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

[ShadowsPapa]

Ok so my 2021 Mojave is stock other than 315/70/17 & some Method 17x8.5 with zero offset wheels. I took it to a local dealership, not the one I ordered it from though. They said that yeah it wonders some, but there is nothing they can do about it. I don’t think they put it on an alignment machine because this was done in a little over an hour and that was with an oil change. They just basically said live with it and said that nothing can be done it it and gave me this?

There is nothing to align on these. They can't align them - all they can do, the only thing they can do is set toe and center the steering wheel.
They cannot set camber - that's because things are welded assemblies. All they could do is buy and install special ball joints for the front camber. Rear can't be changed.
They cannot set caster - to change caster control arms have to be replaced. Caster is also set at the factory.
So doing an alignment and changing caster or camber requires changing parts.

Show them the TSB I just posted - print it and tell them they are instructed by Jeep to replace the steering gear if customer complains of wander or loose steering. It's that simple, it really is.

Hand them the TSB with this section highlighted and tell them they have little choice. They aren't to drive it and render an opinion, they aren't to say "it's a Jeep thing" or "it's just how they are", IF THE CUSTOMER COMPLAINS, FIX IT!


SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
The customer may describe one or more of the following:
• Steering wander.
• Vehicle has a lead/pull to the right or left.
NOTE: The lead/pull will be more noticeable in hot ambient temperatures.
• Steering feels like it has excessive play.
NOTE: This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) repair will NOT correct a sustained steering
shake, shimmy or vibration. Video aid has been developed for this issue. Refer to the
detailed service procedures available in DealerConnect> Service Library under:
Service Info> 19 - Steering / Linkage / Damper, Steering /Removal and Installation.
DIAGNOSIS:
Using a Scan Tool (wiTECH) with the appropriate Diagnostic Procedures available in
DealerCONNECT/Service Library, verify all related systems are functioning as designed. If
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) or symptom conditions, other than the ones listed above are
present, record the issues on the repair order and repair as necessary before proceeding further
with this bulletin.
If the customer describes the symptom/condition listed above, perform the Repair Procedure.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

If the customer describes the symptom/condition listed above, PERFORM THE REPAIR PROCEDURE.
They have little choice.
The above is directly out of the TSB which comes from Jeep and doesn't seem to leave them a choice.

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[SkyKing]

Yes, it is.

"In the old days" instructions were to apply locker (such as a LocTite product) and stake the thread at the bottom edge of the nut after installing and torqueing the nut.

IMO, dealers would have, or should have known that - especially if they did as the TSBs often say "refer to procedure xxxx..........." but then if they hurry and don't want to eat the cost of the nut....



Ah, I misinterpreted that. Got it. Yeah, there are dealerships like that for sure.
Sometimes the sale is good the shop is crap, sometimes the sales people are jerks and the shop is pretty good, sometimes both are crap, sometimes both are good - the latter appears to be rare.

I’m also working with a Jeep representative on my issue thanks to Jeep Cares.
I’ll just remind everyone what I’ve experienced.
1) Dropped it off with a list of items to look at. The “Service Advisor” had an excuse for everything, a few times I didn’t even get a chance to finish the explanation.
2) Agreed to replace gearbox, both batteries because Start Stop system failed, and replace leaking rear window.
3) Picked up Jeep, steering loose. Didn’t tighten back steering shaft bolts.
4) Scratched the top of both fenders. Also scratched hood where they folded it back against windshield frame without a pad
5) Won’t take calls from me now or return phone calls. I guess I’m going to another dealer.
I told the Jeep rep this is a tarnish on the brand in general. These are inferior parts and it’s an example of why we need to get back to basics and manufacture in USA.
I just installed several TeraFlex parts and they’re quality. That’s the way it should be.
Now you see why I call it a clown show and the more I think about it, Jeep is in the middle ring with inferior parts on our expensive vehicles. What happened to customer service and quality control??? Maybe it’s just another symptom of the pandemic… ??

 

[ShadowsPapa]

It's just scary the number of times I've read just in these forums about bolts and nuts not being tightened or torqued properly. That's just plain dangerous - besides irresponsible.
Easy to track these parts - input (shaft coupler/bolt), output (pinion nut), attachment (gear to frame bolts), hoses.
There's not that many parts.

It's so easy to toss a fender cover up on the windshield as the hood goes back. No excuse for that part to be scratched.

 

[YPCUB]

Thanks to all for the info from this. I know this is a dead post revival but I thought I would share. I am in Canada so different then most dealing with a TSB.

