EugeneTheJeep
Well-Known Member
After reading through this and other threads and driving several JL/JTs (2018s to 2020s, all Rubis) I have a few conclusions with which you may or may not agree.
1. All the JLs and JTs (five total) I’ve driven (100s of miles) felt loose to me. Some were more loose than others. About 1/2 to 1 in of play (move wheel, nothing happens, moving or stopped).
2. Some feel lighter or heavier than others but still have the same dead spot.
3. All were aligned well and tracked straight.
4. All followed the road crown, bumps, pot holes, etc. requiring much more constant correction than a typical car.
5. The wind makes everything much worse, and in strong winds in certain directions the dead spot seems much larger.
6. Some people are really sensitive to the dead spot (me) while others drive the same Jeep and don’t seem to notice.
7. The steering on all of them has been absolutely amazing off-road! Turning while stopped is effortless. Bumps are absorbed while the Jeep continues straight. Just great.
8. My advice which is probably next to worthless, but I’ll give anyway: You must decide if what you are feeling is normal or if you have an issue that warrants braving the dealer and having a random service advisor and tech touch your Jeep. If it’s wandering in no wind, get an alignment. If it has a dead spot greater than an inch or so, get a new steering gear, the slop in the bushings fixed, or whatever else. If locking up, get it towed; don’t drive it. Otherwise, have fun driving your large go-cart.
***Bonus: A Sahara I had as a rental one day was much more responsive on the highway. I attribute this to the street tires and lower profile.
1. All the JLs and JTs (five total) I’ve driven (100s of miles) felt loose to me. Some were more loose than others. About 1/2 to 1 in of play (move wheel, nothing happens, moving or stopped).
2. Some feel lighter or heavier than others but still have the same dead spot.
3. All were aligned well and tracked straight.
4. All followed the road crown, bumps, pot holes, etc. requiring much more constant correction than a typical car.
5. The wind makes everything much worse, and in strong winds in certain directions the dead spot seems much larger.
6. Some people are really sensitive to the dead spot (me) while others drive the same Jeep and don’t seem to notice.
7. The steering on all of them has been absolutely amazing off-road! Turning while stopped is effortless. Bumps are absorbed while the Jeep continues straight. Just great.
8. My advice which is probably next to worthless, but I’ll give anyway: You must decide if what you are feeling is normal or if you have an issue that warrants braving the dealer and having a random service advisor and tech touch your Jeep. If it’s wandering in no wind, get an alignment. If it has a dead spot greater than an inch or so, get a new steering gear, the slop in the bushings fixed, or whatever else. If locking up, get it towed; don’t drive it. Otherwise, have fun driving your large go-cart.
***Bonus: A Sahara I had as a rental one day was much more responsive on the highway. I attribute this to the street tires and lower profile.
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