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

[TexasTJ]

Box ordered on Dec. 28th, got the call today saying it arrived. Scheduled for next week, can't wait to feel the difference.

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[LERubi585]

Dealership ordered the steering gears yesterday for the TSB, said it would be at least a week. Got the call this morning that the parts were in already. Getting replaced Monday, excited to see if it makes a noticeable difference.

 

[Demetrius]

I had the steering TSB done two weeks ago. My Gladiator's steering went from decent to poor. I even checked to see if the power steering gear replacement was done. After I checked the TSB and the Invoice I discovered that the tech had installed the steering box for a JL (68507569AA) 14.2:1 ratio and not the one for the JT (68507576AA)13.3:1. On page two of the TSB this is stated,

"CAUTION! Verify that the steering gear part number is correct, as per the listed applications bellow. Installation of the incorrect steering gear will lead to undesired handling characteristics, and most likely not address the customer’s concern."

I called the service advisor who tried to tell me that it may be only a parts number change. I corrected him, gave him parts numbers and cited the caution note on page two of the TSB. He said he would get in touch with the parts department and he would have the service manager call me. I have a service appointment for next week but won't take my truck in to sit at the dealership while they order the right steering gear. I am pissed over this because someone was either incompetent or tried to pass off the wrong steering box because they didn't have the correct one. Either way, it's terrible service.

 

[Demetrius]

I had the steering TSB done two weeks ago. My Gladiator's steering went from decent to poor. I even checked to see if the power steering gear replacement was done. After I checked the TSB and the Invoice I discovered that the tech had installed the steering box for a JL (68507569AA) 14.2:1 ratio and not the one for the JT (68507576AA)13.3:1. On page two of the TSB this is stated,

"CAUTION! Verify that the steering gear part number is correct, as per the listed applications bellow. Installation of the incorrect steering gear will lead to undesired handling characteristics, and most likely not address the customer’s concern."

I called the service advisor who tried to tell me that it may be only a parts number change. I corrected him, gave him parts numbers and cited the caution note on page two of the TSB. He said he would get in touch with the parts department and he would have the service manager call me. I have a service appointment for next week but won't take my truck in to sit at the dealership while they order the right steering gear. I am pissed over this because someone was either incompetent or tried to pass off the wrong steering box because they didn't have the correct one. Either way, it's terrible service.

UPDATE.
Today, Friday 3/5/2021, the service manager and I had two detailed phone conversations on the work done. After reviewing the details in the TSB and the work invoice, the Service Manager agreed that the service tech had installed the wrong steering gear. He offered a free loaner car and asked if they could come to my house to pick up my JT for a proper TSB repair. He said I should have my truck back early next week. After the work is completed they will drop my vehicle off at my house. So far the dealer's service manager is making a sincere effort to straighten up the missteps of his service technician. I do appreciate his efforts. My fingers are crossed. I'll update after the latest repair is done.

 

[Canuck33]

I have had this nasty steering pull every since putting the MC 2.5 lift, Falcon Shocks, and 35s. It's had alignments, reviewed all the suspension components, and finally at a local shop yesterday the brought the caster back within spec, but it still has the crazy pull.

Called the local dealer and said they have to inspect & verify that I "qualify" for the TSB...not sure why they need to see it, they should be able to tell with the build date & VIN, but whatever. So now hopefully I get the okay to replace the TSB so I don't have to chase dealers to get this done. Hopefully it solves the issue, or sadly, I may have to get rid of the JT (love it, but bought it for overland trips/long distance....and it's not fun to drive with this issue).

Update to come Monday...and hopefully it's not several months for the parts!

 

[jenkij]

I just rented a 2021 Gladiator sport S for a week and that thing was fine to drive around town and up to 75mph on the interstate, I came home to my 2020 Gladiator sport S with less than 3,000 miles on it and what I thought was just normal steering from my past experience with wranglers. But it is horrible to steer in comparison. So if you're thinking yours is relatively normal, maybe it's not.

 

[Canuck33]

Went it today, they are doing the replacement and actually will have the parts and everything on Wednesday (two days vs. months!) so here's hoping the problem will be solved by Thursday! I'll let you know how it goes!

 

[18psi]

Mine is going in on Monday for the steering TSB. Narrow crowned roads are exhausting to drive trying to keep it centered in the lane. Feels like ~ 10 deg of slop at the steering wheel. My 73 CJ5 never wandered as much as this. Dealer said they need to look at it before ordering the parts.

