Major steering issue problem with JL Wrangler. Please watch

[IPvFletch]

Jeez... this steering setup seems super buggy...

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[jeremyjeep]

That click would correspond to the same position where it locks at higher speeds, i'm not sure how the software could trigger a mechanical response from the steering because I can physically feel the pop when I hear the sound.

Software can control the voltage thresholds on the controller board going to an electric motor (steering pump, etc.). If the voltage/amps is too low or high, it can cause the clicking noise if it is straining beyond the voltage/amps tolerance of the electric motor.

 

[knick33]

Is it still doing that now or is the clicking gone since the reflash?

That was an old video of the Jeep stopped after experiencing the lock up. Pre Flash.

 

[knick33]

Software can control the voltage thresholds on the controller board going to an electric motor (steering pump, etc.). If the voltage/amps is too low or high, it can cause the clicking noise if it is straining beyond the voltage/amps tolerance of the electric motor.

It makes sense the way you explain it, but it's a bit over my head still!

 

[XTrooper]

That was an old video of the Jeep stopped after experiencing the lock up. Pre Flash.

Got it. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[vicpen1]

Hi Rick01,
Please send us a private message with additional information on this if you have not already. We would like to make sure this has been documented within our systems and offer additional assistance if needed.
Julie
Jeep Social Care Specialist

Having a similar problem at low speed or even stopped. Sticking at dead center. Just started this weekend.

 

[Jesse_01]

Wife just came across the same issue last week while trying to merge onto the highway.

Hopefully a fix comes out soon. Some places have said it's the aluminum steering box, the other computer program.

I miss the simple power steering pump days.

 

[Encycloman]

If it was as simple as a software calibration than why replace an entire vehicle? I’m not buying it. Not the solution or the JL until there’s a clear explanation of cause and solution. This isn’t a top leaking that’s just annoying. We’re talking about buyers experiencing possible accidents. I expect and demand better.

I took mine (with less than 2000 miles) back. They said they did a TSB, and that now mine steered "just like the others". Which still means not too well. I have noticed that whether down the road or standing still with engine off, the steering wheel has about 5 degrees of free play. I can even watch the steering shaft wiggle back and forth while I move the wheel! Looks like "software" won't fix. Not sure if they designed this to have slop in the shaft or not, but sure looks like it ought to be able to get tightened up!

It seems strange that they are willing to base the steering on my JL on others they have, rather than on what ought to be right.

 

[Jeepsterfreak]

I can even watch the steering shaft wiggle back and forth while I move the wheel! Looks like "software" won't fix. Not sure if they designed this to have slop in the shaft or not, but sure looks like it ought to be able to get tightened up!
.

Can you explain in further detail what you are experiencing.

Are you saying the input shaft to the steering box wiggles before moving the pitman arm/tires?

That can be adusted by turning the allen screw on the steering box as so many have described. Sounds like many dealers are reluctant to adjust the gear lash so some owners are doing it themselves.

 

[Holymoly1963]

Can you explain in further detail what you are experiencing.

Are you saying the input shaft to the steering box wiggles before moving the pitman arm/tires?

That can be adusted by turning the allen screw on the steering box as so many have described. Sounds like many dealers are reluctant to adjust the gear lash so some owners are doing it themselves.

Power to the owners!

 

[dyda8621]

Just got a 2018 4-door Wrangler unlimited sport. I have this issue at lower speeds (I mainly do city driving) when I turn left and then turn my wheel straight. Once the wheel is in the straight position, the steering locks up pretty well for a split while. Any idea what to do? I took it to Jeep service and they said they couldn't get it to do it, so no actions where taken. More concerned about safety than anything... Thanks!

 

[Jeepsterfreak]

Just got a 2018 4-door Wrangler unlimited sport. I have this issue at lower speeds (I mainly do city driving) when I turn left and then turn my wheel straight. Once the wheel is in the straight position, the steering locks up pretty well for a split while. Any idea what to do? I took it to Jeep service and they said they couldn't get it to do it, so no actions where taken. More concerned about safety than anything... Thanks!

Take your Jeep to a large empty parking lot. Have a friend film while you drive to capture the lock up. Post the video all over social media and jeep forums.

Jeep will replace your JL with one that hopefully doesn’t have the same problem.

No. I’m not joking.

Also file complaint with nhtsa. This is important. Do it!

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

What’s your build date?

This is totally unacceptable for any new vehicle. Shame on your dealer for not investigating further. I imagine every dealer is aware of JL steering problems by now. If not, then shame on Jeep for not informing its dealer network about potential problems and how to handle complaints.

Jeep executives are giving each other high fives over record sales numbers, all the while their golden goose has a potentially fatal flaw.

God forbid you get into an accident and someone gets injured or killed. Find a good lawyer and sue the pants off Jeep and your dealer.

 

[Saejin]

^^^
If you have a large presence on social media and/or are considered an influencer, ie you actually have enough subscribers and views to generate income on those platforms, and then post about the Jeep issues you’re having...more than likely FCA will reach out to you directly and take care of you.

Also, the adjustment of the allen screw to reduce lash on the steering box is hit or miss. I adjusted mine and it just made the steering wheel heavier. It did reduce some of the play, but at the cost of a heavier steering wheel, so I returned it back to stock setting. Didn’t like the heavy wheel feeling.

The play in the wheel isn’t so bad on mine, but is still unacceptable as this didn’t exist on the JKs.

 

[jeremyjeep]

FYI: Someone created a steering issues survey.

1. Survey Results: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1...xM0ZQzjhMVaXo8TICWUZN3xrsSpGo3g/viewanalytics
2. To add your data into the survey: https://goo.gl/forms/uWOyTgyqG6AnNdEY2
3. Spread sheet version: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...AMpdgKt1oA5sT_aXI-hoYMCg4/edit#gid=1437013635
4. I found this survey info here: https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/wrangler-steering-issues-survey.12343/
5. If you type in Google 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL, before you finish typing, Google adds steering issues to the end of the keyword phrase as the first suggestion. Obviously there are serious steering problems @JeepCares
6. Check out the recent spike in Google searches on Jeep Wrangler steering related keyword phrases below. Date range is 1/1/2004 to 8/27/18. Source: https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=2004-01-01 2018-08-27&geo=US&q=Jeep Wrangler steering. According to the Google keyword tool, there were 6,345 searches for Jeep Wrangler steering related keyword phrases in the last 30 days.

Interesting - Law firms are now creating dedicated web pages for Jeep Wrangler JL steering problem related lawsuits: https://www.lemberglaw.com/2018-jeep-wrangler-problems-complaints-lemon/

 

[Xfactor67]

I’m dealing with this after only 6 days of ownership. My Jeep has been in the shop for 3 days now and they fixed the power steering module but they still can’t seem to get the power steering to go back to normal.

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