Steering issues resolved in latest model years?

[Jamrock]

A number of us with 2021 models (including myself) have steering issues. The crapshoot of good vs bad is disconcerting, as is the immediate response 'it's a solid front axle' as if no one knows how Jeeps drive. This is my fifth Wrangler.

Some are perfect, some are okay, and a few are terrible. Take the advice given earlier--test drive thoroughly before signing anything, then decide from there.

I have seen several posts that support what you are saying. Overall, Jeep steering has improved but FCA does not manufacture at a consistent quality from one unit to the next.

There is still a sizeable market for after market steering stabilizers, etc.

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[2mnycars]

A number of us with 2021 models (including myself) have steering issues. The crapshoot of good vs bad is disconcerting, as is the immediate response 'it's a solid front axle' as if no one knows how Jeeps drive. This is my fifth Wrangler.

Some are perfect, some are okay, and a few are terrible. Take the advice given earlier--test drive thoroughly before signing anything, then decide from there.

Test drive at highway speed. (When I claimed there was a problem, they said it's a jeep thing after a test drive. Later...much later....learned their test drive didn't exceed 45 kmh on the smoothest city roads.
If they had taken it to get coffee for the crew it would have been a more meaningful test.

 

[2mnycars]

I don't know if the death wobble and wandering issues are caused by:

* bad design (don't think so)
* bad parts
* bad installation
* bad maintenance

I just know the problems are real.

Look at the number of posts here.

I appreciate that some people have modified their Jeeps and solved the problem they had.

However, it shouldn't be necessary to add gear to the Jeep to make it safe.

 

[chgrec]

I agree....I have owned & driven plenty of German cars as well as an older TJ and I realize Jeeps are not the same as a road car.

You shouldn't have the steering wheel go wild when hitting a small bump at 70 on the highway with less than 10k miles on a brand new vehicle. It's not about a different style vehicle, its about safety and basic functionality.

I replaced my stabilizer with the Mopar "updated" one in a Jeep TSB and it resolved the issue for me so far. Part No.: 68251580AF [DAMPER-STEERING]

 

[five9dak]

I got my 2020 JL used. The steering was so bad I felt drunk, and I had driven a TJ to 220k miles. I suspect the previous owner got rid of it for this reason. After the steering box TSB update it is great. It already had the most up to date damper and track bar, I checked the PNs before lodging the complaint about the box.

 

[chgrec]

I agree....I have owned & driven plenty of German cars as well as an older TJ and I realize Jeeps are not the same as a road car.

You shouldn't have the steering wheel go wild when hitting a small bump at 70 on the highway with less than 10k miles on a brand new vehicle. It's not about a different style vehicle, its about safety and basic functionality.

I replaced my stabilizer with the Mopar "updated" one in a Jeep TSB and it resolved the issue for me so far. Part No.: 68251580AF [DAMPER-STEERING]

wanted to post an update since there have been other recent threads with “experts” that say the steering stabilizer will never cause death wobble…..after another 5k miles on my now 11k total miles Jeep, after I replaced the steering stabilize, the issue is resolved. Took a trip the interstate exceeding 80mph hitting the exact same spots on the highway that caused the wobble at 67 mph and there was no wobble at all….did 800 miles averaging 75, no wobble….

So regardless of the self proclaimed experts, in my case, on a brand new <7k mile completely stock suspension JLU, it was indeed the steering stabilizer and not some other worn part…..

 

[Chugiakguy]

My 2021 came with the updated black steel steering box from the factory. The recall retro fits the unit for those prior to 2021. I have almost 9K miles so far and no issues with steering; it works just fine on the road and on the trail. The worst I've dealt with was waiting for the MT2 tires to wear in. They liked to wonder a bit when new. Anyway, I have no hesitations taking this on a long trip.

That is an interesting comment about the Firestone M/T2 tires, Zakaron. I have those same tires on my new (one month since delivery) Willys Sport, and while I can feel their "knobbiness" to an extent on the pavement, I do not find them, or my steering, to be noticeably wondering in any way.

 

[Xorak]

wanted to post an update since there have been other recent threads with “experts” that say the steering stabilizer will never cause death wobble…..after another 5k miles on my now 11k total miles Jeep, after I replaced the steering stabilize, the issue is resolved. Took a trip the interstate exceeding 80mph hitting the exact same spots on the highway that caused the wobble at 67 mph and there was no wobble at all….did 800 miles averaging 75, no wobble….

So regardless of the self proclaimed experts, in my case, on a brand new <7k mile completely stock suspension JLU, it was indeed the steering stabilizer and not some other worn part…..

A steering stabilizer is for comfort only. If you can't drive it without a stabilizer at all with no death wobble, it's not fixed. Saying a stabilizer cured your death wobble is like putting a band aid on an amputated limb and calling it good.

 

[chgrec]

What have you proven to be the root cause of the wobble suffered at >67MPH when hitting a bump at speed on one wheel only? Are you suggesting that my brand-new stock jeep with less than 7000 miles had worn parts?

 

[OrneryBear]

What have you proven to be the root cause of the wobble suffered at >67MPH when hitting a bump at speed on one wheel only? Are you suggesting that my brand-new stock jeep with less than 7000 miles had worn parts?

It could very easily be an improperly tightened suspension component that has loosened up or prematurely worn due to improper torque from the factory.

 

[Xorak]

What have you proven to be the root cause of the wobble suffered at >67MPH when hitting a bump at speed on one wheel only? Are you suggesting that my brand-new stock jeep with less than 7000 miles had worn parts?

Absolutely it could have worn out or damaged parts. I had to have 4 ball joints replaced on a 2018 JL with 10k miles.

 

[chgrec]

If that's the case, then Jeep has more significant issues than just the death wobble. All I know is that once I replaced the stabilizer with the one jeep updated as part of their TSB, the wobble is gone.

 

[OrneryBear]

If that's the case, then Jeep has more significant issues than just the death wobble. All I know is that once I replaced the stabilizer with the one jeep updated as part of their TSB, the wobble is gone.

When you have humans involved in the process, mistakes can happen. This happens to every auto manufacturer. They have a lot of checks implemented to try to prevent mistakes, but humans always find a way around them. I engineer and build a lot of assembly and check fixtures/equipment for the auto industry to do just that, and you'd be amazed when they come back for a revision how parts or systems have been bypassed by employees rendering them less or non effective. You also have to keep in mind before components get to jeep, they are produced by levels of suppliers, these suppliers all have their own different levels of standards. Some follow stringent procedure, some do not. Just food for thought.

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