Steering issue?

[Aljeeper]

My buddy complained to me of the wandering in his 19 Rubicon JL and I recommended he try the Fox Racing Shox, factory race series 2.0 ATS steering stabilizer. He pulled his old one off and could open and close it with very little pressure. He bolted the new one on and his wandering is significantly better. I'm taking him on a test drive in the JT with me to get his opinion on the wandering at highway speeds for comparision with the JL and how much I may be able to cut down on the wandering

From my understanding, steering stabilizers are simply the duct tape on a leaky pipe fix.

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[tweak89]

To the OP, my JT also has similar play. It also does like to wander a bit. Now, I did check and adjust my tire pressure (left the dealer with all 4 tires around 42psi) and that did help a little. It's been hard to get a real feel for it since that last week it has been pretty windy each day, so that doesn't help any. I'll likely have the alignment checked this weekend.

 

[JeepCares]

To the OP, my JT also has similar play. It also does like to wander a bit. Now, I did check and adjust my tire pressure (left the dealer with all 4 tires around 42psi) and that did help a little. It's been hard to get a real feel for it since that last week it has been pretty windy each day, so that doesn't help any. I'll likely have the alignment checked this weekend.

Hi Leroy,
If you would like any additional assistance while working with your dealer to have this looked into further, please feel free to send our team a private message. We would be happy to have this documented as well as get you connected with a case specialist!
Alex
Jeep Social Care Specialist

 

[scbass]

Hi Everyone,

I love the Gladiator, but really think something is wrong with the steering, or maybe it’s just my steering....

JeepCares saw my post, and someone called me. I’ve been to two different dealers, and both said that’s a common complaint with the JL and it is what it is ....

Below is a link to a video of the amount of Play I have in my wheel on a highway. Backroads are fine....



If it is what it is, that’s fine.... I’ll live with it. Do you guys have a ton of play in the wheel? I constantly and “steering” on a highway.

Yep,
Mine has the same amount of play. I wish it was better.

 

[Bugmannn]

If I could add only from how mine feels. its just like there is just not enough Caster in it. Electric steering does have that numb feeling. I might throw it on my alignment rack at my shop just to see where it measures up. Todays vehicles are VERY Software,Device dependent. I have performed many "Re-Flash" procedures on all makes of vehicles and had it remedy all types of repairs and faults/complaints. Just sayin

 

[DunnMan]

Hey guys, first time poster here. I am in the process of buying a new vehicle and top of my list was the Gladiator Rubicon. I took one for a test drive yesterday and was blown away by how bad the steering was. The first corner I took I noticed the wheel did not return to center. The steering in general was in a word...terrible. Honestly, it was enough that I walked away from the dealer when my intent had been to buy the truck...I loved everything else about it.

Anyway, last night I spent hours looking online and seems to me there are a tonne of people who have similar steering issues, some worse than others. There seems to be two camps on this one....A) people saying that 'you just don't know what it's like to drive a solid front axle truck', and B) there is something seriously wrong with the steering. I can tell you, at 47 yrs old I have driven a lot of vehicles including old Broncos and a CJ7. The steering in this Gladiator made those things feel like a Ferrari.

Anyhow, I am going to return to the dealer and test drive a 2nd Gladiator and see if it feels the same, or maybe the first one has an issue with it. I will let you know what I find.

 

[lrtexasman]

Hey guys, first time poster here. I am in the process of buying a new vehicle and top of my list was the Gladiator Rubicon. I took one for a test drive yesterday and was blown away by how bad the steering was. The first corner I took I noticed the wheel did not return to center. The steering in general was in a word...terrible. Honestly, it was enough that I walked away from the dealer when my intent had been to buy the truck...I loved everything else about it.

Anyway, last night I spent hours looking online and seems to me there are a tonne of people who have similar steering issues, some worse than others. There seems to be two camps on this one....A) people saying that 'you just don't know what it's like to drive a solid front axle truck', and B) there is something seriously wrong with the steering. I can tell you, at 47 yrs old I have driven a lot of vehicles including old Broncos and a CJ7. The steering in this Gladiator made those things feel like a Ferrari.

