My Steering Issues Have Been Fixed!

[SWIRVN]

I had mine in the shop for a squeak in the shift linkage and also have play and the dead spot in the steering. I referenced the TSB when I checked in today and just found out that they are not touching it because it’s not associated with my VIN And the steering is operating as designed per there tech...

Not thrilled to hear this and kind of half expected it. Just need to find a better deal that actually try to fix customers concerns versus these high-volume jokers.

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[HighDeaf1080p]

So that's the next question I guess. How do we get dealers to perform it if we aren't experiencing the steering lock-up issue it was released to fix?

How can we get Jeep to add "mushy dead-ass scary steering" to the list of ailments this one is prescribed for?

 

[chadc880]

IMO I feel the TSB is a waste of time for loose steering complaints. I mean the OP work order the tech put in the notes “seems better” or something like this. The TSB was suupose to be for those experiencing hard steering at highway speeds. Litebrite’s YT video shows these symptoms.

 

[XTrooper]

IMO I feel the TSB is a waste of time for loose steering complaints. I mean the OP work order the tech put in the notes “seems better” or something like this. The TSB was suupose to be for those experiencing hard steering at highway speeds. Litebrite’s YT video shows these symptoms.

Two things. First, this TSB updates the steering calibrations. This can fix any number of steering issues regardless of what the TSB states. The fact is, the TSB definition of the problem addressed by it didn't match my problem, but it fixed it anyway. Second, if it is a waste of time, it's only a waste of 5-10 minutes which is all it takes for the dealer to perform. Honestly, anyone with a Jeep JL steering problem that has the opportunity to get this reconfiguration done and doesn't is foolish, in my view.

P.S.- My steering was so stiff at highway speeds that it was virtually locked and the steering wheel could not be turned without a good deal of force being applied. My steering was also quite loose at lower speeds and wandered all over the road requiring constant corrections. This TSB recalibration fixed both issues on my Jeep.

 

[jeremyjeep]

There seems to be several things that contribute to different types of steering issues on the JL. I compiled the list below based on what I've read in the JL forums. One of the "fixes" could correct the issue that someone is having, or it could take a combination of multiple fixes. Just fixing one item on the list may make it better, but not to the ultimate level unless you implement multiple fixes. The goal is safety, and not to feel like you have to white-knuckle the steering wheel on regular roads. We don't expect it to drive like a BMW, but we want it to drive at least like a previous year's Wrangler - hopefully one notch better, but same as previous Wranglers is fine. Hopefully this will help everyone with troubleshooting.

Let me know if there are any fixes to add to the list. #1, #2 and #8 really helped me a lot (2018 JLUR), but it still wanders and needs constant correction, not as much as before, but still much more than previous Rubicons that I've driven. I have an appointment for #4 and #7 in 2 weeks. My VIN doesn't show #9 in the recall list.

1. Tire Pressure - tires are way over inflated from the dealer. Match them to the door jam numbers.

2. Steering box adjustment. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...el-play-how-much-is-normal.12526/#post-306343

3. Steering box replacement.

4. TSB # 08-092-18 Steering Issue / Restore Vehicle Configuration routine. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...sist-steering-lockup-at-highway-speeds.12226/

5. Front end alignment.

6. Toe-In adjustment. https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=4

7. Control Arm Adjustment - loosen, then tighten to the correct amount. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...y-how-much-is-normal.12526/page-2#post-310933

8. Break-in period. Some in the forums reported that their steering problems went away after 700, 900, 1,000, etc. miles.

9. Steering recall on some VINs - https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/steering-recall-06-01-18.9747/

10. Check all 4 ball joint nuts.

 

[chadc880]

Two things. First, this TSB updates the steering calibrations. This can fix any number of steering issues regardless of what the TSB states. The fact is, the TSB definition of the problem addressed by it didn't match my problem, but it fixed it anyway. Second, if it is a waste of time, it's only a waste of 5-10 minutes which is all it takes for the dealer to perform. Honestly, anyone with a Jeep JL steering problem that has the opportunity to get this reconfiguration done and doesn't is foolish, in my view.

