Loose steering, wobble in front end

[Opie112]

I purchased a stock jeep back in april. First few weeks were smooth sailing. Had it inspected and rear shocks needed replaced. After shocks were replaced dash threw a code for the clock spring going bad, so had that replaced. Started having very loose steering and wobble in the front end. Had the oil changed and tires rotated and torqued to spec. Still having issues, mechanic says everything looks fine but to keep coming back that it could take time for what's actually wrong to show itself. I decided to crawl underneath the jeep. I found a tear in the boot that connects the drag link and pitman arm. I'll share a small video of the movement that appears to be normal but there is a ticking that im not sure is okay when the wheels are moving side to side. I want to update the sterring and suspension, but I have a service warranty under ally auto that pays for failing sterring, suspension and all other major components on the jeep. Any help is greatly appreciated! i wiped off boot to confirm tear https://youtube.com/shorts/rLH9yJPNTRY?si=i9AL0c68s4QC-LtB

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[Htfan]

Some of the early JL Wranglers have been known for loose, wobbly steering including my own. Not sure if your 2021 has some of these problems.

I resolved my loose steering with an updated factory steel steering box replaced under warranty. Then I also added longer mopar LCAs to improve caster.

 

[GATORB8]

The 21s had a run that came with untorqued lower ball joints. It specifically makes a clicking noise when turning.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

As mentioned, check the torque of the castle nuts on your ball joints to see if that makes the clicking go away.
As far as the torn boot, I am surprised that your mechanic didn't catch/mention it. Good catch that you did. If there has been a drastic change between April and now, it's probably more than just "a Jeep thing." Unless you want to use this as a chance to upgrade to a heavy duty drag link, it might be worth at least replacing the stock drag link outer socket:

https://store.mopar.com/oem-parts/mopar-drag-link-outer-socket-68258760ae

or

https://www.amazon.com/Mopar-Steering-Drag-Link/dp/B0CCQDPVHP

 

[chulyn1]

Some of the early JL Wranglers have been known for loose, wobbly steering including my own. Not sure if your 2021 has some of these problems.

I resolved my loose steering with an updated factory steel steering box replaced under warranty. Then I also added longer mopar LCAs to improve caster.

I have a 24 JL I bought new and the steering absolutely sucked to the point that I was uncomfortable driving it. The dealer where I bought it said it was fine and it steered that way because of the solid front axle. HAH!!! I took it to a different dealer and convinced them to replace the steering box. They did and now it steers perfectly.

 

[Mikey T]

It's almost certainly the ball joints. The stocks ones have a cheap plastic inner liner that wears out quickly. I just went through the same thing on my 2021 392. It can lead to the famous jeep wobble. I replaced mine with a set of MC ball joints and haven't had a problem since. It seemed to tighten my steering up quite a bit. Of course, I also installed a complete 4 link game changer, long arm suspension as well. It's possible one of the other components was making it worse as well, but I was told the ball joints were my main culprit.

 

[Htfan]

I have a 24 JL I bought new and the steering absolutely sucked to the point that I was uncomfortable driving it. The dealer where I bought it said it was fine and it steered that way because of the solid front axle. HAH!!! I took it to a different dealer and convinced them to replace the steering box. They did and now it steers perfectly.

Good to hear! I'm afraid we can't trust dealership service centers. We have to do our own research and demand appropriate fixes or do it ourselves.

 

[Opie112]

I have a 24 JL I bought new and the steering absolutely sucked to the point that I was uncomfortable driving it. The dealer where I bought it said it was fine and it steered that way because of the solid front axle. HAH!!! I took it to a different dealer and convinced them to replace the steering box. They did and now it steers perfectly.

That's exactly what the dealership told me as well, "its a wrangler don't you know what you bought" it was a gross experience to say the least. I told the mechanic I know i didnt buy a Cadillac but it also shouldn't be walking down the darn road like it did. So im now on the hunt for a knowledgeable mechanic willing to work with me and my service contract.

 

[dsgrey]

Some of the early JL Wranglers have been known for loose, wobbly steering including my own. Not sure if your 2021 has some of these problems.

I resolved my loose steering with an updated factory steel steering box replaced under warranty. Then I also added longer mopar LCAs to improve caster.

It shouldn't. TSB 08-074-20 to upgrade from aluminum to steel was for 2018-2020 models.

 

[Htfan]

It shouldn't. TSB 08-074-20 to upgrade from aluminum to steel was for 2018-2020 models.

I'm very aware of TSB 08-074-20. This is how I justified getting my fix under warranty for the dealership a few years ago. The key word "shouldn't" in your reply isn't always the case. There still seems to be some situations with 2021+ where the steering gear is the culprit.

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