Issue Bulletin: Shimmy Felt in Front End - Jan 31 2019 Star case # S1819000004

[DaltonGang]

6 months, and 3000 miles, with zero issues. I switched to Rubicon Rims/Wheels, and Suspension at around 1000 miles.

Sponsored

 

[LincolnSixAlpha]

Does this help with wandering, and fighting the wind as well? I feel like I'm constantly correcting the vehicle at highway speeds, and my jk was not like that. I'm also running 35s, I have my tire pressure at about 33psi cold

Yes, it does. It's got three settings, low, med, and high. I've only left mine on medium as I hurt my back about a month ago and quite literally couldn't bend over to flip it to high, however, didn't matter since I wasn't doing any heavy highway trips. However, I understand from others that the "high" setting is awesome for very long highway trips. Low, is of course for offroad use.

To your question, I've noticed a considerable difference in crosswinds with it in the medium setting.

 

[xtopherm]

Issue Bulletin: Shimmy Felt in Front End - Jan 31 2019 Star case # S1819000004

This is an update to one that was published in November 2018.

Steering Stabilizer Steering Damper Date Code

Includes how to test it.

Is it safe to conclude that if your JL was built after that date you have the updated components? My JL had a mid Feb 2019 build date.

 

[californiajeeping]

6 months, and 3000 miles, with zero issues. I switched to Rubicon Rims/Wheels, and Suspension at around 1000 miles.

Someone else said the same thing 3 months ago, then the other day he said he is now experiencing steering issues at 8K (or somewhere around that point). Don't jinx yourself. lol

Is it safe to conclude that if your JL was built after that date you have the updated components? My JL had a mid Feb 2019 build date.

Not sure. It only takes a minute to check it. It is engraved on your steering stabilizer. You might be able to see it if you turn your steering wheel hard right then look in the passenger front steering wheel well. If not, you may have to crawl underneath if the number is facing down.

 

[Bszczepanski]

I noticed that with the stock/OEM stabilizer with my newly installed 35" tires that the front end (i.e. steering) was susceptible to the ruts in the road, and all sorts of bumps that kinda made the jeep unsettled. After the Teraflex stabilizer, it settled down so much that it actually felt like a whole new vehicle. Although I never really had any steering issues, and my observation is more of a quality of life improvement, so to speak, vs anything else.

I took my JLUR into the dealer since my steering wheel shakes after hitting bumps in the roads at slower speeds. I have the Mopar lift which was installed by them which is the reason I choose this lift over other companies to keep the warranty. They are saying they will not replace the steering stabilizer due to the 37’s inch tires installed. They want to charge 330 to install the fox 2.0 stabilizer which I believe is only $170 part on Quadratec.

Now should I get the rough country dual steering stabilizer or should I choose another one to fix my issue? I wish I would have bought the RockKrawler lift and not this Mopar one. Please advise.

 

[californiajeeping]

I took my JLUR into the dealer since my steering wheel shakes after hitting bumps in the roads at slower speeds. I have the Mopar lift which was installed by them which is the reason I choose this lift over other companies to keep the warranty. They are saying they will not replace the steering stabilizer due to the 37’s inch tires installed. They want to charge 330 to install the fox 2.0 stabilizer which I believe is only $170 part on Quadratec.

Now should I get the rough country dual steering stabilizer or should I choose another one to fix my issue? I wish I would have bought the RockKrawler lift and not this Mopar one. Please advise.

What are your caster stats now and before the lift? Some people with non-lifted JLs had to add longer LCAs from the Mopar lift kit to get more caster to fix problems. So if you have it lifted, the LCAs may not be long enough depending on your starting geometry stats.

 

[Bszczepanski]

What are your caster stats now and before the lift? Some people with non-lifted JLs had to add longer LCAs from the Mopar lift kit to get more caster to fix problems. So if you have it lifted, the LCAs may not be long enough depending on your starting geometry stats.

I have no idea. What should I do to fix it? Adding a stronger steering stabilizer won’t fix it? Is it just hiding the problem. I also saw there is a new track bar out there and my dealer said since my Jeep is modified with the Mopar lift it’s not covered. What should I do?

 

[californiajeeping]

I have no idea. What should I do to fix it? Adding a stronger steering stabilizer won’t fix it? Is it just hiding the problem. I also saw there is a new track bar out there and my dealer said since my Jeep is modified with the Mopar lift it’s not covered. What should I do?

There is a list of troubleshooting techniques the dealer *should* be going through. They installed a Mopar kit, then they own fixing it. It is common knowledge that a loose track bar *can* cause wobble. That doesn't mean a new track bar will fix it. That's why they need to do the basic troubleshooting steps (mechanics 101, this shouldn't be something above even a jr tech's head). Didn't your Mopar kit come with a Fox steering stabilizer? It is much stronger than the factory OEM version. And installing a Mopar kit by the dealer doesn't invalidate the warranty. That only happens when an aftermarket lift kit is installed and it only affects the warranty on steering related parts. Ask JeepCares to contact the dealer if they still say it isn't covered.

1. Check if anything in the steering system is loose or worn. Too new to be worn. Torque specs are here - https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...rangler-jl-steering-related-components.18510/.

