Loose steering feels like it has play and drifts

[JeepCares]

I read somewhere that the factory test drives a sampling of jeeps of the assembly line. My question is why didn't they catch this issue long ago? My jeep was built December 4 and has this problem. I wonder how many factories are manufacturing the steering boxes? If they are produced in different factories this could be why some jeeps are not having this problem.

Hi,
I thought I was crazy until I found this thread. Same problem with JLU Rubicon. I have 1500 miles on it and have gotten used to it somewhat but it has always nagged at me. My older JK Sahara never had steering like this even lifted with 35s. With Tire pressure cold at 36-37 it still drifts and wanders and there is a dead spot in the steering wheel that depending on speed feels like ¾ inch to 1.5 inch of play. I will be contacting the local dealer this week to see about a visit, but sure do not look forward to waiting for a back ordered part. Has anyone heard anything from FCA or JeepWave or anyone that they will replace the steering box, or is it a dealer by dealer/ case by case basis?
Anyway I will update on what they tell, thanks for the forum and all that shared.
PM

Bummer to say the least. I was hoping for a better outcome. How can FCA ignore this issue! I love my new Jeep but I find myself leaving it in the garage and driving the Ram if I need to go somewhere with any distance.

Same here as Wutroad: Just got mine back from the dealer. As expected they didn't fthink anything wrong with the steering/steering box. I drove with tech and showed him on mine/he drove also.. then drove another one identical Rubi Unlimited from the lot- we both drove . Funny thing this one from the lot was way worse than mine with the constant left to right correction on steering . (Like mine was originally when purchased) ..Dealership chalked it up as that is how it is..I'm disappointed, but not surprised. ...

Since I purchased the Rubi I have added a Rubicon Express 2” lift, 37 inch BFG Muds, psi now at 32, had alignment, and now just tonight added the RC steering stabilizer and it is driving 90% better than stock off the lot when I purchased ..BIG DIFFERENCE! My caster setting is still a a little low after the lift but some adjustable lower control arms should get that to the upper range near 5.8 degrees which may help a little bit more..I also called FCA Jeep at gave my opinion on the dead spot/steering issues that are known on this forum. For those of you having steering issues don’t give up- great info on this forum- I would not count on the dealership to resolve( you may have to take the lead if it bother you and use the tips on this forum) some/ a few have reported their dealership had been helpful though. I have owned Jeeps in the past and the only one that had funky steering similar to what I initially encountered was a CJ7 back in the 80’s.

Hey everyone,

If you have not yet sent us your VIN and mileage through PM, please do so. We are currently documenting this concern and providing additional assistance while at the dealer.

Darlene
Jeep Social Care Specialist

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[IdahoRed]

Made an appointment with my dealer to have them look into an unusually large dead spot in the steering on my 2018 JL Wrangler. Attempting to maintain lane position at highway speed (60 mph) requires constant corrections to the left and right - not fun to drive at all. Dealer response: "Tech test drove vehicle and found little play in the center of the steering wheel. Vehicle have (sic) a steering gear which is normal to have some play to prevent binding in the gears in the gear box. Tech drove a different vehicle from the lot and found the same play. Tech perform (sic) alignment check and vehicle is aligned." Net result is the dealer did nothing to fix the problem.

Not entirely unexpected, but I would have preferred a more proactive response from the dealer. I will attempt to follow through with FCA in the hope this will help.

 

[Deleted member 18624]

Hey everyone,

If you have not yet sent us your VIN and mileage through PM, please do so. We are currently documenting this concern and providing additional assistance while at the dealer.

Darlene
Jeep Social Care Specialist

Just sent you a message with my info.

 

[RDT300]

Mine was like that. Very frustrating. I don’t know how but mine corrected itself. And NO I did not get used to it. Now I can actually let go of the steering wheel and it stays straight as an arrow.

