Mushy steering

[Jnez2006]

Just picked up my new 2021 Sport S on Thursday. The steering felt a bit off when I took delivery, but I was coming from a BMW and was driving on a bit of a wonky road, so I stupidly shrugged it off as a “Jeep thing”. Friday morning after my post purchase euphoria had worn off, I noticed that my steering felt extremely “mushy” and soft, that I had to work extremely hard to stay in my lane and that any speed above 55 felt incredibly unsafe. It does feel like I have a bit of a dead zone, but it’s not a lot... the wheels are actually very responsive and the Jeep tracks straight if I take my hands off the wheel. It’s just that the steering wheel feels like something out of an arcade game... so much play and absolutely no tension when turning or adjusting the wheel. It seems to me that the wandering is actually just a product of the tires responding to the oscillation of the steering wheel. Anyways... Now I am feeling feelings of deep despair and dread. Frankly, I don’t want to drive it. It feels dangerous and I’m a bit scared. I’m going to take it into the dealer on Monday, but I’m just hoping someone here can reassure me that they had this issue, had it fixed and now are completely in love with their Jeep. Right now I’m feeling like such an idiot for having bought anything Chrysler put a finger on. The whole buying process was already a nightmare and now this. Feeling very put out and put off.

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[Rico1111]

Check your tires! Mine were set at 41 and I lowered them to 36 and they seemed a bit more stable but mine is an 18 and I have an appointment next week to have the steering gear box replaced ...You have a brand new Jeep I'm assuming they already put the steel steering gear box in yours from the factory. There is a long thread about the steering drift wandering caused by aluminum steering gear (which there is now a TSB to change it out to steel) just google the steering wander you will be taken back to this forum to the posts. Good luck...hope it's just your tire pressure, also check and make sure all fuses are seated. Some have reported loose fuses from delivery.

 

[Jnez2006]

Check your tire pressure , the dealer usually has 40 plus psi in them while on the lot. Put them at 32 warmed up and try it. May not be the problem, but it’s the cheapest box to check off.

Thanks! Tried that unfortunately. They were set at 37 and dropped them to 32. No real difference :/

 

[Roky]

Thanks! Tried that unfortunately. They were set at 37 and dropped them to 32. No real difference :/

Ok, see what the dealer says about it, but don’t worry over it , whatever it is , it can be fixed. Sure it’s an inconvenience, but it’ll be worth it in the long run. What you’re describing sounds like it’s a steering box issue, whether it’s a lash adjustment or a software issue, but I’m just guessing of course....... if this is your first ever Jeep, the worst thing you can do is compare it to any other vehicle you’ve owned, because it’s a solid axle vehicle and it’s altogether different then the IFS your used to.

 

[Jnez2006]

Ok, see what the dealer says about it, but don’t worry over it , whatever it is , it can be fixed. Sure it’s an inconvenience, but it’ll be worth it in the long run. What you’re describing sounds like it’s a steering box issue, whether it’s a lash adjustment or a software issue, but I’m just guessing of course....... if this is your first ever Jeep, the worst thing you can do is compare it to any other vehicle you’ve owned, because it’s a solid axle vehicle and it’s altogether different then the IFS your used to.

Thanks! I appreciate it!

 

[Zotch]

Can't compare BMW steering to Jeep.

You should have the upgraded steering box already (black). Did you test drive any Jeeps beforehand?

 

[Jnez2006]

Can't compare BMW steering to Jeep.

You should have the upgraded steering box already (black). Did you test drive any Jeeps beforehand?

Yeah, test drove a few different ones and had no issues... Like I said, this one felt a bit off during test drive at pickup but the road sloped heavily to the right, so I figured I was just having to fight the nasty road. Poor judgement on my part... Had been waiting nearly 2 months for the car to get here and had some blinders on for sure. Also hopped in my coworkers JL’s (Rubicon and Sport) for comparison. Mine definitely mushy.

 

[Jnez2006]

I've got 1000 miles on my new 2020, same issue. I've already been to the dealer and they've ordered the new steering box for it. There's 123 pages of responses regarding this on this thread: https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...b-08-074-20-for-improved-steering-feel.56363/ The TSB is there, print it out and take it to your dealer. Explain to them about the mushy/dead feeling for the steering wheel and that you've already adjusted tire pressure. If they try to tell you "it's a Jeep thing" hand them the TSB and tell them no, it's a FCA thing. The service writer at my dealership acted like he had never heard of the TSB but after I educated him and the service tech came back in from the test ride and confirmed what I said, the service writer said, "Yup, you know what you're talking about. Parts are being ordered and I'll call you when they come infor the service."

The other thing, with a new Wrangler they should have enrolled you in Jeep Wave. That gives you a free loaner vehicle for a day while your vehicle is in for necessary service. The whole swapout on the steering box is only supposed to take a couple hours so tell them you want a free loaner car too.

Thanks! Hopefully they can fix it. Mine should technically have the new box in it since it’s a 2021, but maybe just a faulty one? I’m really hoping they fix it

 

[Jennalee]

Oh that sucks I’m sorry. If you have the new black iron steering box you should be good. Hopefully it’s something minor that’s an easy fix. Jeep owners have gone through a lot of grief over their loose steering and wandering issues so you’re definitely not alone. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Windshieldfarmer]

If it tracks straight you’re probably dealing with a dead spot in center which may or may not be normal. The steering on my 2020 tracks straight but there is a small dead on center. Doesn’t bother me a bit and I drive a Model 3 Tesla as a daily driver.... That said my wife hates driving the Jeep because of the steering...she constantly overcorrects; drives me crazy when riding with her. People perceive this issue differently. Have a friend who is already accustomed to driving a JL drive your new ride and give you feedback....

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