Went to my local dealer and explained i have a 2020 gladiator i bought used. It was however purchased new by PO at that dealer. Talked to the Service Manager about the TSB and he seemed good on the phone. I get there and first thing he says is "that clearly is modified vehicle and if we find the steering issue is because of your lift you will be charged a diagnostic fee." I tried not to get into it with him and instead went into my usual negations firm and polite. I said (all of this is true btw) I bought it with larger tires and called that dealer when I bought it to confirm tires shouldn't affect warranty. I also had videos of the steering box flexing which I showed him. He said he needs to have a tech look at it. I said, if I have video of a part bending, how can you charge me a diagnostic fee on a 2 year old vehicle. I told him look I'm new to the dealership and I want to work with you guys. I want to be upfront and honest. I have the TSB number and am aware of the issue but you need to do what works for you. Also, while I'm here I'll take an oil change to give some business and I want to work together on this. He changed his tune pretty quick and they took it in. Calls me back 2 hours later they will do the TSB for me and he said he needed to find out if the lift was a Mopar so he could add to my VIN. I told him look you wanted honesty so no its not. He said I'm going to pretend you didn't say that and I'm fine working in the grey area as long as everyone is fair.

 

[DaveL]

Kevin I'm in Canada too.

Wrangler was finally fixed after I went to @JeepCares and they referred me to FCA Jeep Canada Customer Care

that was a while ago....

It's a different country. Policies and procedures in Canada are different than in the US.

The selling dealer was useless. I made an appointment for service and took the original TSB in. It was highlighted showing the handling problem I had experienced from day 1, and reported to the dealer.

That was just after the first steering/handling TSB was released.

FCA Jeep Canada Customer Care rep referred me to another dealer and contacted them.

I got to make an appointment for assessment with the new dealer. I found out that the customer care rep had contacted the dealer they recommended.

After the tech examined it, I contacted the rep at Customer Care again. He contacted the Service Manager. In Canada the Service Manager has to report to FCA Jeep that the TSB needs to be done. I was told that several times by Customer Care. (I read the TSB to them each time.) Parts were ordered, and expedited.

I'm very happy that the steering gear was replaced. I'm very happy with @JeepCares help and for the excellent work done by FCA Jeep Canada Customer Care. Handling is wonderful.

If you would like more information, please PM me.

 

[DaveL]

It's just scary the number of times I've read just in these forums about bolts and nuts not being tightened or torqued properly. That's just plain dangerous - besides irresponsible.
Easy to track these parts - input (shaft coupler/bolt), output (pinion nut), attachment (gear to frame bolts), hoses.
There's not that many parts.

It's so easy to toss a fender cover up on the windshield as the hood goes back. No excuse for that part to be scratched.

I agree. And it happens on brand new Jeeps, and on Jeeps where the steering gear has been replaced. I've read all these posts since the first TSB was written for steering problems.

 

[SkyKing]

Took mine to the local Jeep clown show… they changed the box… little di

 

[SkyKing]

Took my Jeep to the local Jeep Clown Show service center. Replaced the gearbox along with other warranty work. When I say clown show that’s being polite. Nothing but mistakes.
Even with the new “updated” gearbox I still don’t think it drives right.
My gut tells me it’s that electronic steering system that isn’t right. Some times/speeds it’s rock solid and others… look out here I come!
Jeep should be ashamed of Bentonville Arkansas local Jeep dealer…

 

[boltnut]

Took my Jeep to the local Jeep Clown Show service center. Replaced the gearbox along with other warranty work. When I say clown show that’s being polite. Nothing but mistakes.
Even with the new “updated” gearbox I still don’t think it drives right.
My gut tells me it’s that electronic steering system that isn’t right. Some times/speeds it’s rock solid and others… look out here I come!
Jeep should be ashamed of Bentonville Arkansas local Jeep dealer…

Same here. Had the TSB done which made no difference. Take it back and they say they drove it and there's nothing wrong with it. Problem is my mileage didn't change. How dumb do they think I am? They tell me to bring it back after I after point out that the mileage was only 4.5 miles (the distance home) more than the intake mileage that is on the paperwork. This time they tell me they had 4 people drive it and nothing is wrong with it. Odometer went up about 2.5 miles. They also scheduled maintenance while they had it and replaced wipers. Wiper blade slid out of arm the first time I used it and they filled my washer fliud tank with water. Clown show is right! The next closest dealership is no better. I'm so close to trading it in just so I don't have to deal with these stooges anymore.

