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

[anavrinIV]

Had mine done last week and just got to pick it up yesterday (I was traveling when I got the call it was finished). Never thought my steering was too bad until I got over 65, then it would walk around the lane a bit and was affected by the wind coming off big trucks. Most of my driving is 60 or less so I didn't notice it much but wanted to have it done anyway.

First drive with the new box and I cruised at 80 without any issues. Normally I don't go that fast in this truck but wanted to give it a good test. Very pleased with the result, steering is a bit more direct, especially at speed, dead spot is all but gone, and tracking is much improved. Follows road crowns less too. My experience has been a positive one so far

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[Bookem.Dano.Bookem]

Box is being replace again, as this is how the steering wheel looked on the way to the dealer for service. This is traveling straight.

Pretty crazy, luckily the dealer was understanding of the urgency and was able to get me in much sooner than the initial 2-3 weeks.

 

[Firedad415]

I'm on the fence also. Just took delivery last week. On the test drive, I didn't notice, as we never got over 60mph or long. Then we traveled at hwy speeds for 3-4 hours. My wife called it The Jeep "Swagger" (we were coming from an 06 lifted Rubicon Unlimited). I found this thread searching for a reason for the wandering.... now I know! Even one of the big auto review magazine reviews says about the wandering, it will "...cause you to pay attention when driving...."

 

[EP_Nic]

I have had a wobble in mine that starts up at highway speeds between 50-60 mph. Normally that would imply a balance issue, but I have had my tires balanced 3 times now :/ I have paid for multiple alignments and even took my jeep to one of the local jeep dealerships out here, and they said that the sloppy steering is normal and not an issue that needs to be fixed. I really wish I could get this steering box fixed as I am at my wits end.

 

[nyyankees]

Ive been waiting since August! I call every month and they say the same thing - should have it in 2 weeks.

 

[AnthonyC]

My steering box and stabilizer were replaced today. Better driving ahead.

It took a month for the parts to come in and a day to install at the Jeep dealer.

 

[DC3]

I just got my Gladiator back from a month in the shop, the TSB was completed I and thought the steering felt no better or maybe even worse than before I took it in.

Brought it home, got it on the lift and found the pitman arm bolt was finger tight with no signs of Loctite.

@JeepCares It seems this has come up more than just a couple of times here. I thought the other explanations of the issue must be a fluke until I experienced first hand. This is a real safety issue!

 

[levesqueonline]

So I had this done about 2 weeks ago, validated the new steering box is black, but it doesnt feel any better. now my steering is off center about an inch to the left, and there is still a large dead spot in the steering which makes it feel like its floating.

 

[Canuck33]

Welcome to the club of "this doesn't fix the steering"! Mine hasn't driven straight for over a year. Extremely disappointed and @JeepCares is unable to help and Jeep dealers keep saying "it's now fixed" only to be the same as it was before (and me down whatever they charge me)....

Love my JTR, but unless I can get it to drive straight, what's the point having a vehicle that won't drive straight????

 

[Thor 61]

I got mine done last week....took it in for an oil change and brought up this issue again. I expected to hear that nothings wrong / "just a Jeep thing" which I was told before this TSB was issued but was pleasantly surprised. They confirmed the issue and said parts were available for the next day. Left it overnight and repair was done be end of next day. I am very happy with the results. Steering is tighter, no more pull to the right and I can actually let go of the steering wheel on the freeway (for a short time anyways...).

 

[gouacats]

Took mine in today for a different issue, but asked about this and was pleasantly surprised to hear that they had the part in stock and will take care of it tomorrow. I'll report back on if the steering is improved after driving it a bit.

 

[JeepCares]

I have had a wobble in mine that starts up at highway speeds between 50-60 mph. Normally that would imply a balance issue, but I have had my tires balanced 3 times now :/ I have paid for multiple alignments and even took my jeep to one of the local jeep dealerships out here, and they said that the sloppy steering is normal and not an issue that needs to be fixed. I really wish I could get this steering box fixed as I am at my wits end.

Ive been waiting since August! I call every month and they say the same thing - should have it in 2 weeks.

I just got my Gladiator back from a month in the shop, the TSB was completed I and thought the steering felt no better or maybe even worse than before I took it in.

Brought it home, got it on the lift and found the pitman arm bolt was finger tight with no signs of Loctite.

@JeepCares It seems this has come up more than just a couple of times here. I thought the other explanations of the issue must be a fluke until I experienced first hand. This is a real safety issue!

So I had this done about 2 weeks ago, validated the new steering box is black, but it doesnt feel any better. now my steering is off center about an inch to the left, and there is still a large dead spot in the steering which makes it feel like its floating.

Welcome to the club of "this doesn't fix the steering"! Mine hasn't driven straight for over a year. Extremely disappointed and @JeepCares is unable to help and Jeep dealers keep saying "it's now fixed" only to be the same as it was before (and me down whatever they charge me)....

Love my JTR, but unless I can get it to drive straight, what's the point having a vehicle that won't drive straight????

Hello all!

If you are still experiencing steering concerns after having the TSB performed, we would like to dig in further. If anyone needs extra assistance, please send our team a private message and we will do our best to get to all the messages quickly.

Kate
Jeep Cares

 

[Br4hm4]

The fiasco for my TSB fix was ridiculous from a customer standpoint...but the issue has now been resolved and I can tell there is a good difference in steering. I would still love for my steering wheel to actually be centered...but at this point I am just happy it drives better. And yes I know it's just a simple drag link adjustment...but I have a warranty damn it! lol

 

[RMV_Gator]

I would like to reach out and ask those of you that have had this done:

• What diagnostic was required by your dealer before the TSB was performed?
• Did your Jeep dealer require you to leave the vehicle with them overnight/for duration of the day so they can diagnose?

Seems unnecessary to leave the vehicle with them when it takes less than 30secs to visually verify the steering box is silver in color - maybe 0.5hrs (generous) to check vehicle with scan tool.
That's all the criteria outlined in the TSB, as published, to classify a vehicle for repair.....

Is this on par with everyone's experience?

 

[Rollcast]

I would like to reach out and ask those of you that have had this done:

• What diagnostic was required by your dealer before the TSB was performed?
• Did your Jeep dealer require you to leave the vehicle with them overnight/for duration of the day so they can diagnose?

Seems unnecessary to leave the vehicle with them when it takes less than 30secs to visually verify the steering box is silver in color - maybe 0.5hrs (generous) to check vehicle with scan tool.
That's all the criteria outlined in the TSB, as published, to classify a vehicle for repair.....

Is this on par with everyone's experience?

I asked my dealer to check it when I took it in for a jeep wave oil change. When I picked it up they told me that the tech validated the complaint and they ordered the parts. No idea what that validation process was, if anything.

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