Steering issues

[Meli]

Hello everyone! I have a 2021 Willys Gladiator that I absolutely love. I joined this forum because other than the Dealer, I don’t have anyone to help me find the answer to this issue. I live in PA, pothole Central, so I notice that when I’m driving and hit a pothole or multiple potholes, I almost lose control and have to hold onto the wheel to keep it in the lane. This occurs 10-80 mph and it’s a real challenge if I’m making a slight bend. My son has a 2020 Sport Gladiator and he says “Mom there’s something wrong with this” and actually everyone who rides with me says the same thing. I described this to the Dealer and was told it’s the tires and that they could order me something more all terrain and that would probably fix it. Not an option, it’s the tires that make it look awesome! Finally, I took it back to the Dealer again because I can’t stand it and a technician took it out and felt what I was talking about but couldn’t find anything other than all tires were out of balance (oh and a leaky shock). He seemed to think that corrected the issue. At slower speeds on that road, I thought the same thing but no it still jerks me in the lane when it hits a bump. I don’t know what to do; does anyone have any suggestions?? I worry I got the COVID Jeep that was put together without having all the parts.
Thank you.

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[ATL_Rubi]

Hello everyone! I have a 2021 Willys Gladiator that I absolutely love. I joined this forum because other than the Dealer, I don’t have anyone to help me find the answer to this issue. I live in PA, pothole Central, so I notice that when I’m driving and hit a pothole or multiple potholes, I almost lose control and have to hold onto the wheel to keep it in the lane. This occurs 10-80 mph and it’s a real challenge if I’m making a slight bend. My son has a 2020 Sport Gladiator and he says “Mom there’s something wrong with this” and actually everyone who rides with me says the same thing. I described this to the Dealer and was told it’s the tires and that they could order me something more all terrain and that would probably fix it. Not an option, it’s the tires that make it look awesome! Finally, I took it back to the Dealer again because I can’t stand it and a technician took it out and felt what I was talking about but couldn’t find anything other than all tires were out of balance (oh and a leaky shock). He seemed to think that corrected the issue. At slower speeds on that road, I thought the same thing but no it still jerks me in the lane when it hits a bump. I don’t know what to do; does anyone have any suggestions?? I worry I got the COVID Jeep that was put together without having all the parts.
Thank you.

Can you tell us what tires you have, what lift, what mods? Does it do this?

 

[Meli]

So, I don’t have that Death Wobble, thank God. The tires are the Firestone Destination M/T2, and I have no mods, it’s all factory.

 

[ATL_Rubi]

So, I don’t have that Death Wobble, thank God. The tires are the Firestone Destination M/T2, and I have no mods, it’s all factory.

Yeah those are a little chunky but shouldn't be any worse than the stock mud terrains. My guess would be to check tire pressures. They *should* be in the 32-38 range at most for normal driving. Does it feel like the Jeep just loses steering for a moment? Or does the jeep hit the hole, and is then shifted off track? Have you take your sons jeep on the same road under the same conditions to replicate it?

You could be experiencing a form of bump steer, but that would realistically only take place if there was something off/wrong with the tie rod. Since it's stock, it could be ruled out if it can be confirmed that is it torqued properly.

My suggestion as a non expert, take your sons jeep on the same road under the same conditions with similarly inflated tires (~34 psi cold is a nice spot for stock tires) and see if it occurs in his jeep. IF not, you could get real technical and swap the tires and re test.

 

[Chaos Theory]

What tire pressure are you running?

 

[JT1]

Let's start with the basics. What tire pressure are you running? When mine was stock, anything over 34 psi (BF Goodrich KM2s, not the Firestones) would cause it to bounce over potholes.

 

[jav_eee]

Sounds like bumpsteer. When’s the last time you had the alignment checked?

 

[Meli]

So, I’m looking at the tire pressure, all at 39. That maybe the problem. Everyone is suggesting about 34, so I’m going to try that. I’m assuming that won’t hurt the tires either right? I don’t know why the Dealership didn’t suggest this. I would’ve tried replicating with my sons Jeep, but it’s with him in CA but in driving cross country with him in his Jeep, didn’t have that issue. Thank you everyone, I really appreciate your input.

 

[DBravo]

Can you tell us what tires you have, what lift, what mods? Does it do this?

I also have also experienced this on a recent road trip while passing over bridge joints or major road bumps. Almost like the jeep Steering jitters a bit and regains contact as it settles. Not to the point where it feels dangerous or out of control, but something of note that I would relay to anyone who was borrowing my truck and had not driven it before.

Bone stock suspension '20 Gladiator Overland, first owner, 61k miles, no lift, stock tires (Goodyear Wrangler ATA 255/70-R18). Black Steering box (original).

