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Is there a true fix for the Steering/Wandering issue?

Sippican

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My steering hasn’t really improved. But I went to get a new driver side fender flare installed and painted. The body shop Jeep in Carmel uses is trash and totally messed it up.
So they “took care of it” and put on a flare from another white Jeep. BUT ITS NOT A RUBICON FLARE so it sits lower. Look at how low driver side is.
Unreal, how can this dealership be so careless!!!
@JeepCares i sent you a message, PLEASE CALL ME. All this dealer cared about was getting their loaner back. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED!

Thats messed up. Poor dealership to let it go out like that and poor workmanship to think that would be acceptable.
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oceanblue2019

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Thats messed up. Poor dealership to let it go out like that and poor workmanship to think that would be acceptable.
Post these pictures to twitter and IG and shame FCA and the dealership as clearly zero care was given to your repair. This dealership should loose it’s FCA franchise.

Not acceptable and someone should be fired over this. Or perhaps multiple people.
 

oceanblue2019

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Finally fixed my "wandering issue" on the interstate. Like most of you, I was pissed, mad, sad....you name it I went through it. The steering wheel had about an inch of play from side to side on the interstate. Finally tired of dealing with FCA, dealerships, and Jeep Cares, I replaced my tie rod and drag link with Synergy. The wondering is 100% gone and the dead spot in the steering wheel is 100% gone. When I removed the tie rod, I noticed the ends where the ball joints are....I could move them all around with my pinky. To me, they should be stiff to the point to where I can move them but with force. The Synergy tie rod ends, I had to actually put some muscle in moving them. I am very happy with the Synergy product line @AllJumpStyle. Side note, if you happen to damage a tie rod end, they are $30 bucks to replace...not bad at all compared to other companies.

I hope this post helps some of you.
Do you have a stabilizer on it still some of us feel “fixed steering” doesn’t need a stabilizer.

I’d also make copies of all the parts costs as well as install costs and sent it to FCA for reimbursement. Write a nice letter telling them you gave them a chance and they failed; and in the essence of safety you were forced into this solution. Worth a shot ;)

I also wonder if we should start a class action against FCA over these steering issues.... Many have solved it themselves or continue to waste time and efforts waiting on FCA. Perhaps a class action is the easiest way.
 

JeepCares

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Interesting thread.

I have less than 500 miles on my JLR, which I’ve had for little over a week. We took it to the coast Saturday and my husband did not like driving it at all because of the wandering and looseness. He had a JKUR with a lift that handled better.

I have the PSI at 35 cold.

It’s going to the dealer in the morning because the rear differential is acting up :angry: and I’m gong to have the steering issues looked at/entered into the system, too. (At least once it’s driveable again).
Hi RagTopDeluxe,
We regret to hear that you are experiencing this steering concern on your new JL. I would be happy to have a case escalated to add additional assistance to your dealer visit. If this is something you would be interested in, please send our team a private message!
Alex
Jeep Social Care Specialist
 

Command Line RC

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Do you have a stabilizer on it still some of us feel “fixed steering” doesn’t need a stabilizer.

I’d also make copies of all the parts costs as well as install costs and sent it to FCA for reimbursement. Write a nice letter telling them you gave them a chance and they failed; and in the essence of safety you were forced into this solution. Worth a shot ;)

I also wonder if we should start a class action against FCA over these steering issues.... Many have solved it themselves or continue to waste time and efforts waiting on FCA. Perhaps a class action is the easiest way.
You know as well as I do a company like FCA will just laugh and discard my letter as such.

I do all the work myself. I'm not a big "BUT IT'S UNDER WARRANY" guy. I'll take care of it and get it fixed right the first time...besides, I'd rather be under the Jeep with a wrench than sitting in the show room floor for two hours. Not to mention it's a Jeep, so parts will eventually need to be upgraded :)
 

