Loose Steering?

[Factoid]

Interesting, same here - since the early 1970s. Started at age 14, now 62.
When you collect and drive the cars I do, you have to be creative LOL
Hardly any new parts available and even some of them are impossible to find used.
Guess that's why I'm trying to gather information and get some logic to this - troubleshooting has been my thing.

So true! Interestingly, my 1964 Corvette coupe has a Borgeson power steering setup that is in reality a Jeep steering box and far superior to the oem version.

Anyway, we will get to the bottom of this situation. Do all JTs come stock with a steering stabilizer?

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[ShadowsPapa]

So true! Interestingly, my 1964 Corvette coupe has a Borgeson power steering setup that is in reality a Jeep steering box and far superior to the oem version.

Anyway, we will get to the bottom of this situation. Do all JTs come stock with a steering stabilizer?

Yeah. That's been touched upon, too.........
Not sure but I believe Jeeps started getting them about the time AMC started putting them on the Eagle in the 80s.
Or maybe Jeep had them first and the Eagle got it as well......... every 4x4 I've had has had such a thing.

 

[Scrubb84]

FYI. Took the Glad to an independent local shop this morning. They couldn’t understand why i’m having trouble getting a BRAND NEW jeep fixed at the dealership because it is very obvious that the wheels only start to move after 1-2 inches of dead zone in the steering box/wheel. Temp seems to affect the feel but the d-zone is always present. We looked at every steering connection/joint while on the rack and someone turning the wheel back n forth. I was really hoping it was going to be as simple as replacing the track bar because of squirrely bushings, but nope.... steering box. Now if i can somehow get this info to my serv dept without coming across as an a-hole i might be on to something here.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

That's been my theory for weeks now - the steering box, or sector, itself. The symptoms of most of the "complaints" fit. It matches how one of my cars was before I replaced the sector that right at center was loose and if I tried to do any adjusting with it, then it was tight at center, but still had play to the point I had to turn the wheel a good inch or more to get a response - a change of direction.

 

[jrf]

Now if i can somehow get this info to my serv dept without coming across as an a-hole i might be on to something here.

Don't take that personally, you are not the a-hole. I hate the fact my dealer wants to make it seem like I'm just a complainer. It's honestly soured my whole view of a dealership I used to feel good about. One of the things I have the least tolerance for is people lying to my face.

On a side note...I think I remember hearing that the PSC kit uses a JK steel steering box...so that got me to wondering how hard the swap would be to a JK steering box. Assuming the electric PS pump probably wouldn't work though... at this point, even if the dealer swapped the steering box....how do you know the new one is a good one?

 

[jrf]

Ford workers break their silence on faulty transmissions: 'Everybody knew'

Just why oh why do the manufactures think it's cheaper to deal with the problems later? I'll never understand....


"Ford says the litigation is the work of greedy lawyers eager to line their pockets through frivolous claims."

"About 13,000 individual lawsuits are pending."
"A class-action settlement valued at $35 million is under review"

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Ford workers break their silence on faulty transmissions: 'Everybody knew'

Just why oh why do the manufactures think it's cheaper to deal with the problems later? I'll never understand....


"Ford says the litigation is the work of greedy lawyers eager to line their pockets through frivolous claims."

"About 13,000 individual lawsuits are pending."
"A class-action settlement valued at $35 million is under review"

That's typical - and why I mentioned days ago why are people basing whether or not there's a problem on whether or not there's a recall. The recall could come months, even years later, if at all. 2016 - how long ago did they stop making vehicles with a 2016 model year? And yet recently a recall was reported for 2016 and prior Grand Cherokees. Wow, 4 model years later. And I'm not picking on Jeep - Toyota, anyone? VW? Ford? Chevrolet? (although my Silverado recalls were timely and minor, nothing ever serious.)

 

[futzin']

yeah, that one really stinks . . .

 

[Casique]

The greedy lawyers must have been related to the greedy bastards at Ford...

 

[Scrubb84]

That's been my theory for weeks now - the steering box, or sector, itself. The symptoms of most of the "complaints" fit. It matches how one of my cars was before I replaced the sector that right at center was loose and if I tried to do any adjusting with it, then it was tight at center, but still had play to the point I had to turn the wheel a good inch or more to get a response - a change of direction.

I want to adjust the “non adjustable” adjustment screw on the box myself, but i’m not even taking a lug nut off till the dealer fixes it.

 

[Scrubb84]

If you have the dead zone in your steering like I do, bring it in as soon as you can so it’s on record. My Service manager told me today he got a response from the star request he put it. They told him that a new version of the steering box & control module update are coming real soon. I’m thrilled to hear this BUT, how long is “real soon” coming from them? 10 days? GREAT! 10 years? FML

 

[Factoid]

If you have the dead zone in your steering like I do, bring it in as soon as you can so it’s on record. My Service manager told me today he got a response from the star request he put it. They told him that a new version of the steering box & control module update are coming real soon. I’m thrilled to hear this BUT, how long is “real soon” coming from them? 10 days? GREAT! 10 years? FML

Perhaps some good news is on the horizon?

 

[futzin']

a new version of the steering box & control module update are coming real soon.

at whose expense?

 

[Factoid]

All sector steering boxes are adjustable to compensate for manufacturing variability and wear. The supplier adjusts the box based on preload and marks it prior to shipping to indicate the “factory setting”. The supplier is either the oem (Chrysler in this case) or a tier 1 supplier. There are many reasons why a steering box may be improperly adjusted from the supplier. Frankly, if my steering was vague and wandered and the dealer wouldn’t address the issue, I would adjust the box, following the factory instructions, NOT BY FEEL. If that didn’t address the issue, it is easy enough to return it to the factory setting, however, if you follow the instructions and you get 1/4 to 3/4 of a turn on the torx adjuster following the instructions, I guarantee it will make a difference.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

If people attempt this - don't do it by internet posts on forums, get the CORRECT factory or technical service manual instructions, doing otherwise can actually damage the steering sector and cause the vehicle to not want to return to "center". There's specs for the tension is takes to turn and so on. Some just turn things in until free play is gone............ then later have to replace the steering box.
But since we don't know the exact cause and these aren't your father's steering sectors - I'd personally wait for FCA and/or your dealer to fix it since it's their problem. If you make a change it could become your problem.
Failing that, get the correct directions and specs for this steering gear and check the adjustment - or - tell the dealer they need to do it.
Factoid is correct, I'm only suggesting care - I've seen 'em ruined by simply taking out play.
On the other hand - why is there a box revision? And software changes? Hmmmmmm............... makes me think they have found a problem that is NOT adjustment.

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