Loose steering feels like it has play and drifts

[thadius65]

Steering boys and girls, steering. Stay focused!

Sponsored

 

[Revolution_322]

Steering boys and girls, steering. Stay focused!

oh like 375 pages of first time wrangler owners complaining about steering feel wasnt enough...

 

[thadius65]

oh like 375 pages of first time wrangler owners complaining about steering feel wasnt enough...

The level of arrogance it takes to make that assertion is very high. There is a steering issue and just because there are a group of ya'll that feel that it is "normal" or "just a Jeep thing" is baffling. I just don't understand being accepting of flaws by FCA and just using it as a bonding chant. My 2"-3" center steering play is now gone after spending a great deal of time and money researching the PSC solution. Any previous experience with JK's or earlier JL's did not show this issue. Yes they drive very different than any other vehicle, and we all accept that. Solid axles and all. It excels off road like no other. But being on the highway in a $55k bobsled, going to the left, to the right and doing all possible to keep her centered is not normal and not acceptable. FCA knows they have an issue and I wish I could share more, but trust that they do.

If you don't have a steering issue, congrats! But let those of us that do communicate with attempts to fix, wins, losses etc work it out. I am appreciative of those with experience also stepping in to help. I love my 2020 JLUR and I have been fortunate to get most of my issues resolved.

 

[RagTopDeluxe]

oh like 375 pages of first time wrangler owners complaining about steering feel wasnt enough...

 

[oceanblue2019]

I’m not 100% comfortable with the 2.0 turbo built overseas.
I’m reading posts on it now trying to decide if it’s another jeep Gamble.

any info is helpful.

The 2.0L Hurricane used in the JL is built in Trenton Michigan along side the 3.6L Pentastar.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trenton_Engine_Plant

Another version of this engine, The Giorgio, is built in Italy for the Alfa Giulia and Stevlio

 

[Revolution_322]

The level of arrogance it takes to make that assertion is very high. There is a steering issue and just because there are a group of ya'll that feel that it is "normal" or "just a Jeep thing" is baffling. I just don't understand being accepting of flaws by FCA and just using it as a bonding chant. My 2"-3" center steering play is now gone after spending a great deal of time and money researching the PSC solution. Any previous experience with JK's or earlier JL's did not show this issue. Yes they drive very different than any other vehicle, and we all accept that. Solid axles and all. It excels off road like no other. But being on the highway in a $55k bobsled, going to the left, to the right and doing all possible to keep her centered is not normal and not acceptable. FCA knows they have an issue and I wish I could share more, but trust that they do.

If you don't have a steering issue, congrats! But let those of us that do communicate with attempts to fix, wins, losses etc work it out. I am appreciative of those with experience also stepping in to help. I love my 2020 JLUR and I have been fortunate to get most of my issues resolved.

just because your feelings are hurt doesnt make what i had said untrue.

 

[HoundDude]

just use the ignore button folks, it's there for a reason...

 

[Rdmitch]

The level of arrogance it takes to make that assertion is very high. There is a steering issue and just because there are a group of ya'll that feel that it is "normal" or "just a Jeep thing" is baffling. I just don't understand being accepting of flaws by FCA and just using it as a bonding chant. My 2"-3" center steering play is now gone after spending a great deal of time and money researching the PSC solution. Any previous experience with JK's or earlier JL's did not show this issue. Yes they drive very different than any other vehicle, and we all accept that. Solid axles and all. It excels off road like no other. But being on the highway in a $55k bobsled, going to the left, to the right and doing all possible to keep her centered is not normal and not acceptable. FCA knows they have an issue and I wish I could share more, but trust that they do.

If you don't have a steering issue, congrats! But let those of us that do communicate with attempts to fix, wins, losses etc work it out. I am appreciative of those with experience also stepping in to help. I love my 2020 JLUR and I have been fortunate to get most of my issues resolved.

Well put, the many of us with the issue appreciate your saying this so eloquently.

 

[df007]

The 2.0L Hurricane used in the JL is built in Trenton Michigan along side the 3.6L Pentastar.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trenton_Engine_Plant

Another version of this engine, The Giorgio, is built in Italy for the Alfa Giulia and Stevlio

FYI: Check window stickers, most 2.0 say Italy for engine country of origin. It’s not exactly the Hurricane. I have one and dig it.

Regardless, steering issues are not related to the engine spec.