 

[LERubi585]

Mine got done today. The process was very easy with my dealer, they didn’t even ask to check it out after I handed them the TSB. They ordered the parts which arrived in one day. I only had time to drive it home so max 45 mph, but there is already a significant improvement. I can actually drive with one hand without swaying back and forth between lines.

 

[tedb]

Just posting a quick update.

I took my Gladiator to the dealer on Friday. They confirmed that the "gear" needed to be replaced as the TSB stated and that it would take months for the part to come in. I was surprised when they called back yesterday stating that the parts were in and I could schedule the repair. Due to my schedule, it'll have to wait until Monday but it seems that maybe Jeep/FCA have their supply issued sorted out now?

I had the new box installed today. The steering is definitely tighter but not as tight as a BMW or a MINI, but I wasn't wanting that - after all it is a Jeep ?. I'm still very happy with the improved steering. Overall, it took about 5 hours from the time my appointment started until they called me to say it was ready.

 

[steffen707]

I have had this nasty steering pull every since putting the MC 2.5 lift, Falcon Shocks, and 35s. It's had alignments, reviewed all the suspension components, and finally at a local shop yesterday the brought the caster back within spec, but it still has the crazy pull.

Called the local dealer and said they have to inspect & verify that I "qualify" for the TSB...not sure why they need to see it, they should be able to tell with the build date & VIN, but whatever. So now hopefully I get the okay to replace the TSB so I don't have to chase dealers to get this done. Hopefully it solves the issue, or sadly, I may have to get rid of the JT (love it, but bought it for overland trips/long distance....and it's not fun to drive with this issue).

Update to come Monday...and hopefully it's not several months for the parts!

i'm really interested to hear if the box fixes your issue.

 

[Demetrius]

LATEST UPDATE
My truck was returned today with the correct TSB steering gear. It feels a tad better than when my truck had its original steering gear. The JT's handling and shifting is about what one might expect from a stock manual shift V6 4WD truck. I enjoy driving it and find the JT to be more handy around town than a full size pickup. FYI for those having this done. Make sure the service department installs the correct steering gear part for the JT, not one for a JL or JLU. The invoice will have the part number listed. The TSB has a "CAUTION" statement about this potential error on page 2 and lists part numbers for the various jeeps involved in the replacement. My dealership's service tech didn't pay attention to it the first time and installing a JL steering part made things much worse.

 

[T8T]

I have had this nasty steering pull every since putting the MC 2.5 lift, Falcon Shocks, and 35s. It's had alignments, reviewed all the suspension components, and finally at a local shop yesterday the brought the caster back within spec, but it still has the crazy pull.

Called the local dealer and said they have to inspect & verify that I "qualify" for the TSB...not sure why they need to see it, they should be able to tell with the build date & VIN, but whatever. So now hopefully I get the okay to replace the TSB so I don't have to chase dealers to get this done. Hopefully it solves the issue, or sadly, I may have to get rid of the JT (love it, but bought it for overland trips/long distance....and it's not fun to drive with this issue).

Update to come Monday...and hopefully it's not several months for the parts!

I still have a nasty pull to the right after the Clayton 2.5 Overland Plus Kit. I did have the steering gear replaced in October of 2020... Lift installed after the TSB. It's better but I noticed there is a "hiss" that is present when I turn the wheel. This can be heard inside the cab, it almost sounds as if its coming from the steering column.

any way hope you have great results on your TSB.

 

[kelkolb]

I still have a nasty pull to the right after the Clayton 2.5 Overland Plus Kit. I did have the steering gear replaced in October of 2020... Lift installed after the TSB. It's better but I noticed there is a "hiss" that is present when I turn the wheel. This can be heard inside the cab, it almost sounds as if its coming from the steering column.

any way hope you have great results on your TSB.

Did it get bled properly? What about alignment? It takes a knowledgeable tech doing the alignment on a straight axle vehicle with larger tires.

 

[WhatExit?]

Thanks to @JeepCares and the team at Courtesy Jeep Superstition Springs, my Gladiator had the Steering gear TSB done today.

Great job and I will say that I’m impressed with the results as my Jeep drives even better than before as it wanders less needing fewer steering wheel corrections.

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