New JT Gladiator Steering Issue TSB 08-074-20 (for "Improved Steering Feel")

[sfjeldsted]

You already have the new gear box in yours, not sure if it's going to correct your issue.

Yeah, I know, but it sounds like some of the new steel ones also have issues.

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[ShadowsPapa]

You already have the new gear box in yours, not sure if it's going to correct your issue.

It "may". My 2020 took a second one to fix the issue. They said the first replacement had "internal fault". But - the odds aren't good because like you said - he's already got the later design.

 

[JeepCares]

My 2021 has the wandering/constant correcting issue that many others seem to have. Its going in for the steering gear replacement this week even though it seems the TSB does not cover my year of Gladiator. I hope this works, the constant correcting is unacceptable. The dealer doing the work is the second one I had look at this problem. The first dealer said they "adjusted" the alignment, but I didn't get a before/after printout so I'm not sure if they did anything. I took it back again and they said there was nothing they could do. That made me take it to a different dealer and they recognized the problem and ordered the steering gear right away. Hopefully after a year this finally gets corrected. Current mileage is 13k, all stock except for the one size above stock tires, 275/70/18.

Hi, sfjeldsted. If you need any extra support at the dealership, let us know.

Kate
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[sfjeldsted]

It "may". My 2020 took a second one to fix the issue. They said the first replacement had "internal fault". But - the odds aren't good because like you said - he's already got the later design.

If the new steering gear doesn't correct the problem, I will adjust the caster with longer lower control arms. I'll provide an update when I have something to report. There's been a few guys asking about 2021's on this thread so I wanted to share what's happening with mine.

 

[Jeeperjamie]

It "may". My 2020 took a second one to fix the issue. They said the first replacement had "internal fault". But - the odds aren't good because like you said - he's already got the later design.

Yep, your correct. I should of clarified that i mean't he more than likely had the newer replacement one installed.

 

[Rusty PW]

If the new steering gear doesn't correct the problem, I will adjust the camber with longer lower control arms. I'll provide an update when I have something to report. There's been a few guys asking about 2021's on this thread so I wanted to share what's happening with mine.

You mean caster, not camber. To correct camber, you need special off set ball joints.

 

[sfjeldsted]

You mean caster, not camber. To correct camber, you need special off set ball joints.

Right, caster. Guess my coffee didn't kick in yet.

 

[Rusty PW]

Right, caster. Guess my coffee didn't kick in yet.

Eh....brain fart......

 

[Rainman519]

Mine has had the steering box replaced when the earlier TSB came out, and it's going in next week to be checked again. Took it on a road trip (~250 miles) last weekend and it was all I could do to keep it in the lane. Been OK for approx a year, but it gradually worked it's way back to where it was when I took it in initially. Fingers crossed.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Mine has had the steering box replaced when the earlier TSB came out, and it's going in next week to be checked again. Took it on a road trip (~250 miles) last weekend and it was all I could do to keep it in the lane. Been OK for approx a year, but it gradually worked it's way back to where it was when I took it in initially. Fingers crossed.

That matches what I experienced on my 2020.
They replaced the steering gear in late summer/early fall 2020 and it was better until spring when I realized it had gradually (so gradually it was hard to see what was going on). I realized it was actually worse than the first one.
I took it in and explained I "thought it was fine initially but it felt like it got worse over time".
They contacted me and said "we need to replace the steering gear, can we keep it"
Uh, heck yeah!
The second one did the trick.

 

[sfjeldsted]

My 2021 has the wandering/constant correcting issue that many others seem to have. Its going in for the steering gear replacement this week even though it seems the TSB does not cover my year of Gladiator. I hope this works, the constant correcting is unacceptable. The dealer doing the work is the second one I had look at this problem. The first dealer said they "adjusted" the alignment, but I didn't get a before/after printout so I'm not sure if they did anything. I took it back again and they said there was nothing they could do. That made me take it to a different dealer and they recognized the problem and ordered the steering gear right away. Hopefully after a year this finally gets corrected. Current mileage is 13k, all stock except for the one size above stock tires, 275/70/18.

Update
Steering issue seems fixed......along with a leaking right rear axle seal. I've put about 30 miles on since the repair work and I no longer have to constantly correct the steering. There is some "play" but it seems to be a normal amount. The paperwork from the dealer noted that an internal interference was found in the steering gear assembly. When I asked more about this diagnostic finding they said the interference is within the power steering electronic module, usually an internal short that causes an interruption in the signal it sends altering input/output from gear. The module and gear are serviced/replaced as a unit. See attached warranty report if it helps anyone.
Again this is on a 2021 with a September build date

 

[Scrubb84]

Update
Steering issue seems fixed......along with a leaking right rear axle seal. I've put about 30 miles on since the repair work and I no longer have to constantly correct the steering. There is some "play" but it seems to be a normal amount. The paperwork from the dealer noted that an internal interference was found in the steering gear assembly. When I asked more about this diagnostic finding they said the interference is within the power steering electronic module, usually an internal short that causes an interruption in the signal it sends altering input/output from gear. The module and gear are serviced/replaced as a unit. See attached warranty report if it helps anyone.
Again this is on a 2021 with a September build date

Thats a load of BS. There is nothing electronic about the actual steering gear. What they dont want to tell you is the truth…. They are made in china and dont give a single shit about tolerances and quality control. Same problem they have had from day one with the aluminum boxes. Im not even saying its fault of the shitty manufacturing plant over there, its because the fca will only pay for the lowest quality work. I dare someone to tell me Im wrong.
rant over

 

[sfjeldsted]

Thats a load of BS. There is nothing electronic about the actual steering gear. What they dont want to tell you is the truth…. They are made in china and dont give a single shit about tolerances and quality control. Same problem they have had from day one with the aluminum boxes. Im not even saying its fault of the shitty manufacturing plant over there, its because the fca will only pay for the lowest quality work. I dare someone to tell me Im wrong.
rant over

Yeah, I don't think my contact at the service desk knows what he is talking about and likes to BS. I'm sure they didn't replace any control module, but they probably reprogrammed it as per the TSB. But I am glad the steering now works as it should.

 

[Rainman519]

As a follow-up, I picked up the JT from the dealer for the slop (severe slop, that re-developed in the steering). I had the steering box replaced about a year ago, and the steering gradually got so bad (no death wobble, just 6-7 inch turns from center to get any type of steering response) that it was scary to drive. Anyway, after 2 days at the dealer, they did not replace the steering box for a 2nd time, but they tightened all steering components and claimed the main problem was that the "steering gear to pittman arm nut was loose". They tightened that and aligned the front end and I have to admit, it tracks like it was new. No re-flashing of anything, no new parts, just a loose nut. Anyway, I'm satisfied with the result and throwing this out there for education.

 

[Bama_Swampfox]

Wow, the tech that replaced the box sounds like part of the problem. Glad its fixed, mine was resolved with a new "gear" and no problems so far. Sorry, I can't resist.... sounds like we both had the classic "loose nut behind the wheel" syndrome....

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