2021 Rubicon wandering

[Curcurt]

The first thing to do is lower tire pressure. The dealer usually airs tires up in mid 40s.

I have them at 35 currently. I can try going even lower.

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[hoag4147]

I have them at 35 currently. I can try going even lower.

That should have helped. The other suggestion has been to have extended lower control arms from the Mopar 2' lift to get caster higher. The TSB mentioned was for older JLs and you should already have latest steering gear installed on a 21. It could be a bad one though, so may be worth having dealer check it out.

 

[rickinAZ]

Just took delivery of my wife's 2021 $60K Rubicon and this wandering is very noticeable at Interstate/Highway speeds. My wife is not very happy about this and now I got to deal with her and the dealer. Is there a recall or service number I can give the dealer service shop for this issue?

What hoag4147 said.

.25" longer lower front control arms will compensate for the Rubicon's slightly taller factory setup. $60 for the control arms, a little labor, and the Jeep will be transformed. Mine was.

 

[Prioritypest]

I picked up my 2021 JLUR two weeks ago and it seems fine on the freeway, my 2020 had the bad steering box replaced and drives smooth with no issues. I plan on going to San Diego in a week and will probably drive the 20 willys since my rubicon is waiting for the lift and wheels.

 

[tn.dn]

This is my struggle since day 1. I have a 2020 rubicon since Jan 2021, currently have 7k miles, they replaced the steering box to the steel one. I have the teraflex adjustable steering stabilizer, definitely helps for sure but it still wanders, it's embarrassing to have the passenger tells me that I can't control my car or that I look like a drunk driver from behind. My service tech drove it and said nothing is wrong, saids if I want the manger to drive it, it would have to be in the shop for several days. It was recently in the shop for 3 weeks because the whole brake pedal assembly had to be replaced... I actually do have to take it back because there's a warning for the start stop system. The first week I brought the car home, it had to go in service because the lock button wasn't working. I love everything about this jeep except the way it drives, I'm not confident driving it at all, kind of defeats the purpose of a jeep that can "go anywhere." I really tried to get used to the steering but it's very unpredictable. For a $60k car that i'm paying for and not feeling safe about driving it, it's not a good feeling. I'm working on a buy back from corporate, if that doesn't work. My only other option is to put in the synergy sector shaft brace.

Sorry for my rant :[

 

[Vrrooom]

I'm assuming no alignment with just a LCA swap?

 

[drvn]

My 04' TJ drives better on the highway than this thing does. Pretty frustrating having a $60K Wrangler and the wife not wanting to drive it on the highway because of this. Guess I'll look into some front control arms.

I've been effing around with that issue for 2 years.

 

[rickinAZ]

This is my struggle since day 1. I have a 2020 rubicon since Jan 2021, currently have 7k miles, they replaced the steering box to the steel one. I have the teraflex adjustable steering stabilizer, definitely helps for sure but it still wanders, it's embarrassing to have the passenger tells me that I can't control my car or that I look like a drunk driver from behind. My service tech drove it and said nothing is wrong, saids if I want the manger to drive it, it would have to be in the shop for several days. It was recently in the shop for 3 weeks because the whole brake pedal assembly had to be replaced... I actually do have to take it back because there's a warning for the start stop system. The first week I brought the car home, it had to go in service because the lock button wasn't working. I love everything about this jeep except the way it drives, I'm not confident driving it at all, kind of defeats the purpose of a jeep that can "go anywhere." I really tried to get used to the steering but it's very unpredictable. For a $60k car that i'm paying for and not feeling safe about driving it, it's not a good feeling. I'm working on a buy back from corporate, if that doesn't work. My only other option is to put in the synergy sector shaft brace.

Sorry for my rant :[

If you haven’t installed longer lower front control arms try that. That’s what worked for me and many others on here. I was expecting a subtle change, but it was immediately noticeable. Actually, much more than merely noticeable.

 

[Vrrooom]

Anyone have a 392 Rubicon? I wonder what part # is being used for the LCA on there.

 

[hoag4147]

Anyone have a 392 Rubicon? I wonder what part # is being used for the LCA on there.

Verified. Same as all other JLs. Kinda crazy they didn’t include the longer LCAs

 

[Vrrooom]

Verified. Same as all other JLs. Kinda crazy they didn’t include the longer LCAs

That is surprising! They upgraded shocks to Fox, but no LCAs that cost them nothing. Not even the longer MOPAR ones? I hope they do something with the XR.

 

[blnewt]

If you haven’t installed longer lower front control arms try that. That’s what worked for me and many others on here. I was expecting a subtle change, but it was immediately noticeable. Actually, much more than merely noticeable.

Yep @tn.dn if you don't have the longer Mopar lift LCAs this is a MUST, you won't believe the change in how it tracks at higher speeds after the swap. Here's my install post on them
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/rubicon-suspension-on-2-door-sport.40700/#post-919317

 

[FJL40]

Welcome to the club…

 

[gato]

For a stock, unmodified Rubicon, I'd follow the following steps:

0 - Lower tire pressures to 31PSI - the Jeep TPMS will alert if it drops below 30. Jeep specs 37 due to fuel economy, not because it is the best pressure. See how it drives.

1a - Alignment (cost $50) - get a reading on all parameters, make sure that the only adjustable item (Toe) is slightly toe-in (factory specs). Note your caster readings, plus make sure no excessive cross-caster, cross-camber or camber (which would indicate axle control arms out of spec).

1b - If you don't want do do the above, buy a cheap $20 digital angle gauge on Amazon. If you lift your Jeep you will want to have that anyway to measure caster, F/R rake, L/R tilt etc before/after lift. Great investment. You can measure caster by putting the magnetic angle gauge on the flat circular holes in the front of the axle.

2 - If you caster is < 5 degrees, spend the $60 and swap in the longer Mopar LCA. Easy to do on the ground, you just need a couple of breaker bars, 22/24mm sockets and long torque wrench. Measure caster after.

3 - Tighten ball joints, trackbar bolts, steering linkages to spec. Drive again.

4 - If you got to this point and it still drives poorly, you need to check your expectations and/or drive another Rubicon and see if it feels differently to you. If it does, then you have an actual issue with your steering and you need to take to the dealer and fight for new steering gear. You can try to put in a more dampened steering stabilizer (e.g. Teraflex VSS at $50) and see if that improves the feel by "masking" the problem - it is not a fix, it is a bandaid.

Good luck.

 

[BODIDDLY]

I have had and continue to have the same problem.....lower tire pressure helped some from 43 to 35. At highway speeds, tires warm up to 37psi....still not good. Going to lower cold pressure to 33 and see what happens. Changing parts on a brand new vehicle is not something I want to do.....but I feel the dealer won't do it. Going to see what happens. Will be looking for advise.

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