Loose steering feels like it has play and drifts

[Holymoly1963]

The dealer was thorough however I don't think they'll do much without an official word from Jeep. Below is the write-up:

@JeepCares : Appears more and more people are reporting a similar issue.

It's unfortunate that the tech can't live with your Jeep for a week or more. He would then see there is a real concern here. I took a video this weekend of the steering wheel of my JL and also my Mazda on the same straight highway...wife driving. Dramatically more corrections / mile on the Jeep. Sad because the Jeep is such a nice vehicle otherwise . But steering is a huge deal, not just for safety but also driving pleasure

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[mischman]

I'm not sure how much i believe the fact that its a software issue. How come only some Jeeps have it? They started flashing some Jeeps different for a few months? If it was an issue of 4DR jeeps getting flashed with the 2DR software....why isnt there a fix?

 

[Silverback]

If your dealer is talking about the recent software fix (TSB# 08-092-18), then they are blowing you off. It is out and can be applied now. It helped me out SOME, but didn't completely solve the problem. So, can't hurt to have them do it - at least until the next solution rolls out from FCA.

From a different thread:
A TSB was just released regarding the symptoms the OP was describing - Steering Locking at highway speeds.

NUMBER: 0809218
GROUP: 08 Electrical
DATE: July 7, 2018

SUBJECT:
Low Steering Assist at Highway Speeds
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves using wiTECH 2 to perform a Restore Vehicle Configuration routine. The reconfiguration will update the ElectroHydraulic
Power Steering (EHPS) calibrations.

You can show this information to your dealer for further assistance. This TSB, as far as I know, does not address other steering symptoms customers are describing such as loose/steering has play. As always, please send us a PM if you have any additional questions.

Julie
Jeep Social Care Specialist

It’s a TSB for s different issue not drifting. Mine is kinda sloppy. Today I had to brake hard and it got squirrely. I didn’t like that at all. Gonna follow this thread for sure.

 

[3uPh0riK]

So far from what I can tell only like 1 person says that their dealer sorted this out?

 

[pdavey168]

Screw it, I'm just going to rip off my wife's new car. It tracks straight as an arrow lol.

 

[JIMBOX]

I picked up my 2dr RUBY from my dealer on SAT. the 14th--drove straight home-ALL OVER THE ROAD, CONSTANT CORRECTION---

Went to my garage, letit cooldown and checked the AIR PRESSURE--all tires were over 45PSI !

I lower ALL TIRES to 30psI-THATS ALL-I DID

WENT OUT THIS MORNING TO 2 MILES 35MPH STREET, THEM 65 MPH FREEWAY--THE STEERING WAS 99.9% PERFECT-

Some MAY SAY THE AIR PRESSURE IS NOT THE TROUBLE, BUT I BELIEVE IT IS-- the high air pressure allows only the center of the front tires to provide/apply the jeeps weight so, by lowering the air pressure you allow the front tires to APPLY THEIR ENTIRE WIDTH, for traction and more stability

W.E.

JIMBO

 

[WutRoad]

Happy for you Jimbo. Sadly, air pressure doesn't help the floppy loose steering wheel those who have the problem deal with.

 

[Rhinebeck01]

I picked up my 2dr RUBY from my dealer on SAT. the 14th--drove straight home-ALL OVER THE ROAD, CONSTANT CORRECTION---

Went to my garage, letit cooldown and checked the AIR PRESSURE--all tires were over 45PSI !

I lower ALL TIRES to 30psI-THATS ALL-I DID

WENT OUT THIS MORNING TO 2 MILES 35MPH STREET, THEM 65 MPH FREEWAY--THE STEERING WAS 99.9% PERFECT-

Some MAY SAY THE AIR PRESSURE IS NOT THE TROUBLE, BUT I BELIEVE IT IS-- the high air pressure allows only the center of the front tires to provide/apply the jeeps weight so, by lowering the air pressure you allow the front tires to APPLY THEIR ENTIRE WIDTH, for traction and more stability

W.E.

JIMBO

@JIMBOX
I had the same experience as you with my 2dr. JL Rubi. Dropped pressure down from the 45psi they were at to 36#. Did that telescoped the steering wheel and steering was terrific.. Steering got even better once I got say a thousand miles on the tires. I have had my JL since mid May and everyday I drive it, I say to myself.... geeez, this thing handles nicely.

 

[JIMBOX]

Yeah--good, these crazy (NEW) jeeps are complex and crazy--

All they did was upgrade/update an existing (JK) and look at the trouble that caused, but

After driving my '08 JKUR for over 8 years and 90% off-road, this 2018 JL is like slipping into a LAMBORGHINI !

W.E.

JIMBO

Here's a pic

 

[WranglerMan]

@JIMBOX
I had the same experience as you with my 2dr. JL Rubi. Dropped pressure down from the 45psi they were at to 36#. Did that telescoped the steering wheel and steering was terrific.. Steering got even better once I got say a thousand miles on the tires. I have had my JL since mid May and everyday I drive it, I say to myself.... geeez, this thing handles nicely.