Anyhow, I am going to return to the dealer and test drive a 2nd Gladiator and see if it feels the same, or maybe the first one has an issue with it. I will let you know what I find.

The steering issue can come later as well. I am of the opinion if have a dead center between 11 and 2 is going to bother you then don't get a solid front axle vehicle. Not being snappy, just saying that may be an unavoidable part of ownership and if it is not acceptable check some other vehicles out as well.

 

[DreamedofaJeepSomeday]

I am going to return to the dealer and test drive a 2nd Gladiator and see if it feels the same, or maybe the first one has an issue with it. I will let you know what I find.

My experience is very limited, as I do not have my Gladiator yet. I did test drive one, and the steering was fine on that one.

However, judging from many posts on this forum, It would appear that 1) It is a real issue, and 2) it is a problem with some Gladiators, not all. Perhaps only a small fraction, but who knows the real number?

 

[DunnMan]

So, I went back to the dealer yesterday and test drove another In the Rubicon trim. Driving down the highway it didn't track straight... kept wandering to the left and to the right. It drove me nuts....

So what did I do? I bought one lol. The colour I wanted is Stingray and I have to wait 10 days. I guess I'll see how mine drives, that will be the 3rd one I've driven. There's so much I love about this truck I just said hell with it I'm buying it.

 

[DreamedofaJeepSomeday]

The steering issue can come later as well. I am of the opinion if have a dead center between 11 and 2 is going to bother you then don't get a solid front axle vehicle. Not being snappy, just saying that may be an unavoidable part of ownership and if it is not acceptable check some other vehicles out as well.

Can someone explain why a solid axle would inherently have looser steering than independent? I mean, independent obviously allows better control of the path the wheel takes as suspension moves up and down, but the complaints I hear are usually about tracking on level road, straight line travel. Would not loose steering in this case be a function of the steering gearbox, not the type of suspension?

 

[lrtexasman]

Opinions vary on which is best. I think the answer is which off road task do you want your vehicle to accomplish (climbing vrs desert running) and go from there. Those JTs with steering issues don’t seem to Have a single common issue and I’m not blaming SFA. Just saying the current competitors with IFS are having less steering/tracking issues. The JT and Wrangler have SFA to increase articulation for off-road purposes. The wheel has a little more play when hitting rock obstructions. The article below is dated but provides a layman’s perspective.

Four Wheeler StaffPhotographer, Writer
Jun 20, 2013
The independent front suspension (IFS) is on a tear. It wasn’t that long ago (2001) that the entire Jeep vehicle line (Wrangler TJ, Cherokee XJ, and Grand Cherokee WJ) sported a solid front axle. Now, 12 years later, only one Jeep (Wrangler JK) has a solid front axle. IFS is also found under all new ½-ton and compact pickup trucks, all SUVs (excluding the Wrangler), and one-third of ¾- and 1-ton pickups sold in the U.S. Further, IFS is used on some desert racing trucks as well as Tough Trucks, King of the Hammers machines, and military vehicles. Does this trend mean that IFS is superior? Editor Cappa gives the nod to IFS, while Senior Editor Brubaker supports the solid axle.

