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

[Tapped_Out]

Well to add on to my post from yesterday my timeline

Made an appointment last week to get in line since everyone here is waiting

Took it in Wednesday they kept it for 2 hours and told me they had the steering box but not the bolts they would have them tomorrow

Took it back in today they had to wait for UPS to deliver the bolts had the JT for 4 hours and its all done.

Correct Part Yep

No issues with Power steering fluid Yep

No mess Yep

All done in 2 days no month's or weeks waiting Yep

That's because it says his majesty on the hood: Mojave.

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[Jbs]

Might not want to hear this, but my 2021 with the black steering box is having these issues. Driving down the road at 50-60 MPH and there is at least 2" of dead play in the steering wheel before getting feedback from the wheels. And I can feel the front end wandering. Holding the steering wheel still the truck will just start veering off to the left or right.

This is not cool. Taking it in next week.

My 2021 JTR same thing. Took it to dealer yesterday he says TSB is only for 2020 but he is opening a star case on Monday. Hopefully this will get fixed.

 

[HWKIGRL]

That’s

Thats just it, the dealership didn’t refuse to do the TSB, they said they’d do it. But, they said, it’ll take longer than the 1.9 hours specified because of the aftermarket lift and tires. So they thought they should charge for the additional time it took. Of course when I ask for specific details as to why they thought it was $480 worth of extra time, they had no answers. The service manager then told me they didn’t have to do the work at all as “my lift and tires voids all my warranties“

That just doesn’t make sense! They don’t need to remove suspension and wheels/tires, to access and replace the steering box (gear)! Ridiculous that they believe lift and tires void warranty! Jeeps are made to be modified!

 

[DaveL]

Jeep owners modify Jeeps HWKIGRL your G.O. is modified with a lift. Did the dealer do it?

Jeep dealers modify Jeeps before they are sold. Lift kits. Tires and wheels.


There should be no reason to refuse to install the new steering gear based upon the first TSB issued.

But I don't understand throwing parts at a problem to solve it.

I see such a variance in reaction to Jeep steering. Wrangler; Gladiator. I've talked to just about every JL owner I've seen, about Jeep steering. Many have said they were worried.

A thought: We complained a year ago. our dealer took out our brand new Jeep to validate whether we had problems, they should have picked a decent test route. In stead they have a quick test route with extremely smooth roads. And they travel slowly. A guess: they picked it to minimize insurance claims. Reduce risk of accidents. That was the first time I heard "It's a Jeep thing". and other excuses.

How do we know? When we took it back to them after we found the TSB here we had a dash cam in and running when they took out the Jeep to see whether it needed the new steering gear from the TSB. 6 minute drive. 40-60 kmh! And they turned us down.

I am SO Grateful that our steering box was changed by Jeep. But it took a lot of work to get it done.

 

[JeepCares]

UPDATE: Welp, I still have it, the notchy feel that is. As an added bonus I also can hear it under most conditions while driving, sounds like hydraulics under a load. I can duplicate notch feel while stationary by slowly turning the wheel. And the hydraulic sound and be duplicated by slowly turning the wheel until you hear it (not at full lock) and then if you just hold it there the noise is constant. It's this constant hydraulic sound/noise I hear going down the road even at highway speeds, annoying. At this point the only thing that makes sense to me is the gear is too tight and binding. The constant hydraulic noise/droning my also be due to binding in that the binding prevents the steering from going back to neutral with balanced fluid pressure. So I went from steering wander to this. I'd take the wander over this any day of the week and I'd have them put my old steering gear back in if that was an option...officially pissed. Taking it in Tuesday to start the fix-it fight.

Jeepcares please send my old steering gear back for reinstallation.

Do you currently have a case open with Jeep Customer Care regarding this? If not, please send us a private message so that we can have one escalated to a Jeep Wave Specialist on your behalf.

Might not want to hear this, but my 2021 with the black steering box is having these issues. Driving down the road at 50-60 MPH and there is at least 2" of dead play in the steering wheel before getting feedback from the wheels. And I can feel the front end wandering. Holding the steering wheel still the truck will just start veering off to the left or right.

This is not cool. Taking it in next week.

We're sorry to hear this! Please send our team a message with your VIN, mileage, and dealer at your earliest convenience.

Darlene
Jeep Cares

 

[Papa Smurf]

What is everyone's take on this steering issue for the 2021's made the second half of 2020? I'm supposed to be getting mine soon and I'm very concerned about this steering issue having driven a 2020 with lots of play.

 

[ZTMAN]

A neighbor of mine was shopping for a 2020 JLUR. He was not up to speed on Jeeps so I mentioned the TSB . He drove a 2020 and bought a 2021. Said steering in the 2021 was a lot tighter.

 

[Mike the mechanic]

At this time the bulletin only covers up to 2020. I would look and see if the one you are getting has an aluminum or steel steering box.

