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First time in Jeep Wrangler JL. Can't keep steering straight

Rdmitch

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Read posts on wandering.
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CT_LFC

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Hello all,

I just purchased 2019 Jeep Unlimited Moab edition last night ! This is my first time to get myself into Jeep Wrangler.

Since I am a newbie to the car I am not sure this is normal or not. I was driving back to my place from the dealer, I have noticed that I just cannot keep this car in straight line, especially on the freeway !! I constantly adjusting steering wheel side to side to make this car go straight. Is this sound normal to you or I just picked up the wrong Jeep? :(

Thanks
Picked up mine last Saturday and had the exact same issue, and still kinda do but to a much lesser extent once i aired down from mid 40s to 35-36.
 
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2019unlimitedmoab

2019unlimitedmoab

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Thank you for all your generous tips and thoughts. I was with Corvette forum for long time and I was very happy with them but you guys are way more friendlier to newbies than corvette forum! :)
 

JeepCares

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Hello all,

I just purchased 2019 Jeep Unlimited Moab edition last night ! This is my first time to get myself into Jeep Wrangler.

Since I am a newbie to the car I am not sure this is normal or not. I was driving back to my place from the dealer, I have noticed that I just cannot keep this car in straight line, especially on the freeway !! I constantly adjusting steering wheel side to side to make this car go straight. Is this sound normal to you or I just picked up the wrong Jeep? :(

Thanks
Picked up mine last Saturday and had the exact same issue, and still kinda do but to a much lesser extent once i aired down from mid 40s to 35-36.
HI 2019unlimitedmoab and CT_LFC,
We regret to hear that you are experiencing a steering concern with your new JL's. If you decide to have your dealer address this, please send our team a private message if you would like any additional assistance with this process!
Alex
Jeep Social Care Specialist
 

ChrispyJL

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Wind
Mud tires on freeway ( why they put MTs on the MOAB is so far beyond comprending that it hurts my head)
Toe too far out, measure rear of tires, then front from the same spot, should be 1/8"-1/4" inch out in front.
over inflated tires to increase mpg from factory

all contribute to steering

that being said, even when everything is honkey dory and beautiful swans are swimming in a lake on a sunny day, a wrangler still needs input from the driver, more than any vehicle.

ask dealer to replace the MTs with ATs, lower psi, check toe and you should be ok.
 

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Hello all,

I just purchased 2019 Jeep Unlimited Moab edition last night ! This is my first time to get myself into Jeep Wrangler.

Since I am a newbie to the car I am not sure this is normal or not. I was driving back to my place from the dealer, I have noticed that I just cannot keep this car in straight line, especially on the freeway !! I constantly adjusting steering wheel side to side to make this car go straight. Is this sound normal to you or I just picked up the wrong Jeep? :(

Thanks
There are 3,539 JL Wrangler steering problem related posts at https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...ering-feels-like-it-has-play-and-drifts.3691/ Use the search function in this forum to find at least 12 other steering related threads.

Here is the thread FCA / Jeep confirming JL Wrangler steering problems via Star Case: https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...o-help-cure-steering-issues-68394087aa.25299/ FCA suggested solutions include tightening / torquing steering components, replacing steering box, adjusting toe to the max side of the spec range, etc. etc. etc.

Here is a steering JL Wrangler survey: https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...ring-is-good-tight-no-wander-no-wobble.21691/

Screen Shot 2019-06-07 at 11.26.07 AM.png
 

californiajeeping

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I’ve purchased 2 JLURs this year, both had this problem and the salesmen were flabbergasted when they saw me fix the problem. This has been going on since day one and Jeep still doesn’t know it’s a problem.
Jeep does know. Here is the thread - FCA / Jeep confirming JL Wrangler steering problems via Star Case: https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...o-help-cure-steering-issues-68394087aa.25299/ FCA suggested solutions include tightening / torquing steering components, replacing steering box, adjusting toe to the max side of the spec range, etc. etc. etc.
 

COSJL

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I know lot of folks have real problems with the steering, but for a brand new one, my advise will be same as what others have said. Fix the psi and give it some time - 500 miles or so - for tires to wear in.
 

dsgrey

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Do realize it's a truck. Freeway driving - any wind will blow you around since you're driving a block, curved freeways it's not going to corner like a car and grooved roads at high speeds with non-car type street tread can be fun too. I made a 715 mile freeway trip this past week with speeds around 75-80mph with the top down. I can't complain about it's handling though the spouse's Mazda SUV on a car frame handles better.
 

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2019unlimitedmoab

2019unlimitedmoab

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I know lot of folks have real problems with the steering, but for a brand new one, my advise will be same as what others have said. Fix the psi and give it some time - 500 miles or so - for tires to wear in.
thank you!
 

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Wanted33

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OP, congratulations on the new Jeep. Here's my perspective on the steering. I just bought my very first Jeep ever ('19 Sahara), and was a bit miffed with the steering also. I also drive a Corvette Grand Sport, and the bride has an '18 Mustang GT. Not very far down the interstate on the way home I thought "oh chit" this steering sucks. Came here, and read the suggestion to check the air pressure of the tires. All 4 were at 43 psi. I lessened the pressure to 34 psi, and sure enough the worst part of the steering was better. It had to be as I was riding on the crowns of the tires, and that caused most of the wandering. Now, for the best part. I had to get it out of my mind that the Jeep wasn't either of my other cars, and it ain't gonna drive the same or anywhere close. The more I've driven it, the more I've gotten used to the driving characteristics of a solid front axle vehicle. All is well now.

I said all that to say this. Set your tire psi lower, and give yourself some time. It will all come together to where you will love driving your new baby.
 

californiajeeping

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OP, congratulations on the new Jeep. Here's my perspective on the steering. I just bought my very first Jeep ever ('19 Sahara), and was a bit miffed with the steering also. I also drive a Corvette Grand Sport, and the bride has an '18 Mustang GT. Not very far down the interstate on the way home I thought "oh chit" this steering sucks. Came here, and read the suggestion to check the air pressure of the tires. All 4 were at 43 psi. I lessened the pressure to 34 psi, and sure enough the worst part of the steering was better. It had to be as I was riding on the crowns of the tires, and that caused most of the wandering. Now, for the best part. I had to get it out of my mind that the Jeep wasn't either of my other cars, and it ain't gonna drive the same or anywhere close. The more I've driven it, the more I've gotten used to the driving characteristics of a solid front axle vehicle. All is well now.

I said all that to say this. Set your tire psi lower, and give yourself some time. It will all come together to where you will love driving your new baby.
FYI: Many people with steering issues test drove another JL and it drives way better. So they are fairly comparing apples to apples.
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