SEE ALL 3 PHOTOS
Ford F-150 SVT Raptor IFS
IFS Will Out-Handle Any Solid Axle Suspension
I’ll admit, a solid front axle is anvil-simple compared to independent front suspension (IFS) and it can be more durable in the right environments, but the fact is that most of us don’t spend the majority of our time driving in those particular environments. Why punish yourself with rough-riding, antiquated solid-axle technology that you only need for a minuscule part of your drive time? If you want ride comfort and predictable handling at any speed on- and off-road, you simply cannot beat IFS with any amount of aftermarket wizardry thrown at a solid-axle front suspension. In my early years I remember being literally embarrassed off-road when a basic IFS (and IRS) VW Baja Bug would absolutely smoke any of the solid-axle trucks I owned over desert two track. Let’s look at the facts; the fastest, best-handling on- and off-road race vehicles have IFS suspensions. But you don’t have to be a racer to appreciate the attributes of IFS. IFS is simply more civilized than a solid-axle suspension. Because the left and right wheels are not directly connected via a solid beam, there will be less head toss in the cab over rough terrain. The tires and wheels are free to move independently when they encounter obstacles. You’ll even see more ground clearance on an IFS 4x4 than on a comparable solid-axle 4x4. It’s true that a solid axle can typically provide more articulation on an RTI ramp, but that’s only one measurement that has very little to do with overall trail performance. If you want to go off-road at any kind of speed over 5 mph, then an IFS is by far the way to go. If you plan to spend your entire life crawling at a snail’s pace over extreme rocky trails, plowing snow, drag racing, or truck pulling, then a solid axle may be for you. The rest of us will enjoy the benefits of the precision handling afforded by IFS.
If you want to go off-road at any kind of speed over 5 mph, then an IFS is by far the way to go.
Summary: IFS will handle and perform better than a solid axle in most on- and off-road environments. –John Cappa

SEE ALL 3 PHOTOS
Dodge Power Wagon AAM solid axle
Solid Axle Awesomeness
First off, I must say that I have driven some great riding and handling solid-axle trucks and SUVs. The one that comes to mind first is the ’11 Ford Super Duty F-250. The suspension engineers nailed it. At that year’s Pickup Truck of the Year competition, I was stunned by the trucks manners at speed, whether around town or off-road. Even with its unsprung axle mass, the truck offered up civility and function that was on par with IFS pickups in my opinion. That truck destroyed the argument that IFS has vastly superior handling and ride quality.


The simplicity, ruggedness, and swapability of the solid axle are second to none.
My biggest gripe with IFS is its complexity. A solid axle has less moving parts and is easier to service, with no crossmembers clogging everything up. I also don’t like that the centersection in many new IFS rigs is made of aluminum. Solid-axle centersections are typically cast iron, which is more durable. Some IFS systems also have weaker steering systems than solid-axle-equipped rigs. The solid-axle steering also isn’t susceptible to extreme camber and toe changes under load and cycle as an IFS rig.

SEE ALL 3 PHOTOS
Some IFS rigs utilize torsion bars, which can create a catch point off-road. And when lifting an IFS rig with torsion bars the bars either have to be lowered amidships or raised at the frontend to compensate for the lift. And speaking of lifts, a solid-axle rig is far easier and less expensive to lift than an IFS-equipped rig. And on the subject of modifications, let’s say you’ve added larger tires to your truck or you’re demanding more from it in a work environment. With a solid-axle rig you can get a larger centersection that is capable of handling more abuse by simply swapping in a heavier-duty axle. Not so with IFS. Unless you want to spend a boatload of money to re-engineer your entire IFS system (or swap to a solid axle) you have to stay with the differential that came on your rig.
When it comes to off-road travel, as one side of the solid axle is forced up or down, the other side is forced in the opposite direction. IFS doesn’t operate this way because each side is working independently. This means that the solid axle has more chance of traction than with an IFS rig.

Summary: In most situations the solid axle is the hot ticket for 4x4s, whether they’re used for work or play. The simplicity, ruggedness, and swapability of the solid axle are second to none. –Ken Brubaker

 

[DreamedofaJeepSomeday]

Opinions vary on which is best. I think the answer is which off road task do you want your vehicle to accomplish (climbing vrs desert running) and go from there. Those JTs with steering issues don’t seem to Have a single common issue and I’m not blaming SFA. Just saying the current competitors with IFS are having less steering/tracking issues. The JT and Wrangler have SFA to increase articulation for off-road purposes. The wheel has a little more play when hitting rock obstructions. The article below is dated but provides a layman’s perspective.

This a great discussions of the pros and cons of solid vs independent.

I still would like to know why a solid axle is inherently more prone to loose steering.

 

[Factoid]

This a great discussions of the pros and cons of solid vs independent.

I still would like to know why a solid axle is inherently more prone to loose steering.

