New JT Gladiator Steering Issue TSB 08-074-20 (for "Improved Steering Feel")

[ShadowsPapa]

SOME repairs addressed in a TSB may happen outside of a warranty period. I have dozens that do - if this breaks, this is how to fix it, and here's a part number for a kit. It goes on about flat rate and so on - and explains about warranty coverage - however, some of the things that break may not break until 3 or 4 years later - these are STILL the factory ways to fix it - but by the text on the last pages, if it's not "reimbursed as outlined in warranty etc. etc. then the customer pays.
Loose exhaust may not happen in warranty - but it's covered in a TSB. RAM air duct work brackets may break outside of the warranty period, but there's a kit and method to repair it. Jeep right front fender may not crack due to fatigue while under warranty, but if it cracks later, there's a TSB covering it. Jeep rear window leak on an 84 - there's a TSB for that.

Sponsored

 

[Bbannongmu]

Anyone know a dealer in Maryland that will do this on a modified jeep. All the dealers near me said they will not service due to my Rock Krawler lift?

Try Adams Jeep of Maryland in Churchville/Aberdeen.

 

[mhouser007]

Has anyone seen a 2020 that has come from the factory with the new steering box?
Does anyone know if all 2021s are going to come with the new steering boxes?

 

[BrightWhiteGladiator]

Has anyone seen a 2020 that has come from the factory with the new steering box?
Does anyone know if all 2021s are going to come with the new steering boxes?

It would be an absolute nightmare for them to deal with if they didn’t. First model year of any car always has some kinks that are worked out in the subsequent model years.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

It would be an absolute nightmare for them to deal with if they didn’t. First model year of any car always has some kinks that are worked out in the subsequent model years.

The TSB covers at least a couple of years of certain Wranglers, too - does it not?
So this isn't really a first model year thing.

 

[Shootist]

The TSB covers at least a couple of years of certain Wranglers, too - does it not?
So this isn't really a first model year thing.

I think this is more of a parts supplier issue.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I think this is more of a parts supplier issue.

Yup

 

[robinja]

Seeing this topic on multiple threads... posting here as well.

Dealership just completed work per the TSB. They replaced the steering gear (whole assembly and not just the inner workings) and used what appear to be larger bolts to hold the steering gear to the frame - not 100% on the bolts.

At lower speeds this has corrected the wander. The dead spot is also now gone with steering being more responsive. I have not driven at highway speeds where most of my problems occurred, but if any issues I'll be sure to post.

Dealership said replacement parts are coming in slowly and I just happened to time my repair request right.

Good luck to those having issues... but there is a fix!

Edit: I took a video of the wander and also the dead spot... showed it to the service manager upon arrival. Told him/showed him how DANGEROUS the situation was... he didn't say much and put in the request without question. It just happened that the dealership had just gotten the part in. This extra bit of info may or may not be helpful when talking with your dealership about getting this fixed. The video would be a lawyers dream during litigation. Thankfully dealership and FCA are making things right and that says a lot about them. Responsiveness and commitment to quality are back.

 

[Chance_P]

Well I got my jeep back after 10 hours today. They lowered my toe 1° from where I had it and told me it was good to go.... It wasn't. I took it back and told them it's worse now than it was before. I have to go back in a couple days to get my soft top replaced (see rant below) and when I do they will "check to see if the new steering gear applies to my VIN"... I'm not hopeful.

My soft top is being replaced for a different TSB. After the appointment for diagnosis I had an appointment for them to replace it. They had my Jeep for 8 hours before calling me and telling me they didn't know how to replace the fabric so they put it back together and they were going to sub it out to a body shop. Fast forward to today, I had an appointment for the top and steering. When I dropped it off they told me a tech had done some research and was prepared to replaced my top in house so it wasn't going to the body shop. This time they had it for 9 hours and guess what... they couldn't locate my replacement top so the top wasn't replaced, again, and now I have to wait for the new one to come in. *Rant off*

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Well I got my jeep back after 10 hours today. They lowered my toe 1° from where I had it and told me it was good to go.... It wasn't. I took it back and told them it's worse now than it was before. I have to go back in a couple days to get my soft top replaced (see rant below) and when I do they will "check to see if the new steering gear applies to my VIN"... I'm not hopeful.

My soft top is being replaced for a different TSB. After the appointment for diagnosis I had an appointment for them to replace it. They had my Jeep for 8 hours before calling me and telling me they didn't know how to replace the fabric so they put it back together and they were going to sub it out to a body shop. Fast forward to today, I had an appointment for the top and steering. When I dropped it off they told me a tech had done some research and was prepared to replaced my top in house so it wasn't going to the body shop. This time they had it for 9 hours and guess what... they couldn't locate my replacement top so the top wasn't replaced, again, and now I have to wait for the new one to come in. *Rant off*

>>"check to see if the new steering gear applies to my VIN" <<
HAHA - there's nothing and no way to check. It's not restricted to certain dates or VIN.
They are BS'ing you.

 

[Chance_P]

>>"check to see if the new steering gear applies to my VIN" <<
HAHA - there's nothing and no way to check. It's not restricted to certain dates or VIN.
They are BS'ing you.

That's what I thought. It's a real bummer because I have a pile of Metalcloak parts sitting in my garage waiting to go on and I want to get my steering fixed first. I'm moving to Colorado in 3 weeks and really want things buttoned up before the move!

 

[ShadowsPapa]

That's what I thought. It's a real bummer because I have a pile of Metalcloak parts sitting in my garage waiting to go on and I want to get my steering fixed first. I'm moving to Colorado in 3 weeks and really want things buttoned up before the move!

Good luck - honest. Big move, you need things right. Hope it works out.
Some dealers, I just don't get it.

 

[BrightWhiteGladiator]

The TSB covers at least a couple of years of certain Wranglers, too - does it not?
So this isn't really a first model year thing.

Yeah, you are correct. My bad!

 

[HWKIGRL]

So I just got the phone call from my Service Guy! They ordered the parts For my JT according to the TSB!
He did mention that I got lucky in my timing, it WILL BE HERE TOMORROW! Then he explained the 14 day ordering, but said mine was in and they would work on it as soon as parts arrive tomorrow.
He mentioned seeing JL and JLUs with the issue and said it was a serious issue and he was glad they were catching it early with the JTs!
He could not have been more encouraging! It was such a positive call!
I’m looking forward to telling you all how the repair goes. Any one in SoCal Having issues at their dealer, if you want to message me I’ll give you dealer and technician info!

 

[MR GRANITE]

Well I got my jeep back after 10 hours today. They lowered my toe 1° from where I had it and told me it was good to go.... It wasn't. I took it back and told them it's worse now than it was before. I have to go back in a couple days to get my soft top replaced (see rant below) and when I do they will "check to see if the new steering gear applies to my VIN"... I'm not hopeful.

My soft top is being replaced for a different TSB. After the appointment for diagnosis I had an appointment for them to replace it. They had my Jeep for 8 hours before calling me and telling me they didn't know how to replace the fabric so they put it back together and they were going to sub it out to a body shop. Fast forward to today, I had an appointment for the top and steering. When I dropped it off they told me a tech had done some research and was prepared to replaced my top in house so it wasn't going to the body shop. This time they had it for 9 hours and guess what... they couldn't locate my replacement top so the top wasn't replaced, again, and now I have to wait for the new one to come in. *Rant off*

You need a new dealer.

Sponsored