Exactly what I do on highways. I have appt on Monday to take Jeep in for the recall, new spring perch for Mopar lift, and of course the steering. Will be showing the tech and service manager this video. Thanks.

 

[Jeepsforkeeps]

JeepCares, I also just sent you the required information. Anxiously waiting on a reply.

 

[pdavey168]

Hey everyone,

If you have not yet sent us your VIN and mileage through PM, please do so. We are currently documenting this concern and providing additional assistance while at the dealer.

Darlene
Jeep Social Care Specialist

Just sent my info.

 

[ianhart10]

Hey everyone,

If you have not yet sent us your VIN and mileage through PM, please do so. We are currently documenting this concern and providing additional assistance while at the dealer.

Darlene
Jeep Social Care Specialist

Sent my info too. I picked up my JL yesterday and have drove 160 miles and there is a serious problem. I am disappointed my car got released from quality control as it is not safe to drive.

 

[M1kefries]

Ok so here is a video of what I am talking about. This was driving up 288 outside of Richmond, VA on a flat straight section with the cruise set at 65mph.

So wanted to report back that my steering issue has been solved. Turns out the inner drag link was defective. The tech comment was “Inner Drag Link End Popping”. They replaced it and the difference is night and day. It now drives like I would expect it to and I’m a happy camper!

 

[Man-of-methods]

Can you please post a video

So wanted to report back that my steering issue has been solved. Turns out the inner drag link was defective. The tech comment was “Inner Drag Link End Popping”. They replaced it and the difference is night and day. It now drives like I would expect it to and I’m a happy camper!

Can you please post a video of the corrected steering? Thanks

 

[catdaddy63]

So wanted to report back that my steering issue has been solved. Turns out the inner drag link was defective. The tech comment was “Inner Drag Link End Popping”. They replaced it and the difference is night and day. It now drives like I would expect it to and I’m a happy camper!

That's good to hear! Now maybe a few more will get the same diagnosis and repair.

 

[carolinaclan]

Hate to report that i finally got the Steering Gear Box in after long wait on backorder .. was replaced and there is absolutely no change to the steering issue ! I have had my Jeep in the shop more than i have had it on the road ! Jeep Cares isnt any help whatsover as well .. they are a wast of time ! Sorry i ever bought this POS !

 

[stangken]

Hate to report that i finally got the Steering Gear Box in after long wait on backorder .. was replaced and there is absolutely no change to the steering issue ! I have had my Jeep in the shop more than i have had it on the road ! Jeep Cares isnt any help whatsover as well .. they are a wast of time ! Sorry i ever bought this POS !

Take it back to your dealer and cite post #459 and see what they can do. Then report back here.

 

[M1kefries]

Can you please post a video


Can you please post a video of the corrected steering? Thanks

Sure I’ll take another video when I get a chance in the next couple of days. Will need to get my chief videographer to go for a ride with me to film it. I did have her drive it as well to make sure I wasn’t crazy and she immediately noticed the difference. Her comment, “I’m not afraid to drive it now”..... damn that could be a bad thing because she did drive it like she drives her AMG.....

 

[rswanson]

Hey everyone,

If you have not yet sent us your VIN and mileage through PM, please do so. We are currently documenting this concern and providing additional assistance while at the dealer.

Darlene
Jeep Social Care Specialist

Sent my info as well. Not sure when I'll have a chance to get in to the dealer but will update when I do.

 

[JeepCares]

I guess somebody is gonna have to have an accident and get hurt because of this before FCA will do anything. I find myself driving my truck more than my new jeep. I haven't been to the dealer yet, been working a lot. But I got that feeling their gonna say no problem found or it drives like a jeep.

I definitely understand your desire to get answers for this. On our end, we've been creating cases to documenting the population that's experiencing this. We do encourage everyone that hasn't been to the dealer, to go and get the steering inspected. Send me a direct message with your VIN if you plan to go this route. I'd be glad to help with that process.

Jasmine
Jeep Social Care Specialist

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