 

[Brandon3333]

@RagTopDeluxe - Glad you got to get out and test drive...I did today, too!! Yes, on my other post I mentioned that the 2.0L does not seem to have this problem. I have driven about 4 of them over the past few months and not a single one had any tracking/pulling problems or loose steering at all. On the other hand, about half of the 8 or so 3.6L I have driven exhibit this problem. Not sure if there is a difference in the Steering Box and/or the whole front end. Of course the engine is smaller and maybe sits different in the mounting that could cause some issues.
I also read about something called the Front Axle Disconnect (FAD) something that sits on the right side of the axle and engage/disengages depending on 2W or 4W mode. It was something they introduced back into Jeeps in 2018...the same year they changed the Steering Box...wonder if it is related or could cause any of the problems we are seeing?
I also test drove a 2015 Rubicon I found today, and it was such a nice difference in steering, but it definitely made it hard for me since I have become so spoiled with all the new electronic goodies in the newer models (i.e. CarPlay, Large Screen, Backup cam, info center in middle of dash..) ugggg!! I know I know..it's a Jeep..not a car...get over it. LOL. Just not sure what I am going to do...order yet another one, call it quits and buy the 2015, or simple wait another model year and see if FCA get's it act together and figures out or redesigns the front end.

 

[df007]

@RagTopDeluxe - Glad you got to get out and test drive...I did today, too!! Yes, on my other post I mentioned that the 2.0L does not seem to have this problem. I have driven about 4 of them over the past few months and not a single one had any tracking/pulling problems or loose steering at all. On the other hand, about half of the 8 or so 3.6L I have driven exhibit this problem. Not sure if there is a difference in the Steering Box and/or the whole front end. Of course the engine is smaller and maybe sits different in the mounting that could cause some issues.
I also read about something called the Front Axle Disconnect (FAD) something that sits on the right side of the axle and engage/disengages depending on 2W or 4W mode. It was something they introduced back into Jeeps in 2018...the same year they changed the Steering Box...wonder if it is related or could cause any of the problems we are seeing?
I also test drove a 2015 Rubicon I found today, and it was such a nice difference in steering, but it definitely made it hard for me since I have become so spoiled with all the new electronic goodies in the newer models (i.e. CarPlay, Large Screen, Backup cam, info center in middle of dash..) ugggg!! I know I know..it's a Jeep..not a car...get over it. LOL. Just not sure what I am going to do...order yet another one, call it quits and buy the 2015, or simple wait another model year and see if FCA get's it act together and figures out or redesigns the front end.

All 4 doors share the same gearbox. Same for 2 doors. I have a 2.0 with a fair bit of play in the steering box, but no pull/wander from the chassis. Maybe the wander is a Rubicon thing, but not the gearbox issues.

 

[CherryWrangler]

For those with steering play and issues, do you have to re-learn driving when driving other vehicles?

LOL, this is funny coz I have been driving my JLUS since we bought it 3 months ago, suddenly today had to drive my bro's Grand cherokee, for the first few miles i was moving the wheel side to side because of my habit with the wrangler to keep it in line. Really appreciate driving other cars at this time. My wrangler is just parked on my driveway.

 

[Shawn19]

For those with steering play and issues, do you have to re-learn driving when driving other vehicles?

LOL, this is funny coz I have been driving my JLUS since we bought it 3 months ago, suddenly today had to drive my bro's Grand cherokee, for the first few miles i was moving the wheel side to side because of my habit with the wrangler to keep it in line. Really appreciate driving other cars at this time. My wrangler is just parked on my driveway.

When I took mine in for service recently for wobble and lock up I got a loaner. An 8 year old Chrysler 200 with over 100k miles. It drove so nice. As I was driving I called back and added loose steering to the list of things to look at.

You do get used to it. And I agree it’s odd to jump into a properly performing vehicle.

 

[jeepthang]

For those with steering play and issues, do you have to re-learn driving when driving other vehicles?

LOL, this is funny coz I have been driving my JLUS since we bought it 3 months ago, suddenly today had to drive my bro's Grand cherokee, for the first few miles i was moving the wheel side to side because of my habit with the wrangler to keep it in line. Really appreciate driving other cars at this time. My wrangler is just parked on my driveway.

OMG YES!!! It's so bad and drives me crazy. Its like we have JL PTSD and definitely lose touch with what normal steering feels like.

 

[Tire Guy]

For those with steering play and issues, do you have to re-learn driving when driving other vehicles?

LOL, this is funny coz I have been driving my JLUS since we bought it 3 months ago, suddenly today had to drive my bro's Grand cherokee, for the first few miles i was moving the wheel side to side because of my habit with the wrangler to keep it in line. Really appreciate driving other cars at this time. My wrangler is just parked on my driveway.

Ha! I thought I was the only one. I'm driving our BMW X5 with She Who Must Be Obeyed and I'm struggling. She looks at me and says, "Do I need to drive". It took a while to stop being so twitchy.

Sponsored