There are 4x as many components to introduce slop with a solid axle. The penalty of allowing a significant range of axle movement.

A solid axel requires a fixed steering box, but a drag link that can move in three dimensions. It connects to one wheel and the tie rods and link connect the wheels. A track bar then locates the axle side to side position. All of these components have bushings or joints that can introduce slop and are necessary for the axle to have the vastly superior range of movement offered by a solid axle.

IFS has control arms that locate the spindle/hub independent of the axle, with ball joints that allow it to steer and move through its much reduced range of motion. IFS typically has R&P steering (not always) where the rack bolts to the frame and directly connects to the spindles with inner and outer tie rods Allowing limited movement. A lot less to introduce slop or wear over time.

 

[lrtexasman]

The electric steering wheel is Programmed for play. Better article below.
Jeep Gladiator Steering Problems
Written by Jade C. in Jeep

Since the inception of the Jeep Gladiator, the “interweb” has been abuzz with Jeep fans wanting to get some intel on the first Jeep truck ever produced. I must say, I fell in love immediately when I first laid eyes on it and couldn’t wait to see custom gladiators and YouTube videos of these beasts performing off-road. The Gladiator was released with a V6 Pentastar Engine which incorporated Stop-Start technology, 285 horsepower, 260 lb-ft torque and a 6-speed manual or 8-speed auto transmission. What made this vehicle unique is that it is the ONLY convertible pickup truck on the market with a removable hardtop, soft top or both options available. UNBELIEVABLE!!!
However, just like any new model vehicle that leaves the production floor, it comes with a few niggles. Many owners have been complaining about the steering of the Gladiator, saying it feels loose, unresponsive and causes the Gladiator to wander slightly. Many of these complaints or should I say observations are from seasoned Jeep drivers who are familiar with the driving dynamics of the Wranglers and are familiar with solid front axle driving dynamics.
So are there claims valid? Are they perhaps just being a bit paranoid after the JL Wrangler steering disaster? Is there really a problem with the Jeep Gladiators steering or is it just a perception with new Gladiator owners perhaps asking a bit too much from a solid front axle vehicle?
Let’s look a bit closer at this steering complaints.
Table of Contents

• Jeep Gladiator Steering Issues
  • Customer Complaints
  • Possible causes of the loose steering
  • Possible solutions to tighten things up
• Jeep Wrangler JL vs Gladiator JT’s Steering feel
• Conclusion

Jeep Gladiator Steering Issues
Since the release of the Gladiator, a few owners have reported the steering phenomenon to their dealerships, only to t be told it’s perfectly normal for the Gladiator steering to behave that way and that the vehicle is completely within spec. I can’t help but add that the Wranglers and the Gladiator are solid front and rear axle vehicles designed for hardcore off-road use, not a street bias vehicle with crisp handling. It will never drive like a car and should never be expected to perform like an IFS (Independent Front Suspension) Monocoque type chassis vehicle. The Wrangler is designed to excel when driving off-road yet also have acceptable on-road manners.
But, let’s not jump to any conclusion before we have all the facts. To understand if their complaints are valid, let’s first have a closer look at some of the symptoms owners have reported to see if it’s reasonable and worthy of further investigation.
Customer Complaints
One guy walked into a dealership and went so far as to post a video which appears to highlight the amount of play in the steering. He adds there is about 1/8 to 1/4 of complete no resistance in the steering wheel. Now, this was an observation made without actually driving the truck, which I feel is a bit unfair since, firstly, the engine is off, meaning the steering pump/motor is inactive. Secondly, most vehicles even IFS types have a small degree of play in the steering.
This is by design, which allows a measure of tolerance in the steering box to compensate and absorb minor irregularities in road surfaces. Without this tolerance, your steering box gears would wear out faster and the driving experience would be very uncomfortable due to all the feedback resonating on the steering wheel. You would literally feel every single bump in the road on the steering wheel, making the drive extremely uncomfortable.
One driver relates the following:

I love the Gladiator, but really think something is wrong with the steering, or maybe it’s just my steering. JeepCares saw my post, and someone called me. I’ve been to two different dealers, and both said that’s a common complaint with the JL and it is what it is
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com

Another customer posted a video report on his Gladiator steering, have a look at this video.