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richk225

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I can understand everyone’s frustration when it comes to the dealer service department. I understand they work on a lot of vehicles but at some point “ that’s a new one” or “I never heard of that” is not going to cut it. My Rubicon does wander and have a mind of its own when it comes to driving in a straight line. It has been reflashed with the new software and according to the dealer the steering is “right on” this was determined by a drive in the parking lot which is much more accurate then a alignment rack.
The dealer had no idea on how to check the steering box for excessive play
My steering stabilizer has a bad date code.
My trackbar bushing moves while it it is torqued to spec, a untrained eye can see that the rubber bushing is too soft
My drag link will clunk if you pull down or push up on it
My tie rod assembly will also clunk at both ends if you pull down or push up on it
All of this information regarding these issues can be found right here on this site, may the dealers should look here
I have contacted Jeep Cares and it is going back to the dealer on Friday 5/10 and I am so not looking forward to it. I have lost all faith in their ability to even listen
The sad fact is that for a little over $1400 all the bad components could be replaced by myself with top quality aftermarket components. And from what is written, all steering issues will be resolved including death wobble
My 2018 Rubicon has just over 2000 street miles on it, regardless of weather I spent $55k on it or $40k on it there should not be a single steering issue. And I should not have to fight to get these issues resolved and parts replaced, especially since Jeep knows these parts are bad and have updated ones available. I’m not asking for a option I did not order or a different interior because I don’t like the way it looks.
One would believe that steering issues are a safety issue, and right now I’m not feeling that safe
 

californiajeeping

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I can understand everyone’s frustration when it comes to the dealer service department. I understand they work on a lot of vehicles but at some point “ that’s a new one” or “I never heard of that” is not going to cut it. My Rubicon does wander and have a mind of its own when it comes to driving in a straight line. It has been reflashed with the new software and according to the dealer the steering is “right on” this was determined by a drive in the parking lot which is much more accurate then a alignment rack.
The dealer had no idea on how to check the steering box for excessive play
My steering stabilizer has a bad date code.
My trackbar bushing moves while it it is torqued to spec, a untrained eye can see that the rubber bushing is too soft
My drag link will clunk if you pull down or push up on it
My tie rod assembly will also clunk at both ends if you pull down or push up on it
All of this information regarding these issues can be found right here on this site, may the dealers should look here
I have contacted Jeep Cares and it is going back to the dealer on Friday 5/10 and I am so not looking forward to it. I have lost all faith in their ability to even listen
The sad fact is that for a little over $1400 all the bad components could be replaced by myself with top quality aftermarket components. And from what is written, all steering issues will be resolved including death wobble
My 2018 Rubicon has just over 2000 street miles on it, regardless of weather I spent $55k on it or $40k on it there should not be a single steering issue. And I should not have to fight to get these issues resolved and parts replaced, especially since Jeep knows these parts are bad and have updated ones available. I’m not asking for a option I did not order or a different interior because I don’t like the way it looks.
One would believe that steering issues are a safety issue, and right now I’m not feeling that safe
And it isn't just the people on this forum complaining about Jeep dealership service department attitudes and results. This 2018 JD Powers survey shows Jeep dealership service departments tied for last place. Again. https://www.jdpower.com/Cars/Ratings/Dealership-Experience/2018/CSI @JeepCares You should copy and paste that link in an email with the subject line "Shame. Shame. Shame. Shame. Shame. Shame." Maybe it will shame Jeep into getting into next to last place for 2019? One step higher would be an improvement. I have a 2nd vehicle from a different brand and what a night day difference when I take it in for service. Shame.
 

oceanblue2019

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You know as well as I do a company like FCA will just laugh and discard my letter as such.

I do all the work myself. I'm not a big "BUT IT'S UNDER WARRANY" guy. I'll take care of it and get it fixed right the first time...besides, I'd rather be under the Jeep with a wrench than sitting in the show room floor for two hours. Not to mention it's a Jeep, so parts will eventually need to be upgraded :)
Sadly the only thing FCA gives a crap about is profits. If you don't join the fight it's over before it started. This has to be a community effort to get the message across.

But I get it, for some fixing it and moving on is easiest. But this also allows FCA to become even more complacent in the future. If engines were blowing up right and left would you just fix that and move on with it?
 

richk225

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I hear you loud and clear. At some point the problems become just to much or costly for the average owner to fix. I wish there was a easy answer. If the engine did blow up like my 2011 JK did I would never go through that again.They were nice enough to stick a re manufactured engine in and extend the warranty. I`m 55 now and have owned a Jeep of some sort my entire life. My last 2015 JK was a absolute dream, never a issue even after lifting it with a AEV lift and 35`s. No tailgate problems, no electrical issues and you could drive it safely at 80mph with one hand and not have the fear of GOD put into you after hitting a small pothole or bump in the road.
It just is disheartening knowing that if I spent $1400 on the right parts my Jeep would damn near perfect to me. How do you go about getting FCA to do the right thing?
They are making updated Steering Stabilizers, Track Bar`s, Drag Links`s and Tie Rod Assemblies and even updated Steering box`s, coincidence?? most likely not. Not to mention that the Aftermarket is doing the same and as some forum members here have replaced one or more of the above their Death Wobble and wandering issues were resolved. Bottom line is I want my Jeep and I want it to be right, is that asking for too much?
So come on FCA take notice, is it going to take someone getting seriously hurt of a loss of life to resolve this issue?
 

bishop404

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Small claims court.