 

[danielspivey]

EXACTLY my point! BE HONEST.
That's how I operate with customers - some customers of one shop I worked at appreciated my honesty and efforts so much that they came in requesting ME be the one work on their vehicles - and the shop owner had to oblige. They knew I'd stick with something, or not try to BS them. It's right or I'll let them know why and what could be done about it.
Pissed off the service manager as I was taking his elite customers LOL, he treated me like crap for a while after - but I was always up front, honest. Customers prefer that over shrugging it off as "you don't have a problem, it's a Jeep thing".

You nailed exactly how I'd handle it.
Lawsuits come from customers who have been lied to or BSd or treated poorly. Seldom do they come from customers you treat right and are always up front, even if it's an answer they won't like at all.

That’s the issue with Jeep and some sketch dealers, they aren’t honest about some things and don’t give proper expectations.

People don’t sue people they like or those who have been good to them (well at least a high percentage of the time).

 

[ShikGluon]

So I've been driving the past week or so with the fixed steering box. It amazes me every time I drive!!

On the highway... I no longer feel like a drunk driver, the truck no longer swerves like crazy when changing lanes, and I don't have to death grip the steering wheel. Overall it's just amazing! Wish it was like this from the beginning, but glad it is finally fixed.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

So I've been driving the past week or so with the fixed steering box. It amazes me every time I drive!!

On the highway... I no longer feel like a drunk driver, the truck no longer swerves like crazy when changing lanes, and I don't have to death grip the steering wheel. Overall it's just amazing! Wish it was like this from the beginning, but glad it is finally fixed.

So those gluons are finally working with the strong force and holding things together for you!

 

[Willys2Gladiator]

I too am very pleased with the results. I have to admit I was very hesitant to have it done with the issues I've read some had afterward on some. Dead spots, steering wheel not straight, wrong box or fluid level incorrect.
I have had none of these issues and love how it steers now. Glad I didn't wait.
Yes it took 50 days from dealer check to parts arrival but we'll worth the wait!!!!!
Agree that we shouldn't have even had to have it corrected but glad they stepped up and did so.
Just hope FCA gets wind on how many loyal customers are treating from the dealership after a purchase.
Seems like an area that can be improved on and maybe even somthing Jeep can set them selves apart from the rest. Have actually customer service everywhere once purchase is made. Oh and before!!!

 

[Backwoodsraider]

So...my story. Got approved for the fix ~3 weeks ago. Got the steering box replaced on Tuesday. Drove it home and seemed much tighter and drove better. Was overall pretty pleased. Then yesterday afternoon, I was reading this thread and around pg 75 it started talking about some folks getting the wrong parts. So...of course I went and checked...and of course, I had the wrong part. They put the Wrangler 4-door part on my truck.

I immediately went back to my dealer - ready for battle. Spoke with the Service Manager and explained my concern. He listened politely and said he'd check into it and let me know what they'll do by noon the next day. Cool but still guarded.

I headed home and within 15 min, got a call from my service writer. She was very sorry for the mistake and when could I bring it back in for the correct part? Awesome! Took it in this morning, picked it up this afternoon and it's Good-to-Go! The improvement is truly everything that's been said. If you're on the fence about pursuing, I highly recommend the fix.

Morale of the story: Mistakes happen - what matters is how it's handled afterward. My dealer could have fought me all the way and made it painful and difficult. They did not! They admitted the error and made it right as soon as possible! This is the response that engenders loyalty and a desire to give them future business.

Very sorry to hear about you guys that are getting the run-around. Most of the reasons I've read for denial don't make much sense. If you're getting the hand, find a dealer that wants your business and is willing to earn it. They're out there...just might make you drive a bit. This fix is worth it...good luck...

And if you're in Colorado Springs and need a great dealer - try the Faricy Boys Jeep!

Nice. Nice to know people are going in after me and getting theirs done, while im still waiting. at faricy

 

[JeepCares]

JEEP CARES. Are you taking note on how most get treated at the dealer service departments? Can you be are voice up to FCA? Maybe corporate can take note and send some guidance or training to all the dealers in customer service.

Then after both visits to dealership (one to purchase and then this sevice - both different dealership) I was handed a letter instating how important it was that I give all 10 scores. What the heck. Abviously they don't care for honest feedback just a high mark so they keep status.

Can this be elevated or is that just another wast of time.

Love Jeeps and have for my entire life but highly frustrated with every day after a purchase when having to deal with the dealership.

Hi Mike,
We do take all the information gathered from our monitoring of this forum, as well as the information collected from our other customer care teams, and pass it along to the appropriate parties for review.

My 2021 JTR same thing. Took it to dealer yesterday he says TSB is only for 2020 but he is opening a star case on Monday. Hopefully this will get fixed.

We're sorry to hear about this. As your dealer stated, this TSB does only apply to the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. If you need any additional assistance while working with your dealer, please feel free to send our team a private message.
Alex
Jeep Cares

 

[husker_fan]

I have an appointment for the P0300 CEL on Friday and told them about the tsb, he said I just needed a software update. I told h about the new steering box, but the said mine only needed the software.

Has anyone ran into this? Or only done the software and had success?

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