P.S.- My steering was so stiff at highway speeds that it was virtually locked and the steering wheel could not be turned without a good deal of force being applied. My steering was also quite loose at lower speeds and wandered all over the road requiring constant corrections. This TSB recalibration fixed both issues on my Jeep.

I did say IMO. Your PS part, That is what the TSB was designed to fix. Not loose steering issues. I live an hour away from the dealer. Not just a skippy 5 to 10 minute trip let alone 30 minutes at the dealer for something simple. I choose to go this route since this was my purchased my Jeep and the service guy was more than willing to jump in and figure out a resolution.

 

[chadc880]

There seems to be several things that contribute to different types of steering issues on the JL. I compiled the list below based on what I've read in the JL forums. One of the "fixes" could correct the issue that someone is having, or it could take a combination of multiple fixes. Just fixing one item on the list may make it better, but not to the ultimate level unless you implement multiple fixes. The goal is safety, and not to feel like you have to white-knuckle the steering wheel on regular roads. We don't expect it to drive like a BMW, but we want it to drive at least like a previous year's Wrangler - hopefully one notch better, but same as previous Wranglers is fine. Hopefully this will help everyone with troubleshooting.

Let me know if there are any fixes to add to the list. #1, #2 and #8 really helped me a lot (2018 JLUR), but it still wanders and needs constant correction, not as much as before, but still much more than previous Rubicons that I've driven. I have an appointment for #4 and #7 in 2 weeks. My VIN doesn't show #9 in the recall list.

1. Tire Pressure - tires are way over inflated from the dealer. Match them to the door jam numbers.

2. Steering box adjustment. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...el-play-how-much-is-normal.12526/#post-306343

3. Steering box replacement.

4. TSB # 08-092-18 Steering Issue / Restore Vehicle Configuration routine. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...sist-steering-lockup-at-highway-speeds.12226/

5. Front end alignment.

6. Toe-In adjustment. https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=4

7. Control Arm Adjustment - loosen, then tighten to the correct amount. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...y-how-much-is-normal.12526/page-2#post-310933

8. Break-in period. Some in the forums reported that their steering problems went away after 700, 900, 1,000, etc. miles.

9. Steering recall on some VINs - https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/steering-recall-06-01-18.9747/

I think all 4 ball joint nuts near loose should be top priority to check not seen on this list.

 

[jeremyjeep]

I think all 4 ball joint nuts near loose should be top priority to check not seen on this list.

Added to the original list. Thanks!

 

[XTrooper]

I did say IMO. Your PS part, That is what the TSB was designed to fix. Not loose steering issues. I live an hour away from the dealer. Not just a skippy 5 to 10 minute trip let alone 30 minutes at the dealer for something simple. I choose to go this route since this was my purchased my Jeep and the service guy was more than willing to jump in and figure out a resolution.

Did you not read the whole "PS" part? My steering was also loose at speeds under ~50 mph. That looseness also disappeared after the reflash. But, hey, all my Jeep's steering issues have been 100% resolved for nearly a month now and it's now actually fun to drive. If anyone still has steering issues and wants to ignore a possible fix, that's their decision, illogical at it may be. Good luck to you.

 

[JL Crawler]

There seems to be several things that contribute to different types of steering issues on the JL. I compiled the list below based on what I've read in the JL forums. One of the "fixes" could correct the issue that someone is having, or it could take a combination of multiple fixes. Just fixing one item on the list may make it better, but not to the ultimate level unless you implement multiple fixes. The goal is safety, and not to feel like you have to white-knuckle the steering wheel on regular roads. We don't expect it to drive like a BMW, but we want it to drive at least like a previous year's Wrangler - hopefully one notch better, but same as previous Wranglers is fine. Hopefully this will help everyone with troubleshooting.

Let me know if there are any fixes to add to the list. #1, #2 and #8 really helped me a lot (2018 JLUR), but it still wanders and needs constant correction, not as much as before, but still much more than previous Rubicons that I've driven. I have an appointment for #4 and #7 in 2 weeks. My VIN doesn't show #9 in the recall list.

