Loose Steering?

[erichsglad]

I just wanted to post here that i took delivery of my 2020 Gladiator Overland on October 27, 2019. I noticed the steering issue on my test drive and the salesman had said that it was normal. Of course he would say that! I thought to myself that I would just get used to it. I do think that I am more used to it now but its still an issue. And, after some research it seems its not normal at all. I have a call into my local dealer to check it out, but they said that they hadn't heard of any issues regarding the steering on a Gladiator. It's too new they said. I may be the guinea pig in the area but it sounds like there still isn't a fix or a nailed down solution. Also, my JT is a totally bone stock Overland with 0 mods. I now have 1400 miles on it and there has been no change for better or worse. Its still bad. I did put in a complaint to the NHTSA and have contacted Jeepcares as well.

I have been told the same thing. It's a little like being told after paying for a new knee. "Just keep walking, you will get used to the limp". Others that do not have the problem have said that because "mines does not do this, yours can't either or its a jeep thing". If all were built on the same day with identical components then I could agree, nature of the beast, but in manufacturing there can be design flaws, manufacturing flaws or just poor quality control. I know FCA does not want this brand to lose market share due to these issues. They have too mush invested, but it can if they do not address this to the satisfaction of the customer. I have owned jeeps going back to CJ7 none have steered this poorly. I traded a '15 JKU for my Sport S. I test drove one at an other dealer (same model) but bought at a local dealer, so I trusted it would track the same. I brought it back after a trip on the highway the next day with my issues. That was august 29 and I am still trying to get something done.

Sponsored

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I have been told the same thing. It's a little like being told after paying for a new knee. "Just keep walking, you will get used to the limp". Others that do not have the problem have said that because "mines does not do this, yours can't either or its a jeep thing". If all were built on the same day with identical components then I could agree, nature of the beast, but in manufacturing there can be design flaws, manufacturing flaws or just poor quality control. I know FCA does not want this brand to lose market share due to these issues. They have too mush invested, but it can if they do not address this to the satisfaction of the customer. I have owned jeeps going back to CJ7 none have steered this poorly. I traded a '15 JKU for my Sport S. I test drove one at an other dealer (same model) but bought at a local dealer, so I trusted it would track the same. I brought it back after a trip on the highway the next day with my issues. That was august 29 and I am still trying to get something done.

Mine does not do that - and that's why I believe there is a problem. I was more like - mine does not thus yours SHOULD not.
Mine was proof they CAN do fine. That's all I needed - was to have or drive one that was ok, that pretty quickly put me in the "there's a problem here" group.

To me, there's been enough different threads, posts, explanations and videos that, coupled with the fact mine does NOT do this - it proves to me a problem.
Do I have a resolution? No. But often in professional troubleshooting half the battle is not showing what it is but showing what it is NOT - and going from there. You eliminate the easy stuff either by logic or testing.
We know what it CAN'T be or is extremely unlikely to be - then move forward. In this case, the ball is in their court.

 

[FREEZE451]

Well, I can't say I came to a fix, but I will say the 1/2 turn on the steering box and adding 35s last night, this vehicle drives like how I would imagine it would. Can I say it will fix for all, no, but it certainly has fixed the issue to me. I just drove 75mph into a 15 mph wind and wasn't phased one bit.

Before these changes, I would have white knuckled this all day..

 

[NateSamJT20]

Well, I can't say I came to a fix, but I will say the 1/2 turn on the steering box and adding 35s last night, this vehicle drives like how I would imagine it would. Can I say it will fix for all, no, but it certainly has fixed the issue to me. I just drove 75mph into a 15 mph wind and wasn't phased one bit.

Before these changes, I would have white knuckled this all day..

my experience and concern is similar to others here. I test drove one at a dealer near me but purchased from a dealer several hours away. 2 completely different driving characteristics. Was extremely disappointed. And having had owner 3 other wranglers before, and knowing how service depts are, I decided to try a few things on my own first. I lowered tire pressure, changed wheels and tires, checked all suspension components, bought a teraflex alpine IR trackbar, teraflex falcon nexusus 2.2 and while slight improvements each time, nothing has really changed.

