Loose steering feels like it has play and drifts

[californiajeeping]

HERE IS YOUR FIX!

There are other references to the AE version of the steering box in previous posts in this thread. Most say it fixed the Jeep Wrangler JL steering problems. One or two said it didn't make a difference. They should also try the typical fixes, like the new track bar, checking torque on all steering related components, new steering stabilizer V41, toe-in settings, etc. Most of the time it is a combination of new parts, not one silver bullet. This video supports the multiple parts scenario well.

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[JeepRider10]

All, I am on the phone with Jeep Cares as I type this and there seems to be a new proceedure. They will not give me a case number until after they make an appointment with the dealership. When the dealership tells them what the problem is they will open a case number and track it. But until it is seen by the dealership all I can get is a complaint number. When the dealership gives the standard answer "The Jeep Wrangler was designed with 4" of play in the steering so it is driving as designed. NO ISSUE FOUND", there will be no case number. My guess is they are getting too many complaints and didnt want to have all the documented case numbers building up. Anyway I am going for my 5th appointment but I know the drill. They will check for recalls and when there are none will say it is driving as designed. They wont drive another one on the lot with me I have asked on all 4 of my previous experiences which covered 3 different dealerships.

 

[Rdmitch]

All, I am on the phone with Jeep Cares as I type this and there seems to be a new proceedure. They will not give me a case number until after they make an appointment with the dealership. When the dealership tells them what the problem is they will open a case number and track it. But until it is seen by the dealership all I can get is a complaint number. When the dealership gives the standard answer "The Jeep Wrangler was designed with 4" of play in the steering so it is driving as designed. NO ISSUE FOUND", there will be no case number. My guess is they are getting too many complaints and didnt want to have all the documented case numbers building up. Anyway I am going for my 5th appointment but I know the drill. They will check for recalls and when there are none will say it is driving as designed. They wont drive another one on the lot with me I have asked on all 4 of my previous experiences which covered 3 different dealerships.

Follow the process and schedule it with the dealer. Insist they drive with you and have the service mgr. drive the vehicle. Also have him ride with you while you drive. Have him watch your hands on the wheel (not the road) while you try to drive normally. Per the STAR directive they must test drive the car.
Start the process and keep hounding them until it drives right. No car has 4” of play
Stay in contact with your case mgr. and ask them to elevate the issue to the service tech level.
Have FCA initiate the calls to the dealer once you have a case number, so the dealer knows you’re not going away and document every conversation.

 

[RagTopDeluxe]

I dropped off the loaner today and spoke with the service advisor about my Jeep.

They determined that my drag link and put an arm are bad and need to be replaced. I asked about the steering box and was told that they will only replace it after a failure.

So, question of the day...how does one determine that the steering box has failed?

I responded that I hope they will replace it if the next fix doesn’t help. I won’t know fore a week because we’re going out of town. (We’d be on our way to Colorado if the steering was good .)

 

[RagTopDeluxe]

All, I am on the phone with Jeep Cares as I type this and there seems to be a new proceedure. They will not give me a case number until after they make an appointment with the dealership. When the dealership tells them what the problem is they will open a case number and track it. But until it is seen by the dealership all I can get is a complaint number. When the dealership gives the standard answer "The Jeep Wrangler was designed with 4" of play in the steering so it is driving as designed. NO ISSUE FOUND", there will be no case number. My guess is they are getting too many complaints and didnt want to have all the documented case numbers building up. Anyway I am going for my 5th appointment but I know the drill. They will check for recalls and when there are none will say it is driving as designed. They wont drive another one on the lot with me I have asked on all 4 of my previous experiences which covered 3 different dealerships.

Just last week I had a case number as soon as I contacted Jeep Cares. I had an appointment that I made, but not yet seen by the dealer.

 

[californiajeeping]

I dropped off the loaner today and spoke with the service advisor about my Jeep.

They determined that my drag link and put an arm are bad and need to be replaced. I asked about the steering box and was told that they will only replace it after a failure.

So, question of the day...how does one determine that the steering box has failed?

I responded that I hope they will replace it if the next fix doesn’t help. I won’t know fore a week because we’re going out of town. (We’d be on our way to Colorado if the steering was good .)

How many miles do you have on your JL? The steering Star case earlier in this thread has a diagram of how they can test the steering box, which requires them to remove it, put it on a bench, and take some measurements of the play. The amount of play determines if it should be replaced or not. The dealership should know this, but as usual, the customers have more information than the dealership. Or they are too lazy. Either way, they have no excuse.

 

[NCPolock]

Full disclosure, this is my first Jeep ('19 Rubi 4dr)...longtime lurker, 1st time poster. I started with ~ 4" of play upon purchase and the dealership immediately applied the v41/steering stabilizer. That brought that play down to 2"-3". I have an appointment next week but not expecting much as the service manager making the appointment seemed to imply "well we did the only recall on your vehicle but we'll take a look at it". All that being said, does anyone that has found "the fix" have a video that shows what good or normal should be w/out the slop in the steering wheel? I've seen what bad looks like online. I was going to ask to drive one on the lot but doesn't appear they have a similar model. Thx.

