Had Steering Box TSB Done And Now I Hate My Gladiator

[Gatorac]

My 2020 has 21k miles on it and is just hitting it's 3 year anniversary. While the steering wasn't horrible, I thought I should take it in and try to get the steering box TSB done under warranty. I was planning on keeping this for a long time as I really like it. I put the stock wheels and tires back on so I wouldn't have to deal with the dealership blaming the 33x12.50 tires for the wander. TSB completed and new box installed. Immediately when picking it up I noticed the steering was significantly heavier. I only drove it home and thought maybe it would loosen up after some miles. FF to today for my first opportunity to put some more miles on it. There's now a huge dead spot in the steering. On the interstate if I'm in the right lane, the wheel is turned to left with noticeable pressure to hold it on the road. Move to the left lane and the wheel is turned right equal pressure to keep on the road. Center lane it's like I'm bouncing back and forth in the dead spot zone to keep it in the lane.

The steering is much heavier than before the TSB. Even with the stock tires on it, parking lot maneuvers take much more effort (2 hands instead of 1) than pre-TSB with the 33x12.50's. It's completely taken away the "nimbleness and maneuverability" that I loved about the truck.

Next up for me will be to see if I can identify the play in the system causing the dead spot. Who knows, maybe it was there before but I didn't notice as the steering was so light. Then call the dealer to take it back in. I'm not optimistic about the results at the dealer.

Wondering if anyone else noticed this major increase in steering resistance after the TSB. It would seem this might be do to the software upgrade that goes along with the box replacement. If that's the case, it would seem that it could tuned back out of it. I did some searching and was unable to locate anyone saying they did that with JScan or another tuner.

Moral of the story; if you're ok with your vehicle the way it is, don't try and fix it. I'm a bit sick to my stomach now.

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[Lunentucker]

You should have, or DIY, the alignment checked after such an operation as that.
The dead spot may or may not be free play in the new gearbox. It really sounds like they screwed something up with the exchange. Perhaps Pitman arm positioning?

It's going to be a tough Internet diagnosis without being able to see and touch the various components involved.

 

[sharpsicle]

Why not take it back? Seems like something went wrong during the service, you aren't the one responsible for figuring out their issue.

 

[Gatorac]

Why not take it back? Seems like something went wrong during the service, you aren't the one responsible for figuring out their issue.

I will take it back. I generally do all my own work (including alignments on my track cars). It's tough to find a dealer tech that would take as much care of my truck than I would. The truck is now officially out of warranty.

Just laid under it while my wife moved the wheel through the deadspot. Seems all of the play is in the box itself.

Check the alignment and the toe is at 0". While some toe-in would be useful, it won't fix the 2 things that are happening now. Large dead spot and seemingly not enough boost. I would love to hear from others that actually have experience with the having the TSB done and if they felt the boost level was too low after the work.

 

[ShrimpHappens]

Go back. Something's not right. I was a late adopter, too, because I didn't think my "bad" box was all that bad, and the new box is nothing at all like this for me.

Low-speed stuff is one-hand easy, and there's less on-center dead spot than before, and that's even with going from 245mm/9.6" tires to 285mm/11.2" tires.

 

[sharpsicle]

I will take it back. I generally do all my own work (including alignments on my track cars). It's tough to find a dealer tech that would take as much care of my truck than I would. The truck is now officially out of warranty.

Just laid under it while my wife moved the wheel through the deadspot. Seems all of the play is in the box itself.

Check the alignment and the toe is at 0". While some toe-in would be useful, it won't fix the 2 things that are happening now. Large dead spot and seemingly not enough boost. I would love to hear from others that actually have experience with the having the TSB done and if they felt the boost level was too low after the work.

I got it done. Did not experience anything like you're describing. That's why I'm suggesting you go back, so they can get it corrected for you. Someone messed up. Things happen, worst thing we can do is not give someone a chance to fix it.

 

[Gatorac]

Go back. Something's not right. I was a late adopter, too, because I didn't think my "bad" box was all that bad, and the new box is nothing at all like this for me.

Low-speed stuff is one-hand easy, and there's less on-center dead spot than before, and that's even with going from 245mm/9.6" tires to 285mm/11.2" tires.

Thank you for the reply. This is very helpful. I'll hold off my shopping for a new Colorado until Firkins has a chance take care of it.

 

[Kajo]

Definitely take it back. Even if you are out of warranty they should still fix what they just replaced. Had mine done even though it was OK and with 37X12.50 17's on stock rims the steering is smooth on and off-road.

 

[Hootbro]

Even a few years ago when the TSB dropped and everybody was getting it done, a few reported having new bad steering gear boxes out the gate and had to get replaced.

I agree with the others, take it back in to get looked at.

 

[Bonanza]

Had mine done, big improvement. No issues 3 years later. I got mine done pretty much the day the TSB came out.

 

[JTB12]

Did the dealer flash the ECU? The new steering gearbox requires an ECU flash. Might want to ask the dealer about this! Here is an excerpt directly from the TSB:

2. Check if the EHPS has the latest available software. Is the EHPS software up to date? • YES >>> Proceed to Step 4. • NO >>> Proceed to Step 3. 3. Reprogram the EHPS with the latest available software. Detailed instructions for flashing control modules using the wiTECH Diagnostic Application are available by selecting the application’s “HELP” tab.

 

[kb5zcr]

Did I misread something in the OPs original post, he says he was getting it fixed while still under warranty, then later (on same day) says the truck is out of warranty.
I guess if this is a TSB it doesn't matter, but it confused me.

 

[4xjeepr]

Just fyi, I had the tsb done on my 2020. After getting the steel box I had issues. Took it back to my dealer and my new box was bad. Replaced with another new one and alls good now. Take it back and see what they can do for you. May be a bad box or something they can actually locate. Best of luck to you.

 

[Gatorized]

You might want to check you got the correct box for your vehicle - there are 3 versions and there were several reports of dealers installing the wrong one .

the TSB lists three distinct steering gear! One for the 4 door JL, one for the 2 door JL and another only for the JT. As well as required bolts.

Qty. Part No. Description

1 (AR) 68507569AA Gear, Steering - Four Door, Left Hand Drive (JL)

1 (AR) 68507571AA Gear, Steering - Two Door, Left Hand Drive (JL)

TSB 08-074-20

1 (AR) 68507576AA Gear, Steering - Left Hand Drive (JT)

1 06506950AA Bolt, I-Shaft

1 06513396AA. Bolts, Frame - Steering Gear (4 Bolts Per Package)

1 (AR) 68088485AB. Fluid, Electric Steering Pump

 

[tysongladiator]

Take it back. Some (not all) dealerships are doing the repairs correctly. I did a video on mine over two years ago about an issue immediately after my TSB replacement. It may or may not be your issue. But it's worth a look.

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