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

[MrZappo]

A little help would be appreciated. I was supposed to have my steering gear replaced this morning. I was told it was complete and picked it up. The dealer gave me no paperwork which I thought was odd, I even asked and they said I was good to go. I noticed no real difference on the short drive home. When I got home curiosity got the better of me, so I visually checked the gear. See the attached photo, I thought it was supposed to be black steel. This looks like aluminum; am I looking at the wrong thing?

I gotta say, if a dealer sent me on my way with a lie like this, I would first verify that it was not an honest mistake and then I would be installing this aluminum box into an uncomfortable place ...

That is a level is BS that I have not seen much of ... That is borderline criminal and honestly (if they put in for reimbursement with FCA), is likely illegal and is stealing. ...

Man that is dishonest ...

Sponsored

 

[Rollcast]

A little help would be appreciated. I was supposed to have my steering gear replaced this morning. I was told it was complete and picked it up. The dealer gave me no paperwork which I thought was odd, I even asked and they said I was good to go. I noticed no real difference

I'd be pretty upset.

 

[PEI-Gladys]

I was into my dealer yesterday. I took a copy of the original TSB, in which I used a highlighter to mark the parts of the document I didn't what him to miss. ie The issue, If the customer describes the symptom/condition listed above, perform the Repair Procedure. along with the exact parts that should be ordered etc.

The first thing the service advisor did was to look up the TSB, it had been replaced with a newer one a week ago. (I asked for a copy, but he said he wasn't allowed to give it to me. Then laughed and said, "I'm sure you can get an updated copy from the same place you got the one you came in with" We did compare the two TSB's. The only difference appears to be the new TSB stresses the point to make sure the proper parts are ordered for the type of Jeep.

After my advisor had a quick chat with the Service Manager he came out and said, no problem, I will order the parts and have them installed. I did hear back later on in the day, everything would arrive in two days with the exception of the actual gearbox. There was currently a hold on even ordering the gearbox and that it could take upwards of 4 - 5 weeks for ordering to open. How long after that when it would actually arrive, was up in the air... so the wait begins. Being in Canada I'm not sure what effect that will have on getting the gearbox, but we will see.

I am a bit curious to know how others in Canada have faired in getting their gearbox replaced.

Cheers!

Just a quick summary and update on my experience in Eastern Canada with my dealer. By no means does it seem typical for the majority of posters unless they have gotten @JeepCares involved FCA Jeep Canada Customer Care.

Nov. 24, Stopped into the dealer. Quick chat. Not even a test drive, service advisor will order the parts.

Nov. 26. Service advisor indicated all parts would arrive in 2 days with the exception of the gearbox. At this point, it could be 4-5 weeks before the gearbox could even be ordered.

Nov. 30 JTR dropped off for first oil change etc.. Service advisor indicated he was actually able to order the gearbox. But, I should not expect it to arrive for a long while.

Dec. 4, Gearbox has arrived, appointment booked for Dec 7th.

Dec 7, Gearbox installed. Huge difference in steering!!

Basically two weeks... for the complete process.

Cheers!

 

[may79]

I'm going to call first thing. At this point I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt. The lady that was there when I picked it up is not who I had been dealing with. Maybe there is more to the story.

 

[Ravenron]

A little help would be appreciated. I was supposed to have my steering gear replaced this morning. I was told it was complete and picked it up. The dealer gave me no paperwork which I thought was odd, I even asked and they said I was good to go. I noticed no real difference on the short drive home. When I got home curiosity got the better of me, so I visually checked the gear. See the attached photo, I thought it was supposed to be black steel. This looks like aluminum; am I looking at the wrong thing?

Hey Michael...I think I'd be a bit torqued but mistakes do happen. Maybe consider restraint until you have a chance to discuss with your Service Manager. Who knows, he may be extremely apologetic and willing to do whatever is necessary to make it right. Now, if he goes the other way, all bets are off.

In my experience (and that occurred very recently when I had a JL box installed by mistake for this TSB), the honey approach is usually most effective.

Best of luck...one way or the other, it will get resolved...

Merry Christmas!

