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

[DaveL]

TSB Notes that it applies to:
North America
APAC - Asia pacific region
LATAM- Latin America
EMEA- Europe Middle East Africa

Thanks for pointing it out. Much appreciated.
Took the t s b into the first dealer for a service appointment for a service. They refused. Said it was the same as a Jeep they had in stock. I'm grateful for JeepCares referring us to FCA Jeep in Canada.

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[ShadowsPapa]

First dealer I went to refused.

Second dealer was very helpful. BUT had to make an appointment and take it in. Waiting for parts.

It ain't over until it's over.

Sounds like they are following the TSB to the letter - and that's always fine with me. As long as when all is said and done, they look at the last line on page 1 of the TSB LOL

I took mine in last Friday, bolts should have arrived Friday but did not - then they said Tuesday (today) and they did not, now they say Thursday.......... since these parts are in very high demand, I think same day service and same day parts is wild - amazing!

 

[basicGlad]

I also entered a complaint at the NHTSA website https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/

I encourage others to do the same.

I did too, we all should; but w/e it is not up to me how you all spend your time.

 

[DaveL]

In the same way people have negative experiences and service departments who don’t follow what’s “required”, I’m thankful that my dealership in Canada didn’t follow what FCA Canada wanted them to do and diagnose my Gladiator first as having a wandering issue. That is redundant and a waste of my time. Glad to know that managers can make that call in a positive way and not be bound by what FCA requires them to do in Canada because to deal with both dealerships who don’t believe you, AND require a diagnosis would suck.

Ron it seems simple in the t s b. I *think* the dealer didn't ask the right questions. Our worst case is on the highway. They never took it on the highway. They did a slow speed test.

I wish they had taken it to a drive-thru car wash. That would have been more helpful than the dealer who refused (and we had handed and discussed the t s b with them.)

 

[ajax]

Took it back to the dealer and the service department kept it for five days. Added 100 miles while in the service departments care. Was just informed after five days, without transportation, that the "dealer" only orders two a month (Steering Gear Box) and I will need to come back then. Well, thanks for nothing.

 

[JKABBQ]

First dealer I went to refused.

Second dealer was very helpful. BUT had to make an appointment and take it in. Waiting for parts.

It ain't over until it's over.

For everyone waiting, it is well worth the wait! Today I went to a local sign making guy to ask him to custom do some retro stripes for my Gladiator, he came out to look at my JT as I was parked beside his JKUR. He mentioned he was interested in one but heard how they “drive like a jeep” with wandering etc. When I told him about this fix and how it drives so much better, I think he may seriously be considering getting into one himself now. This is a game changer. The wait for those of us who waited for a fix is well worth it!

 

[JKABBQ]

Ron it seems simple in the t s b. I *think* the dealer didn't ask the right questions. Our worst case is on the highway. They never took it on the highway. They did a slow speed test.

I wish they had taken it to a drive-thru car wash. That would have been more helpful than the dealer who refused (and we had handed and discussed the t s b with them.)

Before the TSB came out I complained about the wandering. Same thing...they drove around the block and indicated they found nothing. Shadowpapa mentioned (I think it was him) he knew they didn’t take it to freeway speed based on how long they were gone or the odometer indicated they didn’t really do a proper test drive. I think it’s great though that there are stories people have shared where techs, or sales reps have gone on a test drive and noticed it straight away as well. However...the default is the TSB is specific when it says if the customer says there’s a problem there is

 

[FLGladiator]

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.

I have been reluctant to go in at all yet as I don't care to deal with any type of its a Jeep thing deal. I think that was smart to video it and i will do the same. I was followed again due to the wander as I have to drive through a heavy patroled section every night. A royal pita, especailly having 1 or 2 working dogs in the car. I see the fix is working so that is promising, I can't wait to get it done as the car is awesome otherwise.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I have been reluctant to go in at all yet as I don't care to deal with any type of its a Jeep thing deal. I think that was smart to video it and i will do the same. I was followed again due to the wander as I have to drive through a heavy patroled section every night. A royal pita, especailly having 1 or 2 working dogs in the car. I see the fix is working so that is promising, I can't wait to get it done as the car is awesome otherwise.

MAYBE you've seen my several posts where I was sure I didn't have a problem with mine - month after month I was sure mine wasn't bad if it had a problem at all, it was minor. Then I recalled my wife's comment last February, and then she commented again several says ago about it wandering. Still thinking it wasn't bad, but with my wife's comments in mind, I went to a dealer ready to battle if needed - reluctant as I really still wasn't sure. Well - they took it, had it for an hour, and then came to me in the waiting room and said the truck definitely had an issue - really??? They told me it had an issue.
So maybe you'll have the same luck.
Be prepared, be logical, factual, explain your experiences, even list things you can think of if needed- sometimes details or events are hard to recall when under the pressure of facing a dealer you suspect may not be open to it having an issue.

 

[oldhp3]

Well I called and they assured me it is the right part. to Anyone that has had the part replaced. What was your part number and Is it a different color?

Jeep Cares You out there

The new black steel steering box that is now on my Gladiator is 68507576AA. Sticker is still attached. I took a picture for my own records. The old aluminum steering gear box had a part #68418449AE.

 

[oldhp3]

First dealer I went to refused.

Second dealer was very helpful. BUT had to make an appointment and take it in. Waiting for parts.

It ain't over until it's over.

"First dealer" should be reported to FCA. Might not do any good, but it's still a black mark on their record.

 

[CG32]

Mine goes in to the dealership this Friday, so fingers crossed. I called and talked to the service writer today and he said they have to test it and will order any parts if necessary. I mentioned the tsb and he said that he was sure they had it, but I will have a copy in hand to be safe. Fingers crossed since they are about an hour away. I bought it from a dealership out in a smaller town, so hopefully they will knock it out without too much of a delay.

 

[steffen707]

Is anyone getting some minor groaning at low speeds while turning?

supposed to check power steering fluid level after XX miles. take a look, maybe its low?

 

[DirkG]

Take mine in tomorrow and I'm hoping I experience some of the successes that I'm reading about.

Fingers crossed...

So I dropped my JT off at the dealership this afternoon. My service advisor said that they've got "a really good suspension guy" and that he'll get underneath the vehicle and make sure everything "is nice and tight and the way it's supposed to be." I shook my head and repeated the TSB about 5 times and am prepared to hear the same thing tomorrow. I will again repeat the TSB. I love my JT but it definitely wanders.

At least with Jeep Cares I get a no-cost oil change and tire rotation.....BUT I am prepared to battle on the TSB.

 

[Geekjeep]

Urgent. Yeah it’s bone dry. What’s the part number for our power steering fluid on the new box

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