 

[Rdmitch]

Full disclosure, this is my first Jeep ('19 Rubi 4dr)...longtime lurker, 1st time poster. I started with ~ 4" of play upon purchase and the dealership immediately applied the v41/steering stabilizer. That brought that play down to 2"-3". I have an appointment next week but not expecting much as the service manager making the appointment seemed to imply "well we did the only recall on your vehicle but we'll take a look at it". All that being said, does anyone that has found "the fix" have a video that shows what good or normal should be w/out the slop in the steering wheel? I've seen what bad looks like online. I was going to ask to drive one on the lot but doesn't appear they have a similar model. Thx.

They may have done the "recall" item but there are other things that can be done that are not recalls. Track bars are not a recall and they are usually done as part of trying to resolve the problem. There has been no documented fix that Jeep will admit to however many have said the V41 was a help. Others have said the new "E" series steering box was successful.
I think you could easily find a JLUR on a dealer lot to test. it may not be where you made the purchase but other lots may have one you can try.
If not you could test a JLU (not a Rubicon) as a comparison. it may be a bit different since I believe the Rubs have a different axle and if lifted has different other front end parts.

 

[JeepCares]

Full disclosure, this is my first Jeep ('19 Rubi 4dr)...longtime lurker, 1st time poster. I started with ~ 4" of play upon purchase and the dealership immediately applied the v41/steering stabilizer. That brought that play down to 2"-3". I have an appointment next week but not expecting much as the service manager making the appointment seemed to imply "well we did the only recall on your vehicle but we'll take a look at it". All that being said, does anyone that has found "the fix" have a video that shows what good or normal should be w/out the slop in the steering wheel? I've seen what bad looks like online. I was going to ask to drive one on the lot but doesn't appear they have a similar model. Thx.

Hi NCPolock,
We're sorry to hear about your continued steering concern. If you would like any additional assistance while working with your dealer, please send our team a private message and we would be happy to get you connected with a Case Specialist!
Alex
Jeep Social Care Specialist

 

[lastxit]

Hi all. New member, long time lurker.

I've been following this issue for a while since I'm also affected by loose steering and I thought I would add my experience thus far to the conversation.

2018 JLU 4-door manual with a rather large amount of play in the steering wheel. Long story short; today was my 5th trip to a dealership (two different ones) and it was finally agreed upon when comparing to another 2018 on the lot that the steering had too much play. I was told that in the past they were able to tighten it up at the steering box but now they cannot. So they ordered a new steering box coming from St. Louis and will call me when it's in. My case manager has been a real pro helping me get this worked out.

Up to this point I have had the track bar and steering damper changed. Hoping this new steering box is the silver bullet for my issue. To be clear, my issue to date has only been loose steering that seems exacerbated by uneven or poor road conditions. Larger tires (285/70/R17 Falkens) also made it noticeably worse so I put the factory tires back on for now making it easier to drive while looking for a fix. My two previous Jeeps steered perfectly and the difference is night and day.

I really love this new model, and it's performed very well off-road for my purposes. Hoping to be able to relax soon while driving it on my daily commute.

 

[RagTopDeluxe]

How many miles do you have on your JL? The steering Star case earlier in this thread has a diagram of how they can test the steering box, which requires them to remove it, put it on a bench, and take some measurements of the play. The amount of play determines if it should be replaced or not. The dealership should know this, but as usual, the customers have more information than the dealership. Or they are too lazy. Either way, they have no excuse.

My Jeep has a little over 4,000 miles, built in April.

I’ll have to find that Star Case to have as a reference for when they call me. I’ll ask how they checked the box.

 

[californiajeeping]

My Jeep has a little over 4,000 miles, built in April.

I’ll have to find that Star Case to have as a reference for when they call me. I’ll ask how they checked the box.

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...has-play-and-drifts.3691/page-142#post-426243

 

[RagTopDeluxe]

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...has-play-and-drifts.3691/page-142#post-426243

That’s the one I was looking for. Thank you sooooo much!

 

[Ameza]

I have a 2019 JLUS and also am dealing with excessive play in the steering. First off let me say that the steering box, steering damper and tie rod ends have been replaced and it has improved the condition, but not fixed it. I've seen where FCA will replace the track bar if they determine the problem still persists. My question is this, what is the difference between the old and new track bar? I know the bushings are stiffer, but is the track bar itself beefier? Is it solid compared to the hollow old track bar? It seems to me that if the old one is hollow, it would allow some flex which would give you that loose steering at highway speeds. If so, I would gladly pay for an aftermarket track bar that I know is solid steel with no flex...however my concern is that an aftermarket product would void the warranty for any future steering issues. So for that reason, I'm considering buying the Mopar new track bar in order to preserve the warranty...but only if it is truly an upgrade to the old part I'm currently using. What are your thoughts

 

[Martindfletcher]

That’s the one I was looking for. Thank you sooooo much!

I am still confused about the play or lash limit from these instructions. Mine will likely read zero for that distance, Any insight?

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