35’s and mine requires very minor steering correction to stay straight. I can let go of the wheel for a good 7 seconds before I need to correct again. We had 50mph winds today and I got pushed around really good but still stayed straight. The problems people are complaining about is extensive play in the steering wheel. Well, when do you notice this excessive play? The steering box in the JL is an electric hydraulic system that Increases and decreases input/play as needed and will never be the same at any given time. At a red light it can take mine a 1/4 turn of the steering wheel just to barely move the tires but when I get going it might only take half an inch to feel the input. In theory it’s a good idea but in the real world not so much. In my opinion Jeep should’ve stayed with an engine driven hydraulic system. I think most of the pulling and wandering issues have to do with tire size and under/over inflation on stock set ups. Mine wandered like crazy until I found the sweet psi spot. Even though mine tracks great, a bad road, windy conditions and incorrect tire pressure will take me for a ride I never signed up for. Death wobble, bump steer and excessive steering wheel play under all conditions Is unacceptable, but a little wandering and pulling is almost always caused by poor alignment or poor tire performance. First time Jeep owners and people with zero automotive mechanical ability expect the dealers to fix their issues and rightly so, unfortunately that’s not how it works. I installed the Mopar 2 inch lift which in reality was closer to 4”. It caused a lot of problems for me but I addressed each one individually and solved the issue. The dealers will not be able to solve your problems because they don’t know what the problem is. As a Snap On Tools dealer that has a jeep dealership in his route I see the technicians that work at these places. The dealerships are so desperate for mechanics they hire clueless kids straight out of school and put them to work on our vehicles. It’s sickening what really goes on behind the dealership curtain, one of my dealerships keeps EpiPen’s in their first aid kit because half of their technicians are addicts. My long winded point is get off the forums and find a Jeep specialist in your area to fix your issues. The kid that’s working on your jeep at the dealership probably never worked on a jeep in his life and now you’re expecting him to fix your issues If sitting back and complaining is the only course of action then trade in your Jeep and buy something else.

You make some good points, but at the same time, when people buy a new vehicle they shouldn't have to shell out their own cash to fix things under warranty. My jeep is stock. If I modded it, I would be on my own fixing issues like with my tj and jku, which I loved chasing down the death wobble in my tj btw.

Is really more than people complaining. It's people hunting for answers from others who may have found some. That's part of what is great about these forums is finding others with same issues and learning the fix occasionally.

Just my 2cents

 

[Jennalee]

The JK and the TJ have solid front axles too. My TJ doesnt wander, my JKU did not wander. My JL doesnt wander, but it pulled. It doesnt now, but it is SUPER sensitive to the road crest/ curve/ grade whatever you call it to where it does not track very well if you take your hands off the wheel... I know that isnt how you are supposed to drive haha, but anyway compared to my other jeeps WITH solid axles it is much different in a negative way.

I had a TJ too. When people asked about it I always told them how easy it was to drive. The tight turns were awesome, I couldn’t believe how easy it was to parallel park. It never wandered and turned great. To me it felt like any other car. No adjustment period and I drove a Nissan before that.

 

[M0ondogy]

The JK and the TJ have solid front axles too. My TJ doesnt wander, my JKU did not wander. My JL doesnt wander, but it pulled. It doesnt now, but it is SUPER sensitive to the road crest/ curve/ grade whatever you call it to where it does not track very well if you take your hands off the wheel... I know that isnt how you are supposed to drive haha, but anyway compared to my other jeeps WITH solid axles it is much different in a negative way.

I've found it's best to ignore these post by guys like that.

For some reason they think we're all complaining for no real reason.

They can toss out any technical jargon they want as to why it drives different than a Camry (a or shopping cart?), But that doesn't change the fact that there is a small % of JLs that have broken steering with no fix.

 

[kobejo34]

This issue amuses me, as the JL has a solid front axle and it will always wonder!

The next time that you are at a grocery store, check out the front wheels of your shopping cart.

The vertical shaft above the wheels is not directly above the center of the front wheel, so it will now track in a straight line automatically.

The Jeep can't do this with a solid axles that is attached at the center of the wheel.

Obviously, the larger the tire on your Jeep will increase the amount of steering correction being needed.

Now I understand why my wife calles me stupid. I didn't realize how dumb I was until now, its me not the Jeep. All this time.......

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