Concerning steering issue: stripped pitman arm and steering gear box

[Govdog76]

All,
I am not technical with steering/suspension as so many of you are, but wanted to share my recent experience in case any one else runs into a similar situation.
First, I have a 2020 Rubicon with stock steering, suspension, and wheels/tires. Vehicle undercarriage is bone stock.
Had a bit of steering vagueness since new, so my dealer did the steering TSB back in the summer. All good.
Then, a couple of weeks ago the vehicle suddenly developed a huge “dead spot” in the steering when the wheel was centered, and the vehicle would wander all over the place. In addition, the vehicle stability control, traction control, and cruise control (adaptive and regular) all became non-functional.
Anyway, back to the dealer.
They fixed it, with the following commentary on the service sheet: “Inspected vehicle, found pitman arm nut loose, retorqued, retested, still came loose, grooves on spline of Pittman arm and gear box, replaced gear box and Pittman arm.”
I am guessing something was not done quite right during the initial TSB-related steering box replacement, but I guess could be a factory issue as well. Either way, seems like spontaneous steering disintegration should be a “never event” for a modern vehicle.
In any case, all seems well now but maybe this will help someone else.
Cheers,
Ian

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[ShadowsPapa]

All,
I am not technical with steering/suspension as so many of you are, but wanted to share my recent experience in case any one else runs into a similar situation.
First, I have a 2020 Rubicon with stock steering, suspension, and wheels/tires. Vehicle undercarriage is bone stock.
Had a bit of steering vagueness since new, so my dealer did the steering TSB back in the summer. All good.
Then, a couple of weeks ago the vehicle suddenly developed a huge “dead spot” in the steering when the wheel was centered, and the vehicle would wander all over the place. In addition, the vehicle stability control, traction control, and cruise control (adaptive and regular) all became non-functional.
Anyway, back to the dealer.
They fixed it, with the following commentary on the service sheet: “Inspected vehicle, found pitman arm nut loose, retorqued, retested, still came loose, grooves on spline of Pittman arm and gear box, replaced gear box and Pittman arm.”
I am guessing something was not done quite right during the initial TSB-related steering box replacement, but I guess could be a factory issue as well. Either way, seems like spontaneous steering disintegration should be a “never event” for a modern vehicle.
In any case, all seems well now but maybe this will help someone else.
Cheers,
Ian

Another fellow posted a video of the exact same thing with his! Steering got loose, he found the pitman nut loose.
Jeep needs to require that a NEW pitman nut be used in these, but they don't.
It's just plain dumb to use the original - and to not triple-check torque after a test drive .
The nuts have locking compound in them - they aren't replacing the nut or using locking compound (like Loctite, etc.)

Jeep needs to address this as a safety issue and modify the TSB.

 

[Mac]

Typical dealer shenanigans, majority of the time the work is done incorrectly if you can even get them to do it.

 

[Zzarkzul]

My Jeep is in the shop right now because of steering issues. I can physically move the tie rod and drag link, even after they retorqued it. Their first response was they are unable to do anything because I don't have stock shocks. (They blew out at under 10k).

Should be getting a call soon as I just spoke to someone there about that inappropriate response.

I will look at this nut when I go to pick my Jeep up, thanks

 

[ShadowsPapa]

My Jeep is in the shop right now because of steering issues. I can physically move the tie rod and drag link, even after they retorqued it. Their first response was they are unable to do anything because I don't have stock shocks. (They blew out at under 10k).

Should be getting a call soon as I just spoke to someone there about that inappropriate response.

I will look at this nut when I go to pick my Jeep up, thanks

Shocks have zip to do with warranty - you can replace the shocks every week if you wish as long as they are made to fit properly and meet the specs. That's easy since shocks are a commodity item on most Jeep vehicles, trucks, cars, etc.
Tell them to read their books again and check with Jeep corporate - they can't not do anything about other loose or worn parts because you've replaced faulty shocks with better ones.

Even the TSB about steering plainly says as long as the vehicle is in factory alignment specs - they are to continue and deal with it.

(IMO, the stock shocks on these (save for Mojave) are nothing to brag around so it's no surprise they get changed and third parties make great shocks for 'em. )

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