New JL Steering Issue TSB 08-074-20 (for "Improved Steering Feel")

[Mikester86]

Getting my TSB done next week on my 2020 JLUR. Can someone confirm if the list below is everything I need done and/or if I am missing anything. Thanks!

1- gear box part number ending in AB
2- new bolts used and torqued to spec (can someone confirm the specs?)
3- make sure software is flashed/updated to 70F
4- make sure steering fluid is topped off
5- make sure wheel alignment is done.

I asked for a copy of the alignment as well, which was provided to me. I did have to ask for it though. Good to have.

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[californiajeeping]

Getting my TSB done next week on my 2020 JLUR. Can someone confirm if the list below is everything I need done and/or if I am missing anything. Thanks!

1- gear box part number ending in AB
2- new bolts used and torqued to spec (can someone confirm the specs?)
3- make sure software is flashed/updated to 70F
4- make sure steering fluid is topped off
5- make sure wheel alignment is done.

Need to make sure they order a new one-time use bolt that connects the lower steering column (intermediary steering shaft) to the steering box and torque it to spec. Part number 6506950AA. The details are found in the steering box replacement procedure in the technician’s documentation. If this bolt is not replaced, it can cause a dead spot. Also, there are two software updates per the TSB.

 

[californiajeeping]

Since it was not added, the steering still feels like there is the 2 inch deadspot, no steering whining noise and the steering is not tighter than before as other have reported.

@JeepCares : should 2020s get the 70f on the option update?

Did they replace the one-time use bolt that connects the steering column to the steering box? Here is a post that has more details on how this bolt fixed loose steering-https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/my-journey-to-fixing-the-dreaded-steering-issue-on-18-jlu.30604/. From the post:

 

[calvinf1]

Did they replace the one-time use bolt that connects the steering column to the steering box? Here is a post that has more details on how this bolt fixed loose steering-https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/my-journey-to-fixing-the-dreaded-steering-issue-on-18-jlu.30604/. From the post:

Yes this part number is on the invoice along with the other parts. So I will assume it was installed. I did visually confirmed my steering box is black color.

 

[californiajeeping]

Yes this part number is on the invoice along with the other parts. So I will assume it was installed. I did visually confirmed my steering box is black color.

What symptoms does your JL have before and after they installed the new steering box?

 

[cram501]

I had mine completed today (with the AB box). Definitely feels heavier but I haven't had a chance to really test it out. I'll do that tomorrow.

No indication of an alignment although all parts are accounted for on the sheet as well as an indication of a flash.

 

[calvinf1]

I had mine completed today (with the AB box). Definitely feels heavier but I haven't had a chance to really test it out. I'll do that tomorrow.

No indication of an alignment although all parts are accounted for on the sheet as well as an indication of a flash.

What year is your jeep?

 

[calvinf1]

What symptoms does your JL have before and after they installed the new steering box?

To set the context, I have always thought that this was a "Jeep thing" since this is my first. I just got used to it but my car wandered quite a bit and I usually anticipate curves before I even get there... it's like playing a driving game on video and there is a delay on the controller. But it was never that bad and I learned to manage.

When I picked up my Jeep, I had requested a screen shot of the options update screen as well as a before after alignment sheet. I was told 2020 doesn't get a 70F sales code but they did remove the 5sy code - since there was no update, I got nothing to screen shot. The invoice does indicate a software flash. I did get the alignment and numbers looked good.

When I got into the car, I was surprised my aftermarket front camera and proximity lock still worked (both installed after purchased). I thought they would have been wiped out by the software reflash and I would have to reconfigure with my JSCAN.

Started driving and the wandering seemed to have been reduced by 50% on highway. The steering does not feel any heavier than before. I dont hear the steering box whining sound that everyone else reported. They did an alignment and I saw the specs but the steering when wasn't perfectly centered (where my OCD kicks in). The 2 inch dead spot was still there and nothing really changed with the steering feel after the install.

I did go back and saw the procedure #7 specifically call out the 2018 and 2019 to have the 70F sales code added and skip this step if otherwise. I'm at a lost because all the people had these symptoms after install was able to get the expected results after they properly add the 70f sales code (but doesn't apply to my 2020).... I can't even argue with the dealer about this since the followed the TSB to the dime. I'm at a dead end here.

 

[californiajeeping]

To set the context, I have always thought that this was a "Jeep thing" since this is my first. I just got used to it but my car wandered quite a bit and I usually anticipate curves before I even get there... it's like playing a driving game on video and there is a delay on the controller. But it was never that bad and I learned to manage.

When I picked up my Jeep, I had requested a screen shot of the options update screen as well as a before after alignment sheet. I was told 2020 doesn't get a 70F sales code but they did remove the 5sy code - since there was no update, I got nothing to screen shot. The invoice does indicate a software flash. I did get the alignment and numbers looked good.