What is the telescoped steering thing ?

 

[Rhinebeck01]

What is the telescoped steering thing ?

@WranglerMan

The JL allows you to pull the steering wheel closer to you or push it farther away from you. (Like with a telescope) It's adjustable.

I believe all the JL's come from the factory, with the steering wheel in the full forward position....
SO, you are reaching out for it with little or no bend in the arms.

If you drive with arms fully stretched out you will be more apt to encourage, lets say, the vehicle to wander, ect..

With this said, you telescope the steering wheel back to you. Mine is all the way back. I like a lets say good bend in my arms.. Where a JL owner sets his is personal preference.


.

 

[WranglerMan]

@WranglerMan

The JL allows you to pull the steering wheel closer to you or push it farther away from you. (Like with a telescope) It's adjustable.

I believe all the JL's come from the factory, with the steering wheel in the full forward position....
SO, you are reaching out for it with little or no bend in the arms.

If you drive with arms fully stretched out you will be more apt to encourage, lets say, the vehicle to wander, ect..

With this said, you telescope the steering wheel back to you. Mine is all the way back. I like a lets say good bend in my arms.. Where a JL owner sets his is personal preference.


.

@Rhinebeck01 I will try that, I was thinking that the wheel was not going back to center as when I am going down the road I have to cant the wheel slightly to the left to keep it straight or it drifts to the right, this does not happen all the time.

I checked to steering wheel to tire alignment by pulling it into the garage then backing out and in again to ensure the wheels are perfectly straight and with the wheels straight the steering wheel is centered so maybe I am once again over thinking this and the wheel just has play in it and is designed that way, it’s been along time since I have had any type of SUV.

The Mrs. told me I need to not over analyze it but she knows if it bugs me enough it will be at the dealer getting checked, but the good news is I have quit looking at the voltage gage and am one step closer to getting a Taser JL just waiting to see if I win one but then I never win anything

 

[chadc880]

Here is my update. I have been following these threads like a hawk. I don't have the opportunity to leave my JLU Sahara with the dealer for a period of time since this is my daily driver / business travel vehicle. (Photographer, Videographer). I drive 500 + miles a week. Trust me when I say its a real PINA!! I did make a video of my issue and met with the service manager yesterday. He did say he had never heard of the problem but also researched what he could on his end through FCA and could not find anything. I nicely told him my research for hours and the threads. He said he is more than willing to go into this with me and will be adjusting the steering box adjuster per my request on Monday. He wants to be there when it happens. He wants to test drive before and after. A side note, I can tell the play with the Jeep parked not running. There is clearly not input to the front wheels for an inch or two. Two weeks ago the dealer had a Sahara in the showroom and the same thing, same play. This past Friday they changed it out with a Rubicon and that steering is tight as a whistle. No play what so ever. So I will let you guys know.

 

[Jhoward136]

Looking forward to hearing what you find out.

Here is my update. I have been following these threads like a hawk. I don't have the opportunity to leave my JLU Sahara with the dealer for a period of time since this is my daily driver / business travel vehicle. (Photographer, Videographer). I drive 500 + miles a week. Trust me when I say its a real PINA!! I did make a video of my issue and met with the service manager yesterday. He did say he had never heard of the problem but also researched what he could on his end through FCA and could not find anything. I nicely told him my research for hours and the threads. He said he is more than willing to go into this with me and will be adjusting the steering box adjuster per my request on Monday. He wants to be there when it happens. He wants to test drive before and after. A side note, I can tell the play with the Jeep parked not running. There is clearly not input to the front wheels for an inch or two. Two weeks ago the dealer had a Sahara in the showroom and the same thing, same play. This past Friday they changed it out with a Rubicon and that steering is tight as a whistle. No play what so ever. So I will let you guys know.

 

[Holymoly1963]

Here is my update. I have been following these threads like a hawk. I don't have the opportunity to leave my JLU Sahara with the dealer for a period of time since this is my daily driver / business travel vehicle. (Photographer, Videographer). I drive 500 + miles a week. Trust me when I say its a real PINA!! I did make a video of my issue and met with the service manager yesterday. He did say he had never heard of the problem but also researched what he could on his end through FCA and could not find anything. I nicely told him my research for hours and the threads. He said he is more than willing to go into this with me and will be adjusting the steering box adjuster per my request on Monday. He wants to be there when it happens. He wants to test drive before and after. A side note, I can tell the play with the Jeep parked not running. There is clearly not input to the front wheels for an inch or two. Two weeks ago the dealer had a Sahara in the showroom and the same thing, same play. This past Friday they changed it out with a Rubicon and that steering is tight as a whistle. No play what so ever. So I will let you guys know.

What's a PINA Chad?

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