Right Drift after Steering TSB

[MMalone]

I am now reading about a dozen or so of us that have had the TSB Performed only to be unhappy with an issue of a right drift, and we are being told alignment.
WTF. Our cases being closed.... We are being told it has nothing to do with the TSB, but we didn't have this issue before, NOW WE DO? What is being missed by JEEP.
Can someone in the know share there thought, knowledge about this issue. Jeep is only 6 months, 5K miles and like I said, wasn't there before TSB, and now it's there. all speeds on straight roads, 45mph, 55 mph, 60mph, and 70 mph. Any thoughts as i have appointment to do battle with dealership next week.

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[Spank]

Replacing steering hardware and then straight up saying that it has absolutely nothing to do with a new steering problem is utter nonsense. I don't know what's involved in the replacement process, but I wouldn't be surprised if the pitman arm wasn't put back onto the new box in the exact same position. Does your Jeep drift to the right while the wheel is perfectly straight or is the wheel slightly turning with it?

 

[limeade]

Replacing steering hardware and then straight up saying that it has absolutely nothing to do with a new steering problem is utter nonsense. I don't know what's involved in the replacement process, but I wouldn't be surprised if the pitman arm wasn't put back onto the new box in the exact same position. Does your Jeep drift to the right while the wheel is perfectly straight or is the wheel slightly turning with it?

Orientation of the pitman arm won’t have any affect on steering pull. Improper orientation will cause a lack of turning radius to either the left or right, depends on how much its off.

what will be interesting is when I have the new box installed in my 2019 next week. It currently has a pull to the right. I was hoping the new box and software would rectify this pull. Now I’m not so sure......

 

[MMalone]

Replacing steering hardware and then straight up saying that it has absolutely nothing to do with a new steering problem is utter nonsense. I don't know what's involved in the replacement process, but I wouldn't be surprised if the pitman arm wasn't put back onto the new box in the exact same position. Does your Jeep drift to the right while the wheel is perfectly straight or is the wheel slightly turning with it?

Straight. I can set it straight, and within 3-5 seconds it starts the drift to the right.

 

[Spank]

Orientation of the pitman arm won’t have any affect on steering pull. Improper orientation will cause a lack of turning radius to either the left or right, depends on how much its off.

True, but if it were off a smidge in either direction from its original mounted position, would it not affect the steering wheel centering which could be corrected with an adjustment of the draglink? I'm not saying that's the solution here, but I also don't credit FCA techs with due diligence, either.

 

[X99104]

There is some bias with the new steering box. I had my Jeep re-aligned after the work.
What you may be seeing is crown of the road bias that was masked by the loose steering box. Try to find a spot of flat concrete

 

[McGilli]

My dealer already test drove my jeep for 2 minutes around the block to determine the steering was loose - but when I go in for the upgrade i will insist they drive it again beforehand - while I'm still there - to confirm the steering is dead centre before their work.

 

[limeade]

True, but if it were off a smidge in either direction from its original mounted position, would it not affect the steering wheel centering which could be corrected with an adjustment of the draglink? I'm not saying that's the solution here, but I also don't credit FCA techs with due diligence, either.

Yes, the wheel could be centered via the drag link. But if the pitman arm isn’t clocked correctly on the splined output shaft, you will lose some of the turning radius in one direction.
As an example, I can disconnect the pitman arm and reconnect it so you’d only have a quarter turn of the steering wheel to the right (or left) and have your steering wheel perfectly centered.
But this (a mis-clocked pitman arm) would have no affect on whether the steering pulls one direction or the other while the Jeep is in motion.

 

[MMalone]

There is some bias with the new steering box. I had my Jeep re-aligned after the work.
What you may be seeing is crown of the road bias that was masked by the loose steering box. Try to find a spot of flat concrete

I have tried over 100 miles (driving 2 days, back and forth to work) speeds at 45, 55, 60 and 70mph, always starting in center of lane, where i felt road was straight and flat. Sometime hold for awhile, no hands, then the right drift always takes over

 

[4xFUN]

I have tried over 100 miles (driving 2 days, back and forth to work) speeds at 45, 55, 60 and 70mph, always starting in center of lane, where i felt road was straight and flat. Sometime hold for awhile, no hands, then the right drift always takes over

Easy stuff first...If you have not done so yet, use an accurate dial type air pressure gauge and make sure all tires are inflated the same. If still drifts right, switch front tires side to side, tire pulls are very common. How often do you rotate tires and are they wearing evenly? Also, do you do a 4 or 5 tire rotation? I personally like a 4 tire rotation as tread wear is even on all tires and when replacement time rolls around I just have 4 tires to buy. I have seen slight drifts caused by 5 tire rotations, especially the first time the spare is used.

Next I would have the alignment checked with a printout of all readings, review the printout with a qualified alignment specialist...Sadly, most dealers no longer have a true alignment specialist-you may have to search for a speciality shop in your area. If you have an aftermarket suspension, maybe check with the manufacturer for recommendations of dealers with in-house alignment facilities.

Hope this is helpful and good luck!

 

[Quadjeeper]

Yes, the wheel could be centered via the drag link. But if the pitman arm isn’t clocked correctly on the splined output shaft, you will lose some of the turning radius in one direction.
As an example, I can disconnect the pitman arm and reconnect it so you’d only have a quarter turn of the steering wheel to the right (or left) and have your steering wheel perfectly centered.
But this (a mis-clocked pitman arm) would have no affect on whether the steering pulls one direction or the other while the Jeep is in motion.

I tend to disagree about the non centered box not causing an issue. These type of steering boxes are tighter on center than just off of center, if the box is not centered and the link is adjusted to compensate, it can cause a lead one way or the other.

 

[mvng4wd]

I too have had the TSB done and it’s fading to the right as well. I installed the Falcon Nexus 2.1 SS two days ago hoping it would help with the fade to no avail. But I have to add, the née SS is a huge improvement in the loose feeling that I had before the TSB. The gear is tighter and it’s a lot more sturdy with the new SS.

 

[limeade]

I tend to disagree about the non centered box not causing an issue. These type of steering boxes are tighter on center than just off of center, if the box is not centered and the link is adjusted to compensate, it can cause a lead one way or the other.

The easiest way to tell is if theres an equal amount of steering wheel turn left and right......which mine has. So I know the pitman arm was installed in correct position from the factory. My theory is there’s something wrong with either the software or the electronic part of the system.

 

[mvng4wd]

The easiest way to tell is if theres an equal amount of steering wheel turn left and right......which mine has. So I know the pitman arm was installed in correct position from the factory. My theory is there’s something wrong with either the software or the electronic part of the system.

Ok so I thought I was the only one to think it was an electronic issue. I feel like it’s nothing mechanical that is drawing it to the right, I watch the steering wheel do it on its own, like it has a mind of its own. I completely feel like it’s an electronic issue. Thank god someone else said that, I was starting to think I need to stop watching Stranger Things halfway thru season two. Hahaha.

 

[Black Jeep Convertible]

Mine pulled to the right BEFORE getting the TSB done. After the TSB it drove perfect

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