1. Tire Pressure - tires are way over inflated from the dealer. Match them to the door jam numbers.

2. Steering box adjustment. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...el-play-how-much-is-normal.12526/#post-306343

3. Steering box replacement.

4. TSB # 08-092-18 Steering Issue / Restore Vehicle Configuration routine. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...sist-steering-lockup-at-highway-speeds.12226/

5. Front end alignment.

6. Toe-In adjustment. https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=4

7. Control Arm Adjustment - loosen, then tighten to the correct amount. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...y-how-much-is-normal.12526/page-2#post-310933

8. Break-in period. Some in the forums reported that their steering problems went away after 700, 900, 1,000, etc. miles.

9. Steering recall on some VINs - https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/steering-recall-06-01-18.9747/

10. Check all 4 ball joint nuts.

It will be interesting to see what they tell you in 2 weeks. I only show one recall on the list (U62) for mine so I will make an appointment and hopefully get them to take care of the TSB for the steering! Thanks for the good info!

 

[chadc880]

My gut has been telling me to try the steering adjustment again. The dealer couldn't get it to budge. He gave me permission to adjust it to his mark. I tried the other night and it was stuck solid with lock tight. So tonight I tried again. Working it slowly back and forth with vice grips carefully. Allen Key was already stripped. I used a heat gun on the nut and carefully working it back and forth it finally moved. I moved the adjuster to his mark at 1/8 from the factory mark. I will let the video speak for itself.

 

[JL Crawler]

Also, just for the record, I had dual Rough Country steering stabilizers and Metalcloak front and rear track bars installed today. You can tell the difference in the bumps and extra jarring that came with adding 37 x 13.50 tires, but it did NOTHING for the steering and “wandering”.

 

[jeremyjeep]

My gut has been telling me to try the steering adjustment again. The dealer couldn't get it to budge. He gave me permission to adjust it to his mark. I tried the other night and it was stuck solid with lock tight. So tonight I tried again. Working it slowly back and forth with vice grips carefully. Allen Key was already stripped. I used a heat gun on the nut and carefully working it back and forth it finally moved. I moved the adjuster to his mark at 1/8 from the factory mark. I will let the video speak for itself.

Are you referring to the steering box adjustment or something else? If the steering box adjustment, how are you able to get to it? It is very difficult to get to isn't it?

 

[WXman]

Just got back from the dealer the TSB did not change my loose steering at all but the 4 loose ball joint has made a pretty significant difference.

Did you ask them why they said it was a brand new TSB that was issued a couple of days ago and that it came out in early July, not a couple of days ago? lol Thank them for the wild goose chase.

So that's the next question I guess. How do we get dealers to perform it if we aren't experiencing the steering lock-up issue it was released to fix?

How can we get Jeep to add "mushy dead-ass scary steering" to the list of ailments this one is prescribed for?

IMO I feel the TSB is a waste of time for loose steering complaints. I mean the OP work order the tech put in the notes “seems better” or something like this. The TSB was suupose to be for those experiencing hard steering at highway speeds. Litebrite’s YT video shows these symptoms.

Mine was flashed on June 18th. This TSB means nothing. The software has been out there forever, you just need a dealer competent enough to flash it for you. I was actually in for the U62 recall which requires a reflash of the PCM, but by default that flash updated my 4-door with the proper steering calibration also.

Since then, I can drive with one hand. Even if there's a semi truck next to me on the interstate, something that would have been scary before! Cured!

 

[cabnfvr]

.... First, this TSB updates the steering calibrations. . .....

Our company (construction vehicles) releases software updates on our equipment quarterly, correcting or improving any number of issues. Updates are often at the dealers discretion to install. If no complaints then often no update is performed. Rarely is software released for just one issue unless it is deemed to be safety related. Even then it is often released with all other updates included. All of this is so confusing but the bottom line is that if one can get their dealer to reflash then it might resolve the issue as it did for the OP. As already mentioned above it's sure worth a try.

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