New JTRD, steering wheel off center and dead spot...

[Akgladiator]

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...system-i-am-finally-happy-with-my-jeep.31671/

Why any jeep owners have to put up with this craps on 50k purchase. We should not have to monkey wrench brand new trucks!

Sponsored

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Second update-I spoke with Jeep Cares and opened a case on my steering. I ended up taking it to a much more forward and honest dealer here in my area. They were ontime, responsive and very helpful. They ended up changing out the new 2021 correct sttering box for another one that works great. The steering is on center, no wandering and no "slop" in the center of the wheel. Thanks Jeep Cares for helping and if your steering is loose, don't give up with a crappy dealer.

There have been some of the replacement steering gear that have had problems.
Mine was replaced under the TSB late last summer/early fall. It was better for a while, not night and day better like some have said, but better. Then over the winter it got a lot worse, in fact I think worse than the original gear was.
I took it to the dealer, pointed out that the most recent TSB says the alignment is part of the process (not all dealers did that as it wasn't in the TSB before) and I told them it liked to wander badly now, they decide what the trouble is.
They called to tell me they needed to replace the steering gear - they listed mine on the paperwork as "internal fault steering gear"............. the new one is definitely tighter, it wants to return to straight/center better than it ever has and the wander is gone. It's not as quick and tight as my wife's Jeep but then that's IFS with RACK AND PINION steering and quicker ratio.

They decided the steering gear was bad (the new one) and they took care of it. No push, no arguing, no debate. They got the part overnight.

 

[John D. Upton]

There have been some of the replacement steering gear that have had problems.
Mine was replaced under the TSB late last summer/early fall. It was better for a while, not night and day better like some have said, but better. Then over the winter it got a lot worse, in fact I think worse than the original gear was.
I took it to the dealer, pointed out that the most recent TSB says the alignment is part of the process (not all dealers did that as it wasn't in the TSB before) and I told them it liked to wander badly now, they decide what the trouble is.
They called to tell me they needed to replace the steering gear - they listed mine on the paperwork as "internal fault steering gear"............. the new one is definitely tighter, it wants to return to straight/center better than it ever has and the wander is gone. It's not as quick and tight as my wife's Jeep but then that's IFS with RACK AND PINION steering and quicker ratio.

They decided the steering gear was bad (the new one) and they took care of it. No push, no arguing, no debate. They got the part overnight.

Had our 2021 Rubicon aligned today by dealer. They said it was spot on, still wanders a bit, only have 600 miles on it.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Alignment is a bit of a, well, over-statement on a Jeep like these. All they can set is toe and center the steering wheel.
Camber is set when the axle is welded together, it can't be changed on these without replacing the ball joints with special joints.
Caster is also set at the factory when the brackets are welded to the frame. The only way it can be changed is with different lower arms, or adjustable lower control arms.
So no dealership can change camber or caster (without some parts changing)

 

[John D. Upton]

Alignment is a bit of a, well, over-statement on a Jeep like these. All they can set is toe and center the steering wheel.
Camber is set when the axle is welded together, it can't be changed on these without replacing the ball joints with special joints.
Caster is also set at the factory when the brackets are welded to the frame. The only way it can be changed is with different lower arms, or adjustable lower control arms.
So no dealership can change camber or caster (without some parts changing)

The jest of this is what they think is right ain't. It still isn't right. Been driving 4x4 since 1971 first I have had that has this problem of wandering. Haven't given up yet.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

The jest of this is what they think is right ain't. It still isn't right. Been driving 4x4 since 1971 first I have had that has this problem of wandering. Haven't given up yet.

Amen - I'm sick of hearing "it's a Jeep thing" or "it's a solid axle thing, they all do that".
There is zero reason for a modern solid axle vehicle to wander or be loose on an ordinary street or highway.
These still have the same steering angles and geometry, the same settings for caster, camber (although not easily adjusted, they shouldn't need to be), same SAI and other angles. They should run straight and not wander.

 

[John D. Upton]

Amen - I'm sick of hearing "it's a Jeep thing" or "it's a solid axle thing, they all do that".
There is zero reason for a modern solid axle vehicle to wander or be loose on an ordinary street or highway.
These still have the same steering angles and geometry, the same settings for caster, camber (although not easily adjusted, they shouldn't need to be), same SAI and other angles. They should run straight and not wander.

Just sold my 1978 Jeep CJ5, it had a problem from the factory. Set the toe, cut the axle loose set the caster and you would not believe how great it drove. If only this new one would drive as well.

