Loose Steering

[Wobelnik]

I have a new to me 2018 Wrangler Rubicon JLU. My first jeep. I experienced the death wobble 3 times in my first month of ownership. After reading many threads, and I thank yu'all, I installed the synergy steering box bracket cause I'm out of warranty with 135,000 miles. I also added a steering stabalizer. So far so good, no death wobble.

But, my steering seems to have to much dead space and it likes to wonder more than I'm confortable with. Whith no apparant worn parts, what would be my next thing to consider or is this just a Jeep thing and I should live with it?

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[BDinTX]

What size tires and what air pressure are you running? Most dealerships over inflate the tires.

 

[TopWright]

My 2019 JLUR has a bit too much play in the steering to my liking also. I can turn the steering wheel left and right from center about 1.5" with no movement at the pitman arm. I checked and I have the aluminum steering box. I will have the steel box installed soon. From what I have read that should help me.

 

[Wobelnik]

What size tires and what air pressure are you running? Most dealerships over inflate the tires.

Tire size are 35 with spacers. more than half worn but pretty even wear.

 

[BDinTX]

What tire pressure?
We run 30-32psi on our 35” BFG KO2 AT
OUr 37” Mickey BB MT are at 28psi

These are regular pressures, on road, highway, etc

 

[Wobelnik]

What tire pressure?
We run 30-32psi on our 35” BFG KO2 AT
OUr 37” Mickey BB MT are at 28psi

These are regular pressures, on road, highway, etc

Are you saying that 35 psi in 35's can cause loose steering and or wondering. Thanks, I will try 30psi. and we shall see.

 

[oldcjguy]

On a 2018, 2019, and 2020, unless it's been replaced, you have the aluminum steering box. With that many miles it's probably got some play since they had play new. That's where the "dead spot" in steering most likely comes from. There was an update to a cast iron box that helped the steering play.

For death wobble, check your ball joints. At over 100k miles and 35s you're probably due.

 

[BDinTX]

Are you saying that 35 psi in 35's can cause loose steering and or wondering. Thanks, I will try 30psi. and we shall see.

No 35 psi is probably not a problem. Some people have 45 psi in 33" tires which will make it feel flighty. Just wanted to rule out the simple stuff. It's probably the steering box or worn track bar bushings.

 

[TectonicDiscoveries]

What steering box do you have? Cast iron or aluminum? You can pop the hood and see if its black or silver to tell visually given the year.

I had the aluminum and if felt like a good 1 1/2" of deadzone in the middle. Did the whole steering stabilizer and all prior, but when the cast iron box went in it drove like a whole new Jeep. Maybe 1/4" of deadzone now.

 

[Wobelnik]

aluminium and added the synergy bracket cause i am out of warranty. And yes it helped.

 

[Wbino]

I have a new to me 2018 Wrangler Rubicon JLU. My first jeep. I experienced the death wobble 3 times in my first month of ownership. After reading many threads, and I thank yu'all, I installed the synergy steering box bracket cause I'm out of warranty with 135,000 miles. I also added a steering stabalizer. So far so good, no death wobble.
But, my steering seems to have to much dead space and it likes to wonder more than I'm confortable with. Whith no apparant worn parts, what would be my next thing to consider or is this just a Jeep thing and I should live with it?

Amazed how people trade in a Jeep with no mention or care what the next owner will have to deal with.
Same could be said to about a dealer who sells it w/o a care.
Selfish.

 

[TectonicDiscoveries]

aluminium and added the synergy bracket cause i am out of warranty. And yes it helped.

If that helped then it may be the culprit. When I was searching youtube and forums I saw a lot of post at the time (2020) noting the synergy brace helped, but moving to the cast iron steering box eliminated the problem completely once that became an option. It sucks to pay for out of warranty and had to take it in because there is supposed to be a software update with the swap. Couldn't get confirmation on if its fine without the update but has something to do with how long the pump runs to cool it. It's been one the best worst things I've to do in terms of drive-ability.

It's TSB 08-074-20

(Edit: Clarifying that the culprit being the steering box, not the synergy bracket directly)

 

[rickinAZ]

Amazed how people trade in a Jeep with no mention or care what the next owner will have to deal with.
Same could be said to about a dealer who sells it w/o a care.
Selfish.

Agreed. But we have to remember that in this case the Jeep has 135K miles.

 

[Upnarms]

Why did you post this under two different titles? Just to add more evidence to your other title about if death wobble/ steering is the most common thread? Yes, and congrats for allowing it to stay that way

 

[Wobelnik]

Why did you post this under two different titles? Just to add more evidence to your other title about if death wobble/ steering is the most common thread? Yes, and congrats for allowing it to stay that way

WTF, what do you mean? I'm new to this forum and find it a bit confusing. Sorry for the inconvenience.

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