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

[Birel33]

Mine is in the shop now for the steering tsb, it’s been there three days already. I’m guessing the steering is done but they are finding out why it’s misfiring and a seat issue I had.

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[FISHS]

Finally got the call from the dealership that my gear is in stock. Install scheduled for the 29th.

 

[NC_Overland]

I picked up my Jeep today. I haven't had a chance to drive in on the hwy yet, but its noticeably improved and feels like it has a quicker ratio. Any slight movement of the steering wheel and it responds. Also, when driving around the parking lot, it seems to take less of a turn of the steering wheel to maneuver and park.

 

[Jt2187]

Picked up mine from the dealer yesterday, they had it in the shop for 2 days and also fixed an issue where my T-Case selector lever cable came loose. They said the cable was attached incorrectly from the factory and they just had to reattach the correct way. Luck for me it happened when I was shifting into 4Hi on some semi-slick roads a few days before my scheduled appointment for the steering gear and just had them add that to the list.

The steering is very noticeably better, zero wander, minimal input needed. On the way home from the dealer there were a few times where I took my hands off the wheel and it kept on tracking straight...no way I would've been able to do that before the TSB.

In a weird way I kind of missed the wander at first, almost takes away from the character of the truck a little bit, but the JT has character to spare and the usability and safety improvement is well worth it.

 

[alx_glad]

Update: So went to a different dealership. And what a night an day difference. My purchase dealership gave me the BS line of basically "its a jeep thing" And feed me that if they replace it, they may not get reimbursed for a non broken part. I just chalked up as being lazy or crooked. This other place actually ran it thru the computer and told me they will order the parts, but cant order till the 20th. But it will take sometime. Felt listened to and appreciated as a Jeep owner. If you are having trouble with one dealership, try another. No 2 dealerships are alike. Lets see what happens. Will update.

 

[Backwoodsraider]

Using Speech-to-Text so bear with me

So I went to jeepcares after three and a half months of getting the runaround from faricy boys. that whole process took about a month and a half as well but on November 30th Christian said they shipped my box and it was delivered parts department couldn't find it so they had to reorder a new one it came in sometime this week and the box was replaced today

My service advisor called me twice and during the last call he stated to make sure I give him all tens on his survey needless to say he ain't getting crap is getting all zeros

Took it for a short test drive cuz it's night and there's snow and I got other things I need to do but it tracked straight so that was my biggest concern is that it was always pulling to the right I checked the box it is a 76aa so I'm good with that

My recommendation go through Jeep cares cuz the dealership doesn't

 

[JT_Ollie]

Got mine done. Same thing dealer had to wait until the 20th to order parts. Heard they can only order one per month. Dunno the truth to that statement.
Overall night and day difference. Try and get it done if you haven’t.

 

[JK4AER]

I first took mine in September 2nd and the dealer agreed to order the parts. The bolts came in after a few days; however, the gear box was delayed and finally came in last Friday. I had an appointment today and am waiting to get the JT back. I did ask them to look at a couple other things too (flimsy front fender liners, ESS not working, and due for an oil change). Hope to get it back tomorrow. Will let you all know how it goes!

Update...dropped it off Wednesday morning. They had some staffing issues and haven't started it yet. They will jump on it first thing Monday. I'm fortunate to have a TJ to drive in the meantime.

 

[brianinca]

Got my truck back yesterday, dropped off Wednesday AM. Took another day to send for alignment, I'm OK with that. After having to speak VERY firmly with the service manager, my service manager maintained good communications channel and got everything through the system.

With the foreknowledge that I put the Mopar 2" lift kit lower control arms on my Jeep soon after I bought it to push enough caster into the suspension to make it driveable, I wondered if I'd notice the difference.

