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

[klejeune]

So, I called in yesterday about getting my sport s in for "slack in the steering" and told the dealer I purchased from about the TSB. Got the response of "its the 35" tires, take them off and it'll go away"

Called the other dealer in town and she said she has seen it multiple times but hadn't heard of the TSB, for me to bring in the papers and scheduled me in for Friday.

Went into work today and printed the TSB, drive to the dealer and showed it to them to make sure I wouldn't get a "its the tires" from them as well. She said no, it's just a poor design and took my papers to the tech. Came back and they have all the parts except the bolts. So appointment has been cancelled and the bolts have been ordered and itll be fixed next week.

Bottom line, I know exactly who I'll be bringing my business to next time I buy and for every service now.

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[Jaxmax]

The bolts are steel, it states in a confused manner that the aluminum frame bolts have to be replaced when replacing with the steel frame.
The change out is a steel steering box with new steel bolts replacing an aluminum steering box with used steel bolts, and program upgrade. My 2021 Mojave has not come in yet, but when it does I’ll be under it with a magnet to see if steering box is steel!.....Jack

 

[ShadowsPapa]

So, I called in yesterday about getting my sport s in for "slack in the steering" and told the dealer I purchased from about the TSB. Got the response of "its the 35" tires, take them off and it'll go away"

Called the other dealer in town and she said she has seen it multiple times but hadn't heard of the TSB, for me to bring in the papers and scheduled me in for Friday.

Went into work today and printed the TSB, drive to the dealer and showed it to them to make sure I wouldn't get a "its the tires" from them as well. She said no, it's just a poor design and took my papers to the tech. Came back and they have all the parts except the bolts. So appointment has been cancelled and the bolts have been ordered and itll be fixed next week.

Bottom line, I know exactly who I'll be bringing my business to next time I buy and for every service now.

As a person who sold and serviced tires in decades past, and have done hundreds of steering and suspension jobs as well as alignments, I'd love to hear them explain how bigger tires cause slop in the steering or for it to be non-responsive. It can impact toe, but not SLOP in the steering. Bigger tires simply take more force to change their direction - that's it. And - DEALERS install 35's and BIGGER on brand new just off the truck Jeeps! So are dealers installing MOPAR accessories and tires knowing they can have a negative impact on handling?
The dealer in Ankeny, Iowa - has NEW, lifted JTs on the lot with tires that are at least 35's. I guess they are hoping for customer complaints.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

The bolts are steel, it states in a confused manner that the aluminum frame bolts have to be replaced when replacing with the steel frame.
The change out is a steel steering box with new steel bolts replacing an aluminum steering box with used steel bolts, and program upgrade. My 2021 Mojave has not come in yet, but when it does I’ll be under it with a magnet to see if steering box is steel!.....Jack

Good clarification.

 

[basicGlad]

I don't get how there's such denial and stupidity across the board with all these service departments. What really bugs me is the lack of customer care//service, shown by not acknowledging customer concern & knowledge.


....some customers are actual mechanics.

 

[klejeune]

As a person who sold and serviced tires in decades past, and have done hundreds of steering and suspension jobs as well as alignments, I'd love to hear them explain how bigger tires cause slop in the steering or for it to be non-responsive. It can impact toe, but not SLOP in the steering. Bigger tires simply take more force to change their direction - that's it. And - DEALERS install 35's and BIGGER on brand new just off the truck Jeeps! So are dealers installing MOPAR accessories and tires knowing they can have a negative impact on handling?
The dealer in Ankeny, Iowa - has NEW, lifted JTs on the lot with tires that are at least 35's. I guess they are hoping for customer complaints.

