Loose Steering?

[Vismich]

Hi Everyone,

Does anyone else feel like the steering is really loose in their JT? Can I have Jeep “tighten it up”?

I’ve owned two wranglers, and most recently had a Grand Cherokee.... none seemed loose.

This is my first pick up.... so maybe it’s normal for a truck?

Sponsored

 

[lrtexasman]

there is a whole list of things to check on the JL wrangler forum. Mostly tire air pressure, loose bolts on suspension parts, steering stabilizer, ect. You can check the similar threads below. If I buy one and can not resolve with the simple adjustments, I will get an aftermarket steering stabilizer with adjustable settings. I do not plan to add a lift or go beyond the Rubicon 33 ATs.

 

[DanOnTheCob]

I drove a Rubicon with M/T's today, steering felt good. Not a lot of play in the wheel that I could feel.

 

[Charlie]

I definitely felt the loose steering when I test drove an Overland, but not as much when I drove the Rubicon. Like others have said, there are a ton of threads on this issue on the JL forums.

 

[Vismich]

There’s a lot of play in my wheel.... and not sure if it’s normal or if Something is not right. Is it fixable if I take it to be looked at?

 

[JeepCares]

Hi Everyone,

Does anyone else feel like the steering is really loose in their JT? Can I have Jeep “tighten it up”?

I’ve owned two wranglers, and most recently had a Grand Cherokee.... none seemed loose.

This is my first pick up.... so maybe it’s normal for a truck?

Hi Vismich,
We regret to hear that you are experiencing this concern with your new Gladiator. If you decide to have your dealer address this, please send our team a private message and we would be happy to add additional assistance to this process!
Alex
Jeep Social Care Specialist

 

[Casique]

I tested a Rubi and an Overland. Tires were 42 and 41 respectively. The Rubi wondered all over the place and there was a lot of steering play. The Overland was slightly better but not by much.

 

[lrtexasman]

Really you should read the threads on JL Forum. I would not get to freaked out as It is a solid front axle that is going to have some play in the steering. The wandering could be within normal operation, could be the result of something as simple as a loose bolt or improper tire pressure, or it could be a defective suspension part. See the poll below.

Poll: What do you think will fix the current steering problems on our Jeep Wrangler JLs?

1. 
   Steering box recall
   93 vote(s)
   47.7%
2. 
   Steering pump recall
   6 vote(s)
   3.1%
3. 
   Steering stabilizer recall
   9 vote(s)
   4.6%
4. 
   Steering motor recall
   10 vote(s)
   5.1%
5. 
   New TBD Steering Flash Update
   32 vote(s)
   16.4%
6. 
   No Recall, Design Flaw, We’re Fu*ked
   59 vote(s)
   30.3%
7. 
   Other
   20 vote(s)
   10.3%
   

 

[Cjsmith]

I test drove a Rubicon and unfortunately couldn't get past the loose steering. At highway speeds this thing was all over the place. This would be a white knuckle commute every day. Disappointed. Should have been better with a long wheelbase.

 

[biggdave92]

i test drove a rubi. felt good to me. had TJ's, and now a JK. Can't have your cake and eat it too. You either get an off road beast or a road truck. If i wanted a road truck, i'd get an f150 or a ranger.

 

[clayps]

I test drove a Rubicon and unfortunately couldn't get past the loose steering. At highway speeds this thing was all over the place. This would be a white knuckle commute every day. Disappointed. Should have been better with a long wheelbase.

I have a feeling these are going to experience the same problems the JLs are having. The issue isn't the same on all Jeeps. Some handle fine, and some are all over the road. I'm sure the difference in drivers plays some role, but my gut tells me it's more so inconsistent tolerances/parts on the Jeeps.

 

[lrtexasman]

Going to be the same with wind noise and glitchy audio system as well

 

[Sorbs]

Last week my Jeep dealer gave me a 2019 Ram 1500 loaner whilst our EcoDiesel was getting its flash done. Funny thing, the electric steering seemed to fight the wheel when driving in a straight line. Kinda chunky feeling every once in a while.

My JLR steering is fine though. Run the tires at 36 psi and no wandering.

 

[Cobraowner]

My JT Rubicon steering seemed very loose and it wandered. The dealer had the tire pressure at 41psi. I lowered the's air pressure down to the 37psi that the door frame sticker calls for and it seems to be night/day better. I have only driven about 10 miles since dropping the pressure but it was already a very noticeable improvement. Much quieter as well.

I may try to drop another pound or so and see if its better yet.

 

[cajun charlie]

My JT Rubicon steering seemed very loose and it wandered. The dealer had the tire pressure at 41psi. I lowered the's air pressure down to the 37psi that the door frame sticker calls for and it seems to be night/day better. I have only driven about 10 miles since dropping the pressure but it was already a very noticeable improvement. Much quieter as well.

I may try to drop another pound or so and see if its better yet.

Dropped the tire pressure to 35psi on my Rubi (which is nominal for the range on the MTs). Much better feel at 65mph +. Make sure to set the pressure when the tires are cold.

Sponsored