HELLS YES!! I realized driving home from work tonight I hadn't dropped the tire pressure from the over-inflated level the dealership is obligated to set (thank you stupid California laws). Before the truck would warrant its nickname, Tigger - it likes to bounce! Now, it's firmer but not unnerving. I have a big long sweeper on a surface feeder heading to the freeway from work, the tendency to follow the crown to the right is virtually gone. I've been used to hooking my left thumb under the wheel (I never hook my thumbs since 20 years ago), not needed now. Ignition off and on hard pavement, the steering wheel "give" is 1/3 what it was before sawing back and forth.

Job done.

I don't think I'll bother with going back to the stock LCA's, it's not like the steering is giving feedback regardless. Have some 3/4" Daystar spacers I'll pop in to compensate for the weight of armoring up, and I'll call it good.

REALLY pleased FCA stepped up and fixed their Eff-upped aluminum engineering "innovation". Now I want the cast iron knuckles from the Mojave.......

 

[brianinca]

I was driving my "little Jeep" YJ for a couple of days, need a battery to replace the Optima redtop, dammit. Love that little thing, but when it's chilly I want my ass warmer, dammit!

Update...dropped it off Wednesday morning. They had some staffing issues and haven't started it yet. They will jump on it first thing Monday. I'm fortunate to have a TJ to drive in the meantime.

 

[Canuck2020]

Giving an update to this ridiculous story . Jeep cares contactedf me and literally said my dealer had to order the parts on December 20th ( A sunday ) and provide them with order number and they would help mak,ing sure it makes it to my dealer ... I called my dealer who confirmed that Jeep Care contacted them and that this was the resolution , they were as incredulous as me .

This is the best part . The very next day m,y advisor calls me and said " you won't believe this , the parts came in ...this makes no sense " The advisor obviously admitted that this is a fluke as there is no way my call to Jeep cares the previous day could have changed anything so quickly and in light they told me follow up with dealer to place order and provide them with order number (why not do it on their side to help the customer ????)

My Jeep has been in today to perform the TSB and will be ready, hopefully tomorrow , I cross my fingers , and mentioned to the lead tech working on it that the hardest part of the TSB is the bleeding part . Their lead tech is a solid guy who's been with them 30 years .

Will update once I recuperate it , hopefully tomorrow .

This story goes to prove that FCA's departments don't communicate . The part manager of that dealer even though was following the part order said it got cancelled on FCA side twice , and then he was told he had to order on December 20th by Jeep cares , exactly what Jeep care told me as well .... Crazy

A quick update .

Got Back My Gladiator Rubicon , the TSB was perfromed by an experience tech and I report it makes a difference . Steering is a tad more responsive and much less play play in it . I validated it is the new Steel steering box and part number is the correct one for the bulletin (easy to check if you look behind the fender liner)

I had asked the technician to install on the Pittman arm the Synergy Steering brace nut since he was installing a new one and I finished installing the Synergy Steering brace last night for good measures . I will drive it today and let you guys know how it feels with the new Steering Box + Synergy Steering brace .

Steering fluid level was ok , no spills , no noise or issues , engine bay was clean and exactly what I expected from the exprienced technician . Overall very happy .

Kudos to Barnabe Jeep for a job well done .

 

[JK4AER]

I was driving my "little Jeep" YJ for a couple of days, need a battery to replace the Optima redtop, dammit. Love that little thing, but when it's chilly I want my ass warmer, dammit!

Was just thinking about how cold I was today driving the TJ!

 

[Rollcast]

Woooo hooooo! Dealer just texted that parts arrived!

 

[jbehrn]

Just dropped mine off for the TSB... I asked them to check the front end for loose bolts/nuts/tie rods/etc as I’m hearing popping in the morning when I take a turn. Fingers crossed!

 

[AJ-MJ]

I started the process on September 30th. Normal stuff - postponed, cancelled etc. "BS". I called today to check the status and surprisingly while I was on hold the parts guy found the parts... Well, I am scheduled for Monday for them to install. WE WILL SEE!

Just picked up my Gladiator from the dealer... It may too early to reply, BUT - after driving only 5 miles home it does seem better. One interesting note is that the invoice notes TSB REV F... The last revision I recall mentioned was REV B.

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