It honestly took everything in me to keep my cool. My dad bought from them a few years ago and they have since "revamped" their service dept after getting such bad reviews. I was on the phone for all of 5 minutes and was just dismissed. So much for that revamp on service.
My truck has 950 miles on it and has had the slack steering since I drove it off the lot, I havent even put a leveling kit yet because I figured they would give me problems just due to my tires. This is clearly not a tire problem when I have a piece of paper saying otherwise and a list of replacement parts.
Now the dealer that is fixing it does in fact sell brand new lifted/bigger tires in jeep/dodge/ram so for her to not even question me makes me wish I had bought from them.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I don't get how there's such denial and stupidity across the board with all these service departments. What really bugs me is the lack of customer care//service, shown by not acknowledging customer concern & knowledge.


....some customers are actual mechanics.

Got that right. I don't have the modern technology in my shop, but there's little I can't do.
It really sucks when you go into a dealership and know more about their vehicles than they do.

 

[steve68]

So, I called in yesterday about getting my sport s in for "slack in the steering" and told the dealer I purchased from about the TSB. Got the response of "its the 35" tires, take them off and it'll go away"

Called the other dealer in town and she said she has seen it multiple times but hadn't heard of the TSB, for me to bring in the papers and scheduled me in for Friday.

Went into work today and printed the TSB, drive to the dealer and showed it to them to make sure I wouldn't get a "its the tires" from them as well. She said no, it's just a poor design and took my papers to the tech. Came back and they have all the parts except the bolts. So appointment has been cancelled and the bolts have been ordered and itll be fixed next week.

Bottom line, I know exactly who I'll be bringing my business to next time I buy and for every service now.

I'd take the TSB and the receipt to the other dealer and jam it in there face! thats being nice!

Thats what I liked about my service manager he didnt doubt me and wanted to resolve my problem, even told me to bring it back and take the tech for a drive, but the TSB beat me to the punch, my complaint is there back road 4 mile loop they have to drive on, but were also in Flori-duh and Orlando at that, land of my cell phone entitlement, nothing means more, so sad

 

[klejeune]

I'd take the TSB and the receipt to the other dealer and jam it in there face! thats being nice!

Of course! Gotta get it fixed first but that will be my first stop.

 

[basicGlad]

Of course! Gotta get it fixed first but that will be my first stop.

I wouldn't recommend it, not a battle I would pick or choose. Just be positive with the dealer & service dept that did good work and did help you out.

Honestly I would say doing that would feel like winning, but wouldn't be worth your time

 

[skubyact]

I got my Gladiator 2 months ago. There does seem to be a pull to the right. Are they sending out recall letters or are we supposed to go to the dealership and let them know?

 

[TrainMan]

I got my Gladiator 2 months ago. There does seem to be a pull to the right. Are they sending out recall letters or are we supposed to go to the dealership and let them know?

No because it's not a recall. The dealer should be aware.

Customer "Hey my steering has been all over the place, and has a lot of play."

Dealer "Hmm...well looks like there's a service bulletin for that. We'll fix that for you!"

In reality you'll want to print out the documents and take them to your service manager and be prepared to argue about it.

 

[Bacon]

The bolts are steel, it states in a confused manner that the aluminum frame bolts have to be replaced when replacing with the steel frame.
The change out is a steel steering box with new steel bolts replacing an aluminum steering box with used steel bolts, and program upgrade. My 2021 Mojave has not come in yet, but when it does I’ll be under it with a magnet to see if steering box is steel!.....Jack

After reading your post, I got under my Rubicon with a magnet (build date sept 2019) and found that the steering box is most certainly aluminum. I wouldn't say there's slop in the steering, but it definitely follows the crown of the road more than and vehicle I've driven before and I've had two JKs before this. I'm going make an appointment in a few weeks to get the TSB addressed.

 

[No IFS]

Magnet not needed
Silver = aluminum (old)
Black = Steel (new)

 

[Tripy]

Take in the TSB and highlight the part that states "if the customer is experiencing any of the following conditions do the repairs". It's not up to them to decide.

I called the service manager and he agreed the TSB mods should be done and has ordered the parts for me. He said he will call me when the parts come in and will set up an appointment to do the work.

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