 

[SkyKing]

Fool me once… shame on you… fool me twice… shame on me!!
Professionalism in this country is lost. Jeep needs to hold these dealerships accountable or impose fines or other actions that hit their bottom line.
Once the warranty runs out I’m considering the modification that goes back to a engine driven hydraulic system and get ride if the Mickey Mouse electric pump system.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Took my Jeep to the local Jeep Clown Show service center. Replaced the gearbox along with other warranty work. When I say clown show that’s being polite. Nothing but mistakes.
Even with the new “updated” gearbox I still don’t think it drives right.
My gut tells me it’s that electronic steering system that isn’t right. Some times/speeds it’s rock solid and others… look out here I come!
Jeep should be ashamed of Bentonville Arkansas local Jeep dealer…

It's not electronic steering. It's standard steering gear with power steering, 100% mechanical EXCEPT the power steering pump is electric. That's why it's called EHPS, electro-hydraulic power steering. The gear is very much like others, if you lose power steering it still can be guided although it does take a lot of muscle.
This isn't steer by wire or electronic steering.
The pump is really nothing to do with it other than supplying hydraulic pressure. Going to an engine driven pump won't matter.

 

[5chema]

Thanks to all for the info from this. I know this is a dead post revival but I thought I would share. I am in Canada so different then most dealing with a TSB.

I’m also in Canada. Did it with my original dealership and it was an easy and successful process.

Bought my 2020 Jeep Gladiator in 2019. I talked about the TSB to my dealership at the end of 2020. Brought the 2021 update (08-003-21) at my next appointment.

They took the time to check for all the details to get the right parts (not the 2 door nor the 4 door JL ratios boxes) and even ordered a new damper to renew everything and performed a wheel alignment.

The only delay is that we had to wait several weeks before the parts became available. But when everything was received, I got my appointment and it was done rapidly.

For me, the new steering box makes a real difference. Now my JT is as driveable as our previous JK. It doesn’t stick to the road as my spouse Challenger, but it doesn’t zigzag anymore from one side to the other of the lane.

 

[DaveL]

It's not electronic steering. It's standard steering gear with power steering, 100% mechanical EXCEPT the power steering pump is electric. That's why it's called EHPS, electro-hydraulic power steering. The gear is very much like others, if you lose power steering it still can be guided although it does take a lot of muscle.
This isn't steer by wire or electronic steering.
The pump is really nothing to do with it other than supplying hydraulic pressure. Going to an engine driven pump won't matter.

I *think* that they need to look for signs.
* Black steering box? (silver one was replaced)
* Tires inflated properly (in case they are overinflated)

More important,
* Power steering reservoir full to the line?

What bothers me is that the flash upgrade may not have been done.

Each TSB has allowed additional work.

Finally, my experience at the first awful selling dealer.

They test drove it. 6 minutes. Speed was about 45 km / hr. Not highway speed. That didn't show that dealer anything. So I found help and searched out a good dealer.

Hope this helps.

ps. Not the tech's fault. He drove where he was told.

 

[SkyKing]

It's not electronic steering. It's standard steering gear with power steering, 100% mechanical EXCEPT the power steering pump is electric. That's why it's called EHPS, electro-hydraulic power steering. The gear is very much like others, if you lose power steering it still can be guided although it does take a lot of muscle.
This isn't steer by wire or electronic steering.
The pump is really nothing to do with it other than supplying hydraulic pressure. Going to an engine driven pump won't matter.

it’s my understanding there is a software/firmware update for steering. If that is true then there must be a computer that impacts/controls The electric/hydraulic steering system . Just saying…

 

[tysongladiator]

There is another NEW TSB for the steering gear issue.
This one has been changed to include NEW PITMAN NUT.
If you had your steering gear done prior to this latest TSB, I suggest the dealer owes you a new pitman nut or at least to check your current pitman nut for proper torque.

Several people have found they re-used the old nut and it was found to be loose later.
This TSB is in response to that as dealers were apparently not following protocol. This one spells it out.

From what I can tell it's the only change - new pitman nut is now part of the lit of parts needed.

Yes! You are correct! But if they are replacing the nut and not using proper torque procedures, any JL/JT owner will still have the same issue. In fact, they can still utilize the same nut if they follow procedure.

I posted a video on my youtube channel about 8 months ago about the pitman arm nut. You have to apply loctite and It has to be torqued to 184 ft/lbs. If you order a new pitman arm nut, it actually comes with loctite pre-applied.

Youtube video:

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