When I got into the car, I was surprised my aftermarket front camera and proximity lock still worked (both installed after purchased). I thought they would have been wiped out by the software reflash and I would have to reconfigure with my JSCAN.

Started driving and the wandering seemed to have been reduced by 50% on highway. The steering does not feel any heavier than before. I dont hear the steering box whining sound that everyone else reported. They did an alignment and I saw the specs but the steering when wasn't perfectly centered (where my OCD kicks in). The 2 inch dead spot was still there and nothing really changed with the steering feel after the install.

I did go back and saw the procedure #7 specifically call out the 2018 and 2019 to have the 70F sales code added and skip this step if otherwise. I'm at a lost because all the people had these symptoms after install was able to get the expected results after they properly add the 70f sales code (but doesn't apply to my 2020).... I can't even argue with the dealer about this since the followed the TSB to the dime. I'm at a dead end here.

1. The 2020s should of already had 70f so it makes no sense that they deleted 5sy. All JLs so far have either 5sy or 70f depending on the year or if they updated it.

2. Did they replace the one time use bolt as mentioned above in another post?

3. When you listened for the sound from the steering pump, were you inside the Jeep or did you have someone turn the steering wheel while you stood outside near the steering pump reservoir with the hood up?

 

[cram501]

What year is your jeep?

2019

 

[calvinf1]

1. The 2020s should of already had 70f so it makes no sense that they deleted 5sy. All JLs so far have either 5sy or 70f depending on the year or if they updated it.

2. Did they replace the one time use bolt as mentioned above in another post?

3. When you listened for the sound from the steering pump, were you inside the Jeep or did you have someone turn the steering wheel while you stood outside near the steering pump reservoir with the hood up?

1. Agreed, it makes no sense. That is what is on the invoice.

2. Yes they replaced that bolt also. The part number is listed on the invoice. Will assume it was installed

3. I stood outside while trying to reach my arm back into the car to turn the wheel side by side. I hear no whining noise. Dont think it will make a difference but will try again with the hood open and ask the wife to turn the wheel and report back.

I took the car out tonight for a test drive... I tried centering the steering wheel by adjusting the drag link. Made my OCD feel a bit better. I do admit that I dont have to make as much steering corrections as before so I do notice a positive difference. That 1 to 2 inch dead spot is still there but the wandering has improved 50%. My car is still stock at this point.

Next will be the Synergy track bar bracket and new Teraflex track bar. Then steering stablizer.

 

[calvinf1]

Came across this video on a simple fix. Will give this a try.

 

[californiajeeping]

FYI Steering TSB Fox survey. So far only 61% said it fixed their steering issues. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...tsb-08-074-20-fix-your-steering-issues.57382/

 

[JeepCares]

Since it was not added, the steering still feels like there is the 2 inch deadspot, no steering whining noise and the steering is not tighter than before as other have reported.

@JeepCares : should 2020s get the 70f on the option update?

Thanks for tagging us, calvinf1. We can certainly help you out further if you are experiencing additional steering concerns. Send our team a private message to start.

Kate
Jeep Cares

 

[johnbyron]

Sharing an update that might be useful to other people.
I had the TSB performed in September by a dealer who botched it: they reused the old bolts and when I asked them to replace all 5, they replaced just 4. They said they performed all the TSB steps but the Mopar set of screws had a missing screw (strange) and that's why they reused the old ones. Until today I had the suspicion that they might have not performed the software update but I didn't want to go back to the same dealer, as I don't trust them anymore. Also, the car was already tracking pretty straight and the dead spot was minimal (but still there).
Today I went to a dealer with higher reviews for an oil change and asked them to check the options report; they confirmed that the software had not been updated and they did that for free after I told them my story.
Here are the changes I noticed:

• The dead spot was already minimal, now it's almost zero
• The car was already tracking pretty straight, only a slight improvement in this regard
• The steering wheel is less affected by bumps and imperfections of the road
• Before the update, the steering wheel was very slow at straightening itself after a curve, now it's much faster.

Overall, not a huge difference, but definitely a noticeable one.

Update after one day of driving:

• I realized that the Jeep actually tracks straighter: in particular, it now follows the road crown less. I can now take my hands off the steering wheel on the highway and the car drives straight for a good amount of time! I couldn't even dream about doing that before.
• This one is difficult to explain: before the software update, I had to turn the wheel to one side when I started accelerating after a stop. I thought it was some sort of torque steer (which shouldn't affect RWD cars). Now that's gone.
• I had upgraded my infotainment unit from the 5' to the 8.4' one (bought on infotainment.com); I also installed the climate control unit. A few hours after the software update, the climate control became unavailable. I had to use the OBD Genie again and wait a few hours for the unit to realize the settings had changed. So, if you have the infotainment upgrade (and used the OBD Genie) and the climate control is working, it's very possible that they didn't update your software.

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