I then decided to call a local Jeep dealer and was told the same “that’s how they drive and we haven’t had any other complaints” line. Which I don’t doubt because they dealers near me have 2-3 gladiators on their lots and don’t seem to move many.

my concern now is going to a dealer to complain some more and them blaming the aftermarket components, which are so much better than stock, but are still not stock.

I have just purchased the JKS 3.5 lift with drop brackets and the synergy trackbar sector shaft brace that I’m waiting to put on.

I don’t want to keep putting $ in the wrong things, just want it fixed. Like I posted earlier, I am willing to buy aftermarket whatever part needed to correct the issue. I’d rather do it myself than deal with a dealership service dept. even though I know it shouldn’t be that way on a $54k Jeep

 

[FREEZE451]

Have you tried adjusting the steering box? Just curious. Seems like you have way more modifications so not sure on that as mine is pretty bare bone stock.

I did put a stabilizer from fox on, but that's it.

I'd let you drive mine if you're in this neck of the woods ever. I'm also really curious to find someone close who has NO issue so I can see if what I call a 'fix' is really in fact a fix or just a placebo lol

 

[NateSamJT20]

Have you tried adjusting the steering box? Just curious. Seems like you have way more modifications so not sure on that as mine is pretty bare bone stock.

I did put a stabilizer from fox on, but that's it.

I'd let you drive mine if you're in this neck of the woods ever. I'm also really curious to find someone close who has NO issue so I can see if what I call a 'fix' is really in fact a fix or just a placebo lol

Unfortunately I’m in Illinois. But I too would like to meet with other gladiator owners that both do have an issue and don’t have an issue.

 

[RickyR]

I did the Synergy brace and a Fox stabilizer (against my better judgement), and my steering seems a little better. More of a heavier steering, less movement. I am a little happier, but now have a new dilemma.... When we find out that the steering boxes are bad, I will likely have to remove my tab that the pitman arm is attached and the smooth nut from the kit. Then, prove I have the problem??? It's worth it, I guess, since I will likely be on my second set of 37's by then. Did I mention I am 1800 miles since September. Y'all get my drift here????

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Have you tried adjusting the steering box? Just curious. Seems like you have way more modifications so not sure on that as mine is pretty bare bone stock.

I did put a stabilizer from fox on, but that's it.

I'd let you drive mine if you're in this neck of the woods ever. I'm also really curious to find someone close who has NO issue so I can see if what I call a 'fix' is really in fact a fix or just a placebo lol

No one is close to Iowa - LOL - Fargo, eh, a couple hours away at least. Mine drives and handles fine.
Invite still open - any JT owner who has a JT that has a "steering issue" just to cover it all and for lack of a more PC term, is welcome to come and experience one that has no steering problems.

 

[NateSamJT20]

Mine is mainly the steering wheel has the “dead spot” that is not quick to respond. About an inch play to each side. I can only assume that the only actual fix is a new box or pump or both

I just turned 3k miles since purchased 9/28.

Have 37s with no lift and run around 28 cold 30-32 warm psi

 

[Scrubb84]

The fix is 100% the steering box for me & most likely the same for everyone with the dead spot. Has nothing to do with the pump or the computer. You can see the play in the box with the truck not running. That ‘non-adjustable’ screw will fix most/all of the play because thats exactly what the problem is, someone (or robot) on the steering box assembly line (where ever that is) is drunk, high, or broken. Problem is.... if you even think about touching that screw your on your own. No dealer will help you even the the actual recall drops. I consider myself lucky because my dealer finally agreed (it did take 5 visits of convincing tho).

 

[spazzyfry123]

My dudes... The steering box being replaced has fixed my issue. If I were to put a value against it, I’d say it is 80% better. I am thrilled. I am no longer a pinball bouncing in the lane. It tracks true and needs very minimal input from me to keep straight. Hit some good gusts at 70 and barely needed to do a thing. For the first time since I’ve owned the vehicle, I feel confident at speed. Not saying this is the same steering I had in my M3, but for a solid axle, big flipping off road truck, this will do.

