Loose steering feels like it has play and drifts

[Jhoward136]

I just picked up my new JL Sahara a few days ago and immediately noticed issues with steering. As others have said it's like the steering is loose and makes it difficult to keep the vehicle driving straight. I'm constantly moving the steering wheel and have to keep both hands on the wheel to keep the Jeep on the road. I drove my friend's JL today and can confirm that it is not all Jeeps, as hers was completely fine. I have an appointment with the dealer to look into alignment....we will see what they say.

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[OldGuyNewJeep]

I feel badly for everyone having this issue. What a bummer on a new, EXPENSIVE, vehicle.

If it’s any comfort whatsoever, just know that when they finally address this you’ll be back in love with your JL. I’m one of the lucky ones not affected by this, and just finished a 200 mile round trip with the doors off and top top. At times I was steering with one finger passing 18 wheelers.

So, anyway, maybe there’s a small bit of hope for you all knowing that whatever the cause is (steering box? software? both?), it’s not something that can’t be remedied.

Hang in there, and be safe. FCA, hurry the eff up with a recall!

 

[szobell]

Ok, so I tightened the power steering screw by 1/8 of a turn last night and it is SUBSTANTIALLY better. Did a road trip today and it surprised me how much better it was. Wow. Wish I had done it sooner!!

 

[WalkingJL]

What screw?

 

[Young04]

Ok, so I tightened the power steering screw by 1/8 of a turn last night and it is SUBSTANTIALLY better. Did a road trip today and it surprised me how much better it was. Wow. Wish I had done it sooner!!

I am one of the lucky ones. JLUR and no issues with my steering. Early June build.

A few people have reported improvement with a 1/8 turn. Is this something that I can look at my steering box to see if mine is set differently than others that are having issues? I have made no modifications or adjustments to anything steering related since I took delivery.

 

[GordonZoo]

Just test drove my JLUR to 70 mph and understand the issue some may have. It tracked straight and had no play but if you were to slightly turn a little too much by just an inch it would over correct. I think the steering needs less sensitivity, especially at high speeds. Now if I was to have had any play it in the steering it would be hell to drive. I believe mine still has a lot of pressure in the tires and taking it down a bit should help with the sensitivity. I pick it up Monday.

 

[Chubrocker]

Just speculating, but with those reports of steering boxes binding up, do you think they have over corrected the other direction recently and have them adjusted too loose? It's exactly what mine feels like.

 

[That One Guy]

Hopefully my order doesn't get plagued by this. My commute is nearly nonstop 70mph interstate curves through a canyon.

There's definitely design or manufacturing issues here. If it feels unsafe, do what dozens here already have, and file a complaint on the NHTSA website--can't stress that enough. It's the modern age--there's no excuse to refuse to fix a vehicle that somehow steers worse for some than 80s or older vehicles with solid front axles.

I'm kinda curious that several have reported the steering "breaking in" and getting better after a couple thousand miles. It's not my understanding that steering is supposed to "break in" on any vehicle.

If mine feels vague upon the (before payment) test drive of my build, I'm not sure if I'll refuse delivery or not.

 

[DDwranglerJL2]

Hopefully my order doesn't get plagued by this. My commute is nearly nonstop 70mph interstate curves through a canyon.

There's definitely design or manufacturing issues here. If it feels unsafe, do what dozens here already have, and file a complaint on the NHTSA website--can't stress that enough. It's the modern age--there's no excuse to refuse to fix a vehicle that somehow steers worse for some than 80s or older vehicles with solid front axles.

I'm kinda curious that several have reported the steering "breaking in" and getting better after a couple thousand miles. It's not my understanding that steering is supposed to "break in" on any vehicle.

If mine feels vague upon the (before payment) test drive of my build, I'm not sure if I'll refuse delivery or not.

I have the same steering issue with my JL Sport S 2-door. I have communicated with Jeep Cares, and they have been very responsive. Re: NHTSA—I believe this is a very important step for all of us to take, as a large number of formal complaints can bring stronger pressure on Jeep to resolve this safety hazard. Here is the direct link to file a formal complaint. It only takes 5 minutes to do:

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/

 

[szobell]

I followed the instructions in this post:

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/how-to-tighten-steering.9041/

I undid the two bolts on the front (top of radiator) of the hose from air filter to the cold air intake as well as the two clamps on either end and I was able to get great access to the top of the steering box.

I also marked the top of the bolt the Allen wrench goes into with a sharpie so I could be certain of where it was before I started moving it.

Took me about 15 minutes from start to finish.

 

[sacourtney07]

I am one of the lucky ones. JLUR and no issues with my steering. Early June build.

A few people have reported improvement with a 1/8 turn. Is this something that I can look at my steering box to see if mine is set differently than others that are having issues? I have made no modifications or adjustments to anything steering related since I took delivery.

There is no way to tell how it is set by looking at the steering box. However, they are marked with green paint from the factory where the original setting position is. This will only help you put it back to the original setting or see if it has been adjusted after it was originally set and marked.

 

[Kysport]

Many of us on this site have been hoping it magically gets better for months but it doesn't. FCA should stand behind their products and admit this is a safety issue and come up with a fix. I've owned several Jeeps over the years as have my family members, but this is our last one unless something happens soon. Taking a long road trip in a few months and it won't be in my Wrangler unless it's fixed.

 

[JeepCares]

First post. I have two JLURs with the steering play issue. Took one of them into a dealer for service today. Asked them to look at the steering play and drifting. Spoke with the service manager who also owns a JLUR with the issue. He was told by corporate that 2 door steering control software was accidentally programmed into some 4 door models and a flash (software update) will be released sometime in the future.

Can you send us a direct message with your VIN and current mileage for both vehicles? We just want to get this documented. Thanks in advance.

Jasmine
Jeep Social Care Specialist

 

[JeepCares]

I have the exact same steering problem with my Sahara; too much play in the steering wheel and it wanders all over the road (especially at highway speeds). I find that I am making constant corrections just to stay in my lane - and taking curves at high speeds is flat out scary. I have taken it back to the dealership twice and they found it to "be within specs," though did make some alignment adjustments. On my last trip, I had a tech drive it while I was in the passenger seat - after having it nearly change lanes on him, he agreed that there was a problem and insisted that they keep it to look further (admitting that he didn't think it was safe to drive).

This is my 5th Wrangler, and it is by far the most difficult to drive. This is not a Jeep thing! This is an FCA redesign problem that needs to be addressed. After two service trips and still no real solution, I have filed a complaint with the NHTSA in hopes that it will get the attention it deserves. I encourage all new JL owners experiencing this issue to do the same. If multiple complaints like mine are submitted, FCA will have to take our concerns seriously.

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/

Hi kevinkeplar,

If you have not already, please send a PM to our team with your VIN and mileage so that we can document that you are experiencing this steering concern while we have internal teams review this information for further resolution.

Darlene
Jeep Social Care Specialist

 

[JeepCares]

I just picked up my new JL Sahara a few days ago and immediately noticed issues with steering. As others have said it's like the steering is loose and makes it difficult to keep the vehicle driving straight. I'm constantly moving the steering wheel and have to keep both hands on the wheel to keep the Jeep on the road. I drove my friend's JL today and can confirm that it is not all Jeeps, as hers was completely fine. I have an appointment with the dealer to look into alignment....we will see what they say.

Hi Jhoward136,

At this time, have you sent our team a PM with your VIN and mileage? We would be happy to provide additional assistance while your Jeep is at the dealer for this concern.

Darlene
Jeep Social Care Specialist

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