Steering issues resolved in latest model years?

[roaniecowpony]

I was comparing parts required from TSB 08 003 021 new TSB number I guess. TSB (Jan 9, 2021) states Gear, steering 685 075 569 AA my invoice from the dealer is 685 075 569 AB. So I guess there is another updated TSB?

So back in the shop Monday. (March 7 2022) Track bar had to be ordered and software will be applied.

The AA vs AB suffix is used to denote a minor change to the part. I'm not sure how Jeep manages their engineering change orders, but my guess is that it's like most other industries, i.e. Minor changes get letter change revisions and Major changes get part number changes.

Now what constitutes Minor and Major change is the subject of endless discussion. Trust me. I spent 2 years to re-defined this process in a large airplane company. But, in the companies I've worked at, if you wanted to kick in an improvement, but the need wasn't mandatory to replace existing stock and in-service product, you would call that a Minor change and it'd be a letter change.

In your case, you got the later revision. So, you shouldn't worry about the difference.

Sponsored

 

[Altitude2020]

The AA vs AB suffix is used to denote a minor change to the part. I'm not sure how Jeep manages their engineering change orders, but my guess is that it's like most other industries, i.e. Minor changes get letter change revisions and Major changes get part number changes.

Now what constitutes Minor and Major change is the subject of endless discussion. Trust me. I spent 2 years to re-defined this process in a large airplane company. But, in the companies I've worked at, if you wanted to kick in an improvement, but the need wasn't mandatory to replace existing stock and in-service product, you would call that a Minor change and it'd be a letter change.

In your case, you got the later revision. So, you shouldn't worry about the difference.

Now I just have to be concerned with is that the technician was schooled properly by the Service Manager after I told the Service Manager the Technician was not following the procedures to update the software or following the TSB. The Service Manager was taken back with the Technicians work.

 

[Altitude2020]

Going through my invoice and TSB 08-003-21 Rev A. The dealership Technician did not install part number 06036780AA Nut, Pitman Shaft. So based on the Technician stating that he did not follow any TSB and the Service Managers realizing he didn't and was "really disappointed" he said. I am extremely concerned.

 

[Altitude2020]

The Pitmsn nut was not replaced, however the dealership ordered it. The technician showed me his scan tool and no updates where found. Problem is the radio presets where still the same prior to the update. I have no idea for another way to tell if the update was done properly. The Jeep goes back in for the track bar and the Pitman nut that was ordered today to be installed. This was the first Jeel that they did this update on. I feel like going to a dealer that has done a few to check the work done at this point.

 

[2mnycars]

Altitude 2000 I had concerns after my steering gear was replaced. My concern was whether the operating software was reflashed. I realized though that the work was a great improvement.

Some time has passed. I keep wondering about the next Jeep. coincidently yours is much like what I would like. My concern is future Jeep service. I've heard "It's a Jeep Thing" a whole bunch of times.

I'm grateful that the first TSB was written. As soon as I read it I had two thoughts.
* Man this is going to be expensive!
* This should be a recall.

Dave

 

[Altitude2020]

Altitude 2000 I had concerns after my steering gear was replaced. My concern was whether the operating software was reflashed. I realized though that the work was a great improvement.

Some time has passed. I keep wondering about the next Jeep. coincidently yours is much like what I would like. My concern is future Jeep service. I've heard "It's a Jeep Thing" a whole bunch of times.

I'm grateful that the first TSB was written. As soon as I read it I had two thoughts.
* Man this is going to be expensive!
* This should be a recall.

Dave

Tomorrow I am going on a drive. The track bar and the Pitman bolt are going to be installed on Wednesdsy. My steering wheel is not centered so that will be another issue for Wednesday. Not to confident in the technicians ability at all. The steering has improved, but tomorrow will tell on a long highway drive. Hopefully after Wednesday when the Frankenstein repair is done it will be a little more better. A Jeep thing lost meaning when you spend the money on these vehicles. Hopefully the Bronco will be an excellent SUV and Jeep engineers get a schooling. Competition only makes a product better.

 

[2mnycars]

@JeepCares really helped me when they referred me to FCA JeepCanada Customer Care.

With their help Wrangler was fixed well. However, the difficulties had with Jeep Service at the selling store were real.

I understand and hope that it goes well for you.

 

[Altitude2020]

@JeepCares really helped me when they referred me to FCA JeepCanada Customer Care.

With their help Wrangler was fixed well. However, the difficulties had with Jeep Service at the selling store were real.

I understand and hope that it goes well for you.

Thanks, I am going to get the rest of the work done by them. Then see how everything is. I just want the software checked to be sure it's done and my $120 back for the alignment.

 

[dsgrey]

@JeepCares really helped me when they referred me to FCA JeepCanada Customer Care.

With their help Wrangler was fixed well. However, the difficulties had with Jeep Service at the selling store were real.

I understand and hope that it goes well for you.

You aren't required to use the selling store. My purchase dealership seems overwhelmed and the service department reviews aren't great. After owning for 34 months, I've never heard a word from them other than the generic oil change flyer in the mail. I used a newer, smaller and closer dealership for my steering TSB last week. Their service department was great. Warranty work can be performed by any dealership. The service department isn't going to provide special treatment or care just because you bought from that dealership.

 

[2mnycars]

thanks dsgrey.
FCA Jeep Canada Customer Care recommended another dealer; all went well. And they were told how the selling dealers service worked.
Don't forget that Canada is a different country. And procedures are different here. For instance the service manager of the store had to recommend to FCA Jeep that the work be done. The second dealer was excellent.
Ford is getting rid of dealers for E cars and selling direct; wonder if other companies will too?

 

[Altitude2020]

thanks dsgrey.
FCA Jeep Canada Customer Care recommended another dealer; all went well. And they were told how the selling dealers service worked.
Don't forget that Canada is a different country. And procedures are different here. For instance the service manager of the store had to recommend to FCA Jeep that the work be done. The second dealer was excellent.
Ford is getting rid of dealers for E cars and selling direct; wonder if other companies will too?

When you had the steering done properly did the radio have to be reset with your favorite channels. Does the steering sound different? I'm trying to figure out if the software was updated properly.

 

[2mnycars]

I had it done about 2 months after the first TSB came out.

Radio presets were good.

I'm hearing impaired. I almost can't hear the 4/turbo run, let alone hearing if the pump is running. Wish I could help.

I went back and the store's tech rep said the software was properly installed. That dealer was excellent. The selling dealer was always polite but did no work. They also charge $250CDN for an oil change. No never had the oil changed there.

The reservoir was properly filled. The Wrangler was spotless under the hood when we dropped it off, and when we picked it up.

Additional work has been added in later TSB's. I believe they were written well to prevent dealer mistakes and customer unhappiness--AND to reduce service cost.

 

[COBill]

A Jeep is not designed to drive like an Audi or Toyota.

But it's also not supposed to go into wobble if you hit a bump.

It's clear many here aren't talking about the typical Jeep loose/wandering steering.

 

[Altitude2020]

But it's also not supposed to go into wobble if you hit a bump.

It's clear many here aren't talking about the typical Jeep loose/wandering steering.

The loose wandering it maybe an old Jeep thing. However the there is a fix for the jl and JT's. It personal choice to fix it or pretend it's a Jeep thing. Jeep thing only goes so far lol...

 

[wandrur]

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.

Sponsored