He notes his Gladiator is running on a set of 37” tires with the tire pressure set to 30psi for highway driving. On 35” tires, he ran it at 28psi.
Another owner gave some feedback on his Gladiator and noted the following:

It is flighty at 55 mph and up. Much more so than my JKUR on 35’s. I dropped psi to 35 then 32 but it’s still the same, just drifts a lot and requires constant focus to keep in the lane. New 35” Goodyear Duratracs on AEV wheels made no difference either.
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com

Could they all be exaggerating?
Possible causes of the loose steering
It’s very important to note that incorrect tire pressures could also cause a vehicle to wander all over the road if the tires are over-inflated. Over-inflated tires result in the tires “ballooning” causing the outer parts of the tire to not make full contact with the road surface. This results in the contact point of the tire only being in the center of the tread pattern. The truck will have a very fidgety, sensitive steering effect which can lead to the vehicle wandering a lot easier. So, check your tire pressures first and consult your owner’s manual for the recommended tire pressures when driving empty vs loaded.
Possible solutions to tighten things up
The following are possible solutions to tighten up a wandering or loose steering feel.

1. Ensure correct tire pressure
2. Ensure correct caster alignment angle
3. Check for worn track bar bushings and loose bolts
4. Check for loose steering linkage joints and geometry out of wack
5. Worn ball joints
6. Damaged/Worn Steering Box
7. Worn steering stabilizer

Jeep Wrangler JL vs Gladiator JT’s Steering feel
Now as far as the Wrangler JL goes, we are well aware of a whole bunch of issues, including the infamous “death wobble” You can read more about that here.
The death wobble was chalked down to be caused by a worn or lose track bar. Jeep apparently was upgrading the track bars as well as the ball-joints to eliminate this phenomenon on the wrangler. There were multiple complaints about how loose and uncomfortable the steering was on the JL Rubicon. Hopefully, this phenomenon didn’t carry over to the Gladiator.
The fact that many of the complaints were emanating from owners with aftermarket suspension upgrades, combined with the fact that a batch of JL front axles was released with loose lower ball joints, all contributed to the vague steering feel, didn’t help the cause either.
This didn’t take anything away from the fact that there was actually a serious problem on the JL Wranglers. Many owners with brand new, factory stock JL Jeeps were complaining about wandering and the vague steering. There was eventually a Technical Service Bulletin released, which you can read about here. This TSB explains there were issues with the ball joints, end joints, and track bar bushings.
Conclusion
We are all aware of the Death Wobble phenomenon and the wandering steering on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL with approximately 18000 vehicles being affected. There has been literally hundreds of complaints about the JL steering and now a few owners are complaining about the Gladiator suffering from the same phenomenon. Many potential Gladiator owners have gone and test drove the new Gladiator to compare the steering feel to the Wrangler and reported it to be much more responsive and stable. Perhaps it’s the longer wheelbase and increased weight that improved the handling or maybe Jeep incorporated some improved steering components. For now, it seems the Gladiator tracks just fine… for a Jeep!

 

[DreamedofaJeepSomeday]

There are 4x as many components to introduce slop with a solid axle. The penalty of allowing a significant range of axle movement.

A solid axle requires a fixed steering box, but a drag link that can move in three dimensions. It connects to one wheel and the tie rods and link connect the wheels. A track bar then locates the axle side to side position. All of these components have bushings or joints that can introduce slop and are necessary for the axle to have the vastly superior range of movement offered by a solid axle.

IFS has control arms that locate the spindle/hub independent of the axle, with ball joints that allow it to steer and move through its much reduced range of motion. IFS typically has R&P steering (not always) where the rack bolts to the frame and directly connects to the spindles with inner and outer tie rods Allowing limited movement. A lot less to introduce slop or wear over time.

Thanks. That is the explanation I was looking for.

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