Steering locked up at 70mph.

[chevymitchell]

What is the date code on your steering stabilizer? There is a chance that a defectively manufactured steering stabilizer (vs one wearing out) where the oil wasn’t properly filled inside of it during the manufacturing process so it gave an air pocket inside, could cause that symptom - https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/steering-wheel-wobble.16577/page-8#post-436030

Thanks for the info on the steering stabilizer. What I'm experiencing isn't related to the stabilizer though. I'll check the date code on it, just in case, anyway. Thanks again, man.

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[chevymitchell]

Early JL Builds had steering box issues. Not all but some. LiteBright, this is how they got their Jeep replaced at the time. And those tight steering boxes and what caused loose steering for the rest of us.

What is your build date ?

Build date is 042601

@UNC Rubicon mentioned this to me last night, as well. It'll be interesting to see what the fix is because my VIN doesn't come up with anything.

My JL has been to two different dealers now for TSB's, speaker replacement, and a whine in the steering pump that has gotten louder. Both have said all TSB's applicable have been applied, speaker was done under warranty for the Charlie Brown issue, and both have said the whining is normal. I know the whine is normal, but it shouldn't be getting louder and then quiet and then loud again.

I'm hoping it's software related. I'll update the thread when there's been a resolution.

 

[docjeep]

I experienced this today for the first time at 70 mph on a curve. I have about 9700 miles on my JL now. For the first time, I drove my Jeep into colder weather; NC to PA to run some trails at Rausch Off Road Park. It was roughly 35-36 degrees and for the first time, I felt what I’ve read about. It’s like someone was holding the wheel. I tried to get it to move several times and then it freed up and then did the same thing again a few moments later. Here’s the video:



@JeepCares

I had the same issue over 60mph in cold weather only. It was corrected with a 10 min flash update at my dealer. The dealership had the bulletin on file. After the flash update I no longer have this issue, even in cold temperatures.

 

[docjeep]

I had the same issue over 60mph in cold weather only. It was corrected with a 10 min flash update at my dealer. The dealership had the bulletin on file. After the flash update I no longer have this issue, even in cold temperatures.

apparently it's just as simple power steering related flash update.

 

[JeepCares]

I experienced this today for the first time at 70 mph on a curve. I have about 9700 miles on my JL now. For the first time, I drove my Jeep into colder weather; NC to PA to run some trails at Rausch Off Road Park. It was roughly 35-36 degrees and for the first time, I felt what I’ve read about. It’s like someone was holding the wheel. I tried to get it to move several times and then it freed up and then did the same thing again a few moments later. Here’s the video:



@JeepCares

Hi chevymitchell,
We completely understand how concerning this must be. I have noted this in your current case for your Case Specialist to see. Please send us a private message if you need any further assistance with this!
Lydia
Jeep Social Care Specialist

 

[coolscooter32]

I experienced this today for the first time at 70 mph on a curve. I have about 9700 miles on my JL now. For the first time, I drove my Jeep into colder weather; NC to PA to run some trails at Rausch Off Road Park. It was roughly 35-36 degrees and for the first time, I felt what I’ve read about. It’s like someone was holding the wheel. I tried to get it to move several times and then it freed up and then did the same thing again a few moments later. Here’s the video:



@JeepCares

Same thing happened to me while passing in car, almost killed me and my daughter and then another time it happened to going around a somewhat sharp curve about 65 mph and I was fighting to turn it and right in the middle of pulling on it hard to get it to turn it broke loose and spun the back and around. It is a lifted Jeep and I don't know why or how but a spun around one and a half turns without rolling over. Crazy the Jeep is not making a bigger deal out of this!

 

[chadc880]

Build date is 042601

@UNC Rubicon mentioned this to me last night, as well. It'll be interesting to see what the fix is because my VIN doesn't come up with anything.

My JL has been to two different dealers now for TSB's, speaker replacement, and a whine in the steering pump that has gotten louder. Both have said all TSB's applicable have been applied, speaker was done under warranty for the Charlie Brown issue, and both have said the whining is normal. I know the whine is normal, but it shouldn't be getting louder and then quiet and then loud again.

I'm hoping it's software related. I'll update the thread when there's been a resolution.

Did they come up with an actual replacement part for the speaker issue other than the tape or glue ?

 

[chevymitchell]

Did they come up with an actual replacement part for the speaker issue other than the tape or glue ?

They replaced it with a new speaker.