 

[PEI-Gladys]

Hello all the way from San Francisco CA. Got a call from my dealer on Friday that my parts came in and that could of drop of Monday. Drop of today and they told me it was a 2 day job. Should I be concern about the alignment is the dealer going to do it for me?

thanks.

Had mine replaced today, only took a couple of hours.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Is it just me, or does it look like someone tried to wipe off the label with solvent or something to make it illegible?

The last few digits of the old/original part number are 8449AE. That's still readable on the label. They did not replace your steering box.

Part number is secondary - yes, it's a tell, but so is that color. Unmistakable ALUMINUM. I deal with cast aluminum parts all but daily, and there's zero question in my mind, even from a photo - it's NOT steel.
One can also tell by the bolts. The aluminum original uses longer bolts and NUTS on the engine side while the new steel housing has 4 bolts the same diameter threaded into the casting with no nuts.

 

[may79]

Thanks for that additional info. I did look, it has bolts that are tightened with nuts on the engine side. So it definitely has the original box. Hopefully there is a good explantation for this...

 

[hemigeno]

Part number is secondary - yes, it's a tell, but so is that color. Unmistakable ALUMINUM. I deal with cast aluminum parts all but daily, and there's zero question in my mind, even from a photo - it's NOT steel.

Oh, I get it, and agree... but that wasn't my point. It appears that an attempt was made to erase the part number. Perhaps the shop hasn't done any of these and didn't know (or hoped the owner wouldn't check) there are still major tip-offs that they didn't replace the box?

Maybe I'm just too suspicious by nature.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Oh, I get it, and agree... but that wasn't my point. It appears that an attempt was made to erase the part number. Perhaps the shop hasn't done any of these and didn't know (or hoped the owner wouldn't check) there are still major tip-offs that they didn't replace the box?

Maybe I'm just too suspicious by nature.

A lot of reasons that could be off - note the pattern. Any attempt to "wipe" would be a straight line and leave smudges. The pattern isn't from human intervention to remove a number VERY easily removed with any solvent and wiped.
I do restorations, and forensics on parts, reproductions and so on -and have removed numbers and labels myself. That's a more natural pattern.
If they had wanted to hide anything that ain't the way. Especially since it's a mottled pattern up into the other areas.
Sorry, I don't agree that it's anyone trying to remove a number.
Hell, the color is a dead give-away!

 

[RH 67]

How long does it take for JeepCares to reply back once you reach out to them? My dealer is playing dumb and said that they have not heard of anyone having issues with steering.

 

[Mr._Bill]

How long does it take for JeepCares to reply back once you reach out to them? My dealer is playing dumb and said that they have not heard of anyone having issues with steering.

Usually within 24 hours, sometimes sooner and sometimes longer. Just send JeepCares a PM (start a conversation).

Have the dealer look up the TSB, or print a copy and take it in when you see them. If you have the option, go to another dealer.

Since you've been in for the problem, ask JeepCares for assistance in getting the work completed. Include your name, email address, phone number, VIN, mileage, Dealer name, address, and phone, and Service Advisor name.

 

[Mr._Bill]

I gave JeepCares the list of needed parts from the TSB. They were able to get them and had them sent to the dealer with my name on them. It is supposed to be ready to pickup tomorrow. When I first took it in for the TSB, the dealer told me about the parts issues and said it could be next March before they received them.

I picked mine up this afternoon. It took a few extra days. They also replaced the nut that connects the pitman arm, which had to be ordered. The steering is tighter now, and the dead spot is gone. I have to give credit to JeepCares for getting the parts shipped to the dealer and cutting months off the ETA to complete the repair.

 

[may79]

Just a quick update. I talked to the service advisor, he said they installed the parts they were sent. After installing they saw there were new part #’s that should have been ordered. I was told there was nothing more they could do,that this is going to be a recall, and I should wait until I receive a recall notice. I questioned why I was not told this yesterday and was told they were going to call me today.

 

[Rollcast]

Just a quick update. I talked to the service advisor, he said they installed the parts they were sent. After installing they saw there were new part #’s that should have been ordered. I was told there was nothing more they could do,that this is going to be a recall, and I should wait until I receive a recall notice. I questioned why I was not told this yesterday and was told they were going to call me today.

You need to find a new dealer.

Sponsored