Another TSB steering issue

[FFM069]

Hi everyone,

As per the TSB, the dealer changed my aluminum steering box to the new steel one (I’m driving a 2020 Sahara).

However, now after the new steel steering box has been installed, the wandering on the highway got way worse, the dead spot in the steering wheel increased and the Jeep is constantly pulling to the right.

Any ideas what could be the reason and what I should check first to eliminate potential causes?

Cheers

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[Mikester86]

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...b-08-074-20-for-improved-steering-feel.56363/

 

[JerseyMark]

Check to see if your steering wheel is centered. I added Rubicon takeoff suspension and wheels/tires to my wife's Sahara and it did the same thing.
I found it easiest to adjust with an OBD2 reader to get the steering degrees while adjusting. Although you can just get it straight without that.
Here is a thread on steering adjustment after lift. I wonder if it also needs centering after the new steering box:
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/centering-steering-wheel-after-lift.41614/

 

[XJfanatic]

What tires are you running? Some have a notable pull left or right. Also does the road have pronounced crown to it.

 

[DHW]

Make sure everything steering related is tightened to spec. My crap dealer sent me out the door with the box bolts tightened to less than half of spec and a pitman arm nut that wasn't even finger tight.

Here’s the video of how my new dealer found it:

 

[Carolina Jeeper]

Check and tighten everything yourself, like what's been stated already. My dealer left the intermediate shaft loose and had lots of free play. Tightened another 3/4 turn to resolve it.

 

[FFM069]

Thanks so much everyone for all your input.
I will definitely retighten all the bolts. The dealer is pretty shitty so this could very well be the reason.

As for tires, I am running Falken Wildpeaks AT3's.

Any idea why the deadspot in the steering also increased? Could this also be due to not having retightened the bolts and screws properly?

Thanks again!

 

[Crawldad]

there is a thread on here about getting air out of the steering system. uses a vacuum pump to make a vacuum inside, then let sit overnight. refill fluid and do again.

 

[hoag4147]

Thanks so much everyone for all your input.
I will definitely retighten all the bolts. The dealer is pretty shitty so this could very well be the reason.

As for tires, I am running Falken Wildpeaks AT3's.

Any idea why the deadspot in the steering also increased? Could this also be due to not having retightened the bolts and screws properly?

Thanks again!

The main bolt to check immediately would be the I-shaft bolt. Here is torque spec and location of bolt under hood. There has been reports of additional dead spot when not tighten properly.

 

[Pvtpilot]

My first post fellas. I found the forum looking for data on new 2021 Wrangler steering issues. Wow! My lady decided a few weeks back she wanted a Wrangler four door, loaded. We found one she liked. Went to the Dealer with a check. Drove the car. Jesus! White knuckle experience trying to keep it in your lane. I thought something was loose in the front end, told the salesguy and asked to drive a different Wrangler. Same thing. WTH? I asked the sales guy if anyone has complained about steering wander. Nope, never heard of it. So, I do a quick Google search and found tons of data including the TSB. I showed it to the salesman and he said let me take it in the shop and get the software upgrade. We go get some lunch and come back 45 minutes later. Take the Jeep out and it is a little better, but still ridiculous for a new vehicle. The sales guy tried to convince me it’s a Jeep and they all drive like that. I hate it when people think I am an idiot. I am not a spring chicken. I am in my 70’s. The last time I had a Jeep that wandered this bad was a 1955 Willys pickup. If FCA can’t straighten this issue out, heads are going to roll somewhere. :/

 

[DHW]

Any idea why the deadspot in the steering also increased? Could this also be due to not having retightened the bolts and screws properly?

I tightened my box bolts as soon as I got it back, but my dead spot got continually worse as the pitman nut got looser and looser. I didn't even think to check it. However, the looser all the nuts and bolts are, the looser the steering will be.

If its the pitman nut, its a bit difficult to tighten yourself because it requires I think 185 ft/lbs, and the nut is huge. I think it needs a 32 mm or 1-1/4 socket, but don't quote me.

And @hoag4147 is correct, the I-shaft bolt is a known bolt they frequently don't properly tighten.

 

[FFM069]

Thanks for all the advice folks.

I do have to say though despite the not so optimal steering, I couldn’t picture myself driving anything else but a Wrangler

 

[TJP]

Same thing happened to me. Pitman nut was finger tight and only thing holding it on was sector brace. What a shitty install but now drives tight w sector brace and synergy steering setup.

I tightened my box bolts as soon as I got it back, but my dead spot got continually worse as the pitman nut got looser and looser. I didn't even think to check it. However, the looser all the nuts and bolts are, the looser the steering will be.

If its the pitman nut, its a bit difficult to tighten yourself because it requires I think 185 ft/lbs, and the nut is huge. I think it needs a 32 mm or 1-1/4 socket, but don't quote me.

And @hoag4147 is correct, the I-shaft bolt is a known bolt they frequently don't properly tighten.

 

[DHW]

Thanks for all the advice folks.

I do have to say though despite the not so optimal steering, I couldn’t picture myself driving anything else but a Wrangler

Trust me once you get everything squared away, the steering is significantly better. There's always gonna be some play because its a live front axle and if you have bigger tires (I have 35s), but after the steel box was installed and everything tightened by a competent dealer, it drives much better.

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