Steering TSB vs Sector Shaft Brace

[sinisterj]

My 2020 JLUR with 3.5 38" ridge grapplers has alot of play in the steering wheel as well wanders quite a bit on the freeway. It did this before lift/tires but feels like it has been magnified since lift/tires. My jeep is out of warranty so looks like if I want to do the TSB its going to be out of pocket. (BS in my opinion). Question is it worth paying out of pocket for the TSB or do you all feel like a Synergy or SS Sector shaft brace could correct the issue with my aluminum box? I hate to pay out of pocket for the TSB and it have no affect on correcting my issue.

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[Roky]

Sector shaft brace won’t tighten play in steering box….. it’s more for deflection… you can adjust the steering box first, see if it help’s before purchasing new box…

 

[c20040215]

I would consider doing the sector shaft brace first and see if it helps anything. Even if the Jeep still wonders, you are not necessary wasting the money.

I am not sure if you wheel your Jeep much but a sector shaft brace decreases the sector shaft movement which lower the chance of a leaky seal and a broken sector shaft. Additionally, it reinforces the trackbar mount and prevents the trackbar bolt hole from wallowing out. Its a good $250 investment regardless in my opinion.

If the steering still has play more than you like, then address steering box is the only solution.

 

[zouch]

i don't think that's an 'either/or' question.

if you have a problem with the steering box, a Track Bar mount (what you're calling a Sector Shaft Brace) isn't going to get rid of it.
i would suggest you try adjusting what you've got, first.

the thing is, wander could come from a lot of things. if your rig is old enough to be out of warranty, there are many things that could be loose by now.

 

[five9dak]

Let's establish if your jeep has a steel or aluminum box first. - Is it painted black or raw aluminum?

My 2020 was built with aluminum, the steel box was an enormous improvement.

 

[grimmjeeper]

First, diagnose the actual play in the steering. All the steering joints can cause vague steering.

Once you know, replace what is worn out.

Then do both the steel steering box and the sector shaft brace.

 

[AnnDee4444]

Sector shaft brace won’t tighten play in steering box….. it’s more for deflection… you can adjust the steering box first, see if it help’s before purchasing new box…

Have you ever seen a sector shaft or steering box deflecting?

 

[sinisterj]

Let's establish if your jeep has a steel or aluminum box first. - Is it painted black or raw aluminum?

My 2020 was built with aluminum, the steel box was an enormous improvement.

Mine is aluminum

 

[Roky]

Have you ever seen a sector shaft or steering box deflecting?

The frame where box bolts onto…..

 

[CarbonSteel]

Mine is aluminum

It should be replaced with the cast iron version and the software updated as noted in the TSB. Provided nothing else is wrong with your steering/suspension components, that should dramatically tighten the steering--it did on mine.

 

[CarbonSteel]

The frame where box bolts onto…..

Particularly if you have oversized tires...

 

[Roky]

Have you ever seen a sector shaft or steering box deflecting?

Ponytail has a video out on it …..

 

[Carolina Jeeper]

You're pribably wasting your time if the steering box you have is aluminum. Get the better cast iron one installed and then go from there.

I had mine swapped over and it made a big difference. It was covered under warranty through a TSB.

Let me caution everyone about having work like this done. About a week after mine was replaced I noticed wandering and a clunking noise. I found the steering box input shaft pinch bolt loose and the pitman arm nut loose.

Yes, the dealership's technician, aka mechanic, failed miserably at doing their job correctly.

 

[AnnDee4444]

The frame where box bolts onto…..

Of course. Which is more strengthened by the track bar brace (Metalcloak style, where the track bar brace & sector shaft brace are separate).

I'm just wondering if anyone has ever had a sector shaft that actually benefited from bracing. I actually own a Metalcloak sector shaft brace, but am unable to install since it requires 2" bump stops (they added this requirement to the instructions after I purchased).

 

[Roky]

Of course. Which is more strengthened by the track bar brace (Metalcloak style, where the track bar brace & sector shaft brace are separate).

I'm just wondering if anyone has ever had a sector shaft that actually benefited from bracing. I actually own a Metalcloak sector shaft brace, but am unable to install since it requires 2" bump stops (they added this requirement to the instructions after I purchased).

I’m not sure if it helps or not, and I haven’t heard a definitive answer (that I trust) that it doesn’t help, I choose to believe that it can’t hurt, therefore I’m running one….

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