I hear you loud and clear. At some point the problems become just to much or costly for the average owner to fix. I wish there was a easy answer. If the engine did blow up like my 2011 JK did I would never go through that again.They were nice enough to stick a re manufactured engine in and extend the warranty. I`m 55 now and have owned a Jeep of some sort my entire life. My last 2015 JK was a absolute dream, never a issue even after lifting it with a AEV lift and 35`s. No tailgate problems, no electrical issues and you could drive it safely at 80mph with one hand and not have the fear of GOD put into you after hitting a small pothole or bump in the road.
It just is disheartening knowing that if I spent $1400 on the right parts my Jeep would damn near perfect to me. How do you go about getting FCA to do the right thing?
They are making updated Steering Stabilizers, Track Bar`s, Drag Links`s and Tie Rod Assemblies and even updated Steering box`s, coincidence?? most likely not. Not to mention that the Aftermarket is doing the same and as some forum members here have replaced one or more of the above their Death Wobble and wandering issues were resolved. Bottom line is I want my Jeep and I want it to be right, is that asking for too much?
So come on FCA take notice, is it going to take someone getting seriously hurt of a loss of life to resolve this issue?
 

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Vargasvinyls

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Just had the Track-bar and Dampers replaced by FCA on my 18 via the dealership. Every time i bring it in for something it comes home needing something else.

While the suspension feels fine (too soon to tell about wandering) the steering wheel is no longer centered. Is this normal? Driving straight the wheel is at around 11:30 instead of 12. So frustrating. Who has time to go back and forth like this and leave it there yet again?

Thoughts/advice welcome.

TIA
Had the same exact issue. They ended up putting a new steering gear in it. Helped, but still wasn’t perfect.
 

Rdmitch

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I feel your pain, I have had stabilizer bar, track bar, alignment, and steering box replaced.
My Sahara went from damn near undrivable to “tolerable”. I still fight the road and the steering is similar to a bad Walmart shopping cart. I go back in a few weeks for oil and inspection and will have them recheck alignment as well as do my typical complaining. If I thought it would help, I would pay for new parts since I don’t think Jeep will do anything to help. After this next time when they tell me it’s the best it can be I will look into local 4 wheel experts for advice.

Driving this is a joy sometimes and a nightmare others, both my other cars/van are easier to control.

Anyone know any good shops for this type work in the Cleveland, Ohio area ?
 

Command Line RC

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I feel your pain, I have had stabilizer bar, track bar, alignment, and steering box replaced.
My Sahara went from damn near undrivable to “tolerable”. I still fight the road and the steering is similar to a bad Walmart shopping cart. I go back in a few weeks for oil and inspection and will have them recheck alignment as well as do my typical complaining. If I thought it would help, I would pay for new parts since I don’t think Jeep will do anything to help. After this next time when they tell me it’s the best it can be I will look into local 4 wheel experts for advice.

Driving this is a joy sometimes and a nightmare others, both my other cars/van are easier to control.

Anyone know any good shops for this type work in the Cleveland, Ohio area ?
4Wheel Parts in Parma. I usually do all my own work.....had them do an alignment I believe it was $120 out the door.
 

JeepGreg

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Hey guys, im in Cleveland, too. Just got a 2018 and not loving the steering. Thanks for the tips on 4Wheels Parts. I may have to stop by.


I feel your pain, I have had stabilizer bar, track bar, alignment, and steering box replaced.
My Sahara went from damn near undrivable to “tolerable”. I still fight the road and the steering is similar to a bad Walmart shopping cart. I go back in a few weeks for oil and inspection and will have them recheck alignment as well as do my typical complaining. If I thought it would help, I would pay for new parts since I don’t think Jeep will do anything to help. After this next time when they tell me it’s the best it can be I will look into local 4 wheel experts for advice.

Driving this is a joy sometimes and a nightmare others, both my other cars/van are easier to control.

Anyone know any good shops for this type work in the Cleveland, Ohio area ?
4Wheel Parts in Parma. I usually do all my own work.....had them do an alignment I believe it was $120 out the door.
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