Dealer says there was zero difference in labeling, revision, style, etc between the two boxes. Same part number and all. They also indicated that they have seen a few and can best describe the steering quality as luck of the draw. Despite the part numbers being the same, it would appear some of us have gotten steering boxes assembled at 4:30 on Friday. Not convinced it’s a batch issue.

Before with original steering box:

After with replaced steering box:

Keep in mind this is to show play. While driving down the road with the first steering box, constant input was necessary. With this new box, I can rest my hand on the wheel and it will drive straight with no real input at all from me. Much much calmer drive.

 

[jrf]

My dudes... The steering box being replaced has fixed my issue. If I were to put a value against it, I’d say it is 80% better.

Dealer says there was zero difference in labeling, revision, style, etc between the two boxes.

Awesome feedback! You are the first one that I know of that has had this type of success. Based on your two quotes above I also wonder if there are varying degrees of "bad". Sounds to me like there is little repeat-ability in the making of these new boxes. I will gladly live with this and wait until an actual true fix is accounted for....however...this is good news!!!

Question, any idea if the dealer was going to follow up with Jeep with the resolution? I'm hoping the next step is Jeep gets these "worse" boxes back and has a chance to figure out what's going on in the MFG process.

Progress!!! Thanks for the update.

 

[spazzyfry123]

Awesome feedback! You are the first one that I know of that has had this type of success. Based on your two quotes above I also wonder if there are varying degrees of "bad". Sounds to me like there is little repeat-ability in the making of these new boxes. I will gladly live with this and wait until an actual true fix is accounted for....however...this is good news!!!

Question, any idea if the dealer was going to follow up with Jeep with the resolution? I'm hoping the next step is Jeep gets these "worse" boxes back and has a chance to figure out what's going on in the MFG process.

Progress!!! Thanks for the update.

I certainly hope so. This was my intention in reaching out to Jeep in opening a case for another separate issue. A snip from my message to them:

Additionally, the Jeep is also being diagnosed for loose steering that has been widely discussed here on the forums ( https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/loose-steering.16550/ ). They have actually found a faulty steering box, and I thought that this may be of interest to you and your team to help find a more widespread solution.

 

[Rayzzz]

Dealer told me after three trips complaining about loose steering it looks like the steering box had a lot of play in it but they would not get paid to adjust it but I could do it myself. I've been doing mechanic work for 42 years and have adjusted steering boxes with great results but I'm just going to watch what's going on and get it fixed once enough info is out to prove I'm not just a whinner. If I adjusted it myself I would only be adjusting the sector shaft unless I removed the steering box to adjust the input shaft and I'm going in that deep when it's there place to fix it. Plus if I heard you've touch it and you voided your warranty I would pop a cork.

My Jeep likes my money

 

[Factoid]

Dealer told me after three trips complaining about loose steering it looks like the steering box had a lot of play in it but they would not get paid to adjust it but I could do it myself. I've been doing mechanic work for 42 years and have adjusted steering boxes with great results but I'm just going to watch what's going on and get it fixed once enough info is out to prove I'm not just a whinner. If I adjusted it myself I would only be adjusting the sector shaft unless I removed the steering box to adjust the input shaft and I'm going in that deep when it's there place to fix it. Plus if I heard you've touch it and you voided your warranty I would pop a cork.

My Jeep likes my money

Have the service department document the recommendation to adjust it yourself in the service notes. I have adjusted dozens of sector shafts in the decades I have been restoring and servicing cars. Most people don’t realize that the box isn’t manufactured fully adjusted. It is assembled and then adjusted and marked. Believing that the factory adjusted them all perfectly is like believing the government can run healthcare. Once you adjust a few Saginaw style boxes, you can tell almost immediately if it is out of adjustment once you loosen the locknut.

Best of luck, but go with what your experience tells you.

Sponsored