2. Here is a great video on how to check if anything is loose.

3. Check caster. Increase caster if it is at the low end of the spec. Most people who have worked on Jeeps for at least 3 months knows, the more caster the better. Meaning the tech at your dealership.

4. Check toe-in settings. Setting it to the max end of the spec versus "it's in range, good enough". Dialing in toe specs can fix a lot of things.

5. Are the tires balanced? Takes just a few minutes for them to check.

6. If 1 - 5 above look good, then proceed to replacing parts.

7. Part culprits could be track bar, drag link (there's a new and improved version too), steering box, steering stabilizer (a weak one that can't handle the lift or larger tires). But 95% of the time, if the steering stabilizer is bad, something else caused it all guilty parts (or loose parts) need to be replaced (or torqued) at the same time.

Go to Youtube and search Jeep Wrangler wobble and there are several great videos. Here are two great articles on the topic as well. Yes, it says "death wobble" but same troubleshooting for wobble-lite and death wobble apply.

https://www.extremeterrain.com/wrangler-jeep-death-wobble.html
https://www.quadratec.com/c/blog/jeep-death-wobble-how-to-fix

Hope that helps.

 

[LincolnSixAlpha]

I took my JLUR into the dealer since my steering wheel shakes after hitting bumps in the roads at slower speeds. I have the Mopar lift which was installed by them which is the reason I choose this lift over other companies to keep the warranty. They are saying they will not replace the steering stabilizer due to the 37’s inch tires installed. They want to charge 330 to install the fox 2.0 stabilizer which I believe is only $170 part on Quadratec.

Now should I get the rough country dual steering stabilizer or should I choose another one to fix my issue? I wish I would have bought the RockKrawler lift and not this Mopar one. Please advise.

I'm partial to the Teraflex, but I realize that the other's are probably a MUCH better option than the OEM unit regardless of whom you choose. As for installation, it's very simple and certainly isn't worth spending 330 bucks to install. It's probably a 30-40 minute job taking your time and you need basic tools.

Because I'm partial to Teraflex, Northridge 4x4 used to have a coupon called "sharktank" that would save you some cash, may still be available. Oh yea, confirmed. Will save you 43 bucks off the cost.

https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/...-nexus-ef-2-2-fast-adjust-steering-stabilizer

Regardless, whatever you chose you'll be heading in the right direction away from that OEM plunger. I call it plunger because it's nothing more than that.

 

[Dkretden]

I have no idea. What should I do to fix it? Adding a stronger steering stabilizer won’t fix it? Is it just hiding the problem. I also saw there is a new track bar out there and my dealer said since my Jeep is modified with the Mopar lift it’s not covered. What should I do?

Wait. What? The mopar lift installed by the dealer should have ZERO impact on them replacing the trackbar........

 

[JeepCares]

I took my JLUR into the dealer since my steering wheel shakes after hitting bumps in the roads at slower speeds. I have the Mopar lift which was installed by them which is the reason I choose this lift over other companies to keep the warranty. They are saying they will not replace the steering stabilizer due to the 37’s inch tires installed. They want to charge 330 to install the fox 2.0 stabilizer which I believe is only $170 part on Quadratec.

Now should I get the rough country dual steering stabilizer or should I choose another one to fix my issue? I wish I would have bought the RockKrawler lift and not this Mopar one. Please advise.

Hi Bszczepanski,
We would like to look into this further to see if there's anything we can do on our end to help. Please send us a private message at your earliest convenience.
Lydia
Jeep Social Care Specialist

 

[303rider]

I have seen a few videos on the Steer Smart Yeti XD Kit.

Do you think it is worth it to just swap out all the Parts? Not cheap...

 

[Dkretden]

Hi Bszczepanski,
We would like to look into this further to see if there's anything we can do on our end to help. Please send us a private message at your earliest convenience.
Lydia
Jeep Social Care Specialist

Folks,

As a prospective buyer (likely later this year..... I am learning now), I would like to thank you for being here. It’s good to see Jeep with a presence on these forums to try to help folks with issues.

Just saying: “thanks”

 

[TCogs1]

Do people realize this affects a very small percentage of JLs?!? If this affected ALL JLs then there would be a serious issue. Just be glad Jeep finally acknowledges the issue for those inflicted.

Really... I have read 100's cases... you can bet they are in the 1000's..

don't give FCA rope on this.. this is a real problem..

I am glad they solved mine.. and it was more than just a SS.

Luckily I have a talented dealership...

 

[Swanny297]

I took my JLUR into the dealer since my steering wheel shakes after hitting bumps in the roads at slower speeds. I have the Mopar lift which was installed by them which is the reason I choose this lift over other companies to keep the warranty. They are saying they will not replace the steering stabilizer due to the 37’s inch tires installed. They want to charge 330 to install the fox 2.0 stabilizer which I believe is only $170 part on Quadratec.

Now should I get the rough country dual steering stabilizer or should I choose another one to fix my issue? I wish I would have bought the RockKrawler lift and not this Mopar one. Please advise.

This is why it doesn’t matter if you have a Mopar lift installed by a dealer or not, they will still try to wiggle out of warranty issues - even issues that are known to be persistent in stock vehicles as well.

Sponsored