 

[Nurse K]

Amen - I'm sick of hearing "it's a Jeep thing" or "it's a solid axle thing, they all do that".
There is zero reason for a modern solid axle vehicle to wander or be loose on an ordinary street or highway.
These still have the same steering angles and geometry, the same settings for caster, camber (although not easily adjusted, they shouldn't need to be), same SAI and other angles. They should run straight and not wander.

I had the steering box replaced about a year ago and the steering felt so much safer. Now all of a sudden I’m driving down the interstate and the VERY loose steering is back. It’s to the point it feels wildly unsafe. I’m going to take it in for an oil change and tire rotation. Now I guess I will add begging them to see what happened to my steering all of a sudden.

The video was taken the first hour of the three hour interstate trip yesterday. It got looser as we drove and at one point we were debating pulling over and calling for a tow. Made it home but NO WAY am I putting this back on the interstate until it’s fixed.

 

[Nurse K]

All I would get it taken care of as quickly as possible. I had new steel box installed last year, and it was wonderful.

2 weeks ago I was on a road trip and the wheel had a good amount of play (first video). Called and the dealer couldn't get me in with a loaner for a little while. It got increasingly worse, and when I called and explained the situation they got me in. The second video is on the way to the dealer to be investigate

d. They have now ordered a new box and are awaiting the part to come in.

I had my steering box changed out 10 months ago and it seemed fine until a three hour drive on the interstate yesterday. It was terrible the first hour and then turned into the type of steering you have in your video. I’m not driving this anywhere but to the dealership tomorrow and if they give me the run around I will trade it. I love my Gladiator but it’s not worth my family’s safety.

 

[AEsco48]

I had my steering box changed out 10 months ago and it seemed fine until a three hour drive on the interstate yesterday. It was terrible the first hour and then turned into the type of steering you have in your video. I’m not driving this anywhere but to the dealership tomorrow and if they give me the run around I will trade it. I love my Gladiator but it’s not worth my family’s safety.

Don’t threaten to turn it in… they will hate that $$$$

 

[Nurse K]

Don’t threaten to turn it in… they will hate that $$$$

I would hopefully trade it for another Gladiator. I really really love the vehicle but the steering issues on some of the 2020s seem to be a bit of mess. Right now hoping they will just fix it. I go to a reputable dealership so I’m going to believe they will solve the problem.

 

[Nurse K]

There have been some of the replacement steering gear that have had problems.
Mine was replaced under the TSB late last summer/early fall. It was better for a while, not night and day better like some have said, but better. Then over the winter it got a lot worse, in fact I think worse than the original gear was.
I took it to the dealer, pointed out that the most recent TSB says the alignment is part of the process (not all dealers did that as it wasn't in the TSB before) and I told them it liked to wander badly now, they decide what the trouble is.
They called to tell me they needed to replace the steering gear - they listed mine on the paperwork as "internal fault steering gear"............. the new one is definitely tighter, it wants to return to straight/center better than it ever has and the wander is gone. It's not as quick and tight as my wife's Jeep but then that's IFS with RACK AND PINION steering and quicker ratio.

They decided the steering gear was bad (the new one) and they took care of it. No push, no arguing, no debate. They got the part overnight.

I was just told they will be replacing the second gear box for a new one tomorrow. I'm hoping I have the same results as you! Fingers crossed.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I was just told they will be replacing the second gear box for a new one tomorrow. I'm hoping I have the same results as you! Fingers crossed.

Mine was a dream going to and from Colorado Springs a week ago - and up Pike's Peak, steering was solid, responsive, never felt like I didn't have precise control.
On the way out it was a very strong south wind all through middle KS and NE and that was a pain, but that's the shape and height of the truck, not the steering. It still wasn't hard to keep it between the lines. It did not wander.

 

[Nurse K]

Mine was a dream going to and from Colorado Springs a week ago - and up Pike's Peak, steering was solid, responsive, never felt like I didn't have precise control.
On the way out it was a very strong south wind all through middle KS and NE and that was a pain, but that's the shape and height of the truck, not the steering. It still wasn't hard to keep it between the lines. It did not wander.

So my new steering gear arrived but they said they couldn’t remove the Pitman Arm and had to order one. Said it will be here day after tomorrow. Hoping I can get it back by the weekend!

 

[ShadowsPapa]

So my new steering gear arrived but they said they couldn’t remove the Pitman Arm and had to order one. Said it will be here day after tomorrow. Hoping I can get it back by the weekend!

WOW. Really? I hope they ordered or have a new nut for it, too.
I know those things are crazy tight, but they are supposed to have the tools to remove 'em. Apparently yours is an anomaly.

Sponsored