 

[JeepCares]

Same thing happened to me while passing in car, almost killed me and my daughter and then another time it happened to going around a somewhat sharp curve about 65 mph and I was fighting to turn it and right in the middle of pulling on it hard to get it to turn it broke loose and spun the back and around. It is a lifted Jeep and I don't know why or how but a spun around one and a half turns without rolling over. Crazy the Jeep is not making a bigger deal out of this!

Hello coolscooter32,

We're so sorry to hear this happened with your vehicle! We can certainly work with your local Jeep dealer to have this addressed, and please PM us if you'd like assistance with this.

Jennifer
Jeep Social Care Specialist

 

[ClemsonBritton]

I experienced this today for the first time at 70 mph on a curve. I have about 9700 miles on my JL now. For the first time, I drove my Jeep into colder weather; NC to PA to run some trails at Rausch Off Road Park. It was roughly 35-36 degrees and for the first time, I felt what I’ve read about. It’s like someone was holding the wheel. I tried to get it to move several times and then it freed up and then did the same thing again a few moments later. Here’s the video:



@JeepCares

I just experienced this myself with my 2 yr old son in the car and a vehicle oncoming around the other side of the curve. Luckily once it got past a point of sticking it still allowed me to steer past it, but scary for sure. This should definitely be looked at more closely by Jeep as it’s definitely hazardous. I was going probably about 55mph on a 31 degree morning. My build date is 04/18. Hopefully this doesn’t catch someone off guard totally and cause something more serious. Seems to stick for me more on the right side than left, but also seemed to resolve itself, if only temporarily, once I shut the vehicle off & restarted.

 

[JeepCares]

I just experienced this myself with my 2 yr old son in the car and a vehicle oncoming around the other side of the curve. Luckily once it got past a point of sticking it still allowed me to steer past it, but scary for sure. This should definitely be looked at more closely by Jeep as it’s definitely hazardous. I was going probably about 55mph on a 31 degree morning. My build date is 04/18. Hopefully this doesn’t catch someone off guard totally and cause something more serious. Seems to stick for me more on the right side than left, but also seemed to resolve itself, if only temporarily, once I shut the vehicle off & restarted.

Hi ClemsonBritton,

We appreciate that you have shared your experience, and we are terribly sorry to hear that it happened! Please send us a private message with your VIN and mileage so that we can document this and provide assistance while in service at your Jeep dealer.

Darlene
Jeep Social Care Specialist

 

[m3reno]

This morning I started my vehicle and was bringing my 9 year old daughter to school, (no warm up just started and left) was doing about 50 miles an hour and coming around a right hand bend, started to turn the steering wheel and it was like a brick, it wouldn't turn no matter how hard I pulled, with on coming cars I slammed on the brake while continuing to pull the wheel to the right and then all of the sudden it breaks free and my jeep went sideways!!! This is crazy, I just resolved the death wobble issue my self which costed me 500 and now I have this issue. Im bringing it in on the 4th of December but if the tsb doesn't fix the issue I will be filing for the lemon law as this is completely unsafe and unacceptable. I've been a loyal FCA customer as I purchased 4 Dodge ram 1500's 3 patriots and one jeep wrangler all brand new so I EXPECT them to make it right!!

 

[plex]

Thanks for the info on the steering stabilizer. What I'm experiencing isn't related to the stabilizer though. I'll check the date code on it, just in case, anyway. Thanks again, man.

It can totally be the steering stabilizer. If your stabilizer was stuck (not extending due to oil at low temp or whatever), meaning the stabilizer is essentially preventing your steering.

 

[m3reno]

It can totally be the steering stabilizer. If your stabilizer was stuck (not extending due to oil at low temp or whatever), meaning the stabilizer is essentially preventing your steering.

NOPE, because I changed my steering stabilizer to the teraflex falcon last week to get rid of the steering wobble!!! and this happened after the install. I just hope I didn't buy a 40,000 dollar piece of crap. Loved the vehicle when I first purchased it, but not being able to steer out of incoming traffic may have ended the love affair!!

 

[cohocarl]

NOPE, because I changed my steering stabilizer to the teraflex falcon last week to get rid of the steering wobble!!! and this happened after the install.

I hope you get this safety issue resolved A.S.A.P., but I bet Jeep would look at the Teraflex stabilizer first...

On a side note, I used to work at GM building steering gears years ago. For those who have had this issue, has your steering box been adjusted (top pitman locknut & shaft)? (I would not recommend doing this yourself b.t.w.) Reason I ask is an over center adjustment could make it tight at the center of it's travel.

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