Have always had the slightly perceptible Jeep "wander" steering, especially on highways - which you get used to after a while. No death wobble at any speed.

Have owned many different models of Jeeps (YJ, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, JL, JT) and none of them ever drove like they were on "rails" like some other vehicles I have owned.

The A-Pillar label calls for 38 PSI. On longer trips (+50 miles), the pressure will sometimes rise to 40 PSI as tires get warm. As you would expect, a softer tire (35-36 PSI) seems to react less to potholes and big bumps, so I have been running at 36 PSI and end up around 38 PSI on longer runs.

Considering the ICON Centerline Steering Stabilizer, but have not pulled the trigger yet. https://www.morris4x4center.com/ico...pZOA4PWHPTZ5xEQYUdnE4AKhE4c_X_SRoC8s4QAvD_BwE

 

[jav_eee]

I also have also experienced this on a recent road trip while passing over bridge joints or major road bumps. Almost like the jeep Steering jitters a bit and regains contact as it settles. Not to the point where it feels dangerous or out of control, but something of note that I would relay to anyone who was borrowing my truck and had not driven it before.

Bone stock suspension '20 Gladiator Overland, first owner, 61k miles, no lift, stock tires (Goodyear Wrangler ATA 255/70-R18). Black Steering box (original).

Have always had the slightly perceptible Jeep "wander" steering, especially on highways - which you get used to after a while. No death wobble at any speed.

Have owned many different models of Jeeps (YJ, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, JL, JT) and none of them ever drove like they were on "rails" like some other vehicles I have owned.

The A-Pillar label calls for 38 PSI. On longer trips (+50 miles), the pressure will sometimes rise to 40 PSI as tires get warm. As you would expect, a softer tire (35-36 PSI) seems to react less to potholes and big bumps, so I have been running at 36 PSI and end up around 38 PSI on longer runs.

Considering the ICON Centerline Steering Stabilizer, but have not pulled the trigger yet. https://www.morris4x4center.com/ico...pZOA4PWHPTZ5xEQYUdnE4AKhE4c_X_SRoC8s4QAvD_BwE

I run 32 cold on stock falken MTs

 

[Gren71]

I also have also experienced this on a recent road trip while passing over bridge joints or major road bumps. Almost like the jeep Steering jitters a bit and regains contact as it settles. Not to the point where it feels dangerous or out of control, but something of note that I would relay to anyone who was borrowing my truck and had not driven it before.

Bone stock suspension '20 Gladiator Overland, first owner, 61k miles, no lift, stock tires (Goodyear Wrangler ATA 255/70-R18). Black Steering box (original).

Have always had the slightly perceptible Jeep "wander" steering, especially on highways - which you get used to after a while. No death wobble at any speed.

Have owned many different models of Jeeps (YJ, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, JL, JT) and none of them ever drove like they were on "rails" like some other vehicles I have owned.

The A-Pillar label calls for 38 PSI. On longer trips (+50 miles), the pressure will sometimes rise to 40 PSI as tires get warm. As you would expect, a softer tire (35-36 PSI) seems to react less to potholes and big bumps, so I have been running at 36 PSI and end up around 38 PSI on longer runs.

Considering the ICON Centerline Steering Stabilizer, but have not pulled the trigger yet. https://www.morris4x4center.com/ico...pZOA4PWHPTZ5xEQYUdnE4AKhE4c_X_SRoC8s4QAvD_BwE

I just switched back to a traditional SS from a through shaft stabilizer. Unless you’re off roading a lot I was personally less than impressed with it once I drove more with one.

@Meli

id suggest MAYBE a lower cold tire pressure. Remember that cold means as the vehicle sits un driven for several hours (typically left alone overnight) lowering the pressure too much may work for some folks but its not necessarily the manufacturer suggested fix. Ive never ran MT tires and im aware they’re more sensitive to road input…but im always leery of under inflated tires so I usually just stick to the pressure set on the B pillar door by the factory.

if yours are 39 COLD…then you are over inflated and that may be part of or your whole issue.

you could also look at an upgraded steering stabilizer. It’s usually the first, if not at least one of the first, mods jeep owners do. They make a huge difference.

ive run both the fox 2.0, the falcon through shaft adjustable, and the AEV, steering stabilizers. Currently using the aev and im pretty impressed. It steers true and eats bumps. Even kept me going straight pulling my 30ft camper with 15mph cross winds this past weekend

https://www.quadratec.com/p/fox-rac...series-20-ifp-steering-stabilizer-wrangler-jl

https://www.amazon.com/AEV-Steering...pcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A3OXQ75Z551F7R

The key to a “regular” steering stabilizer is that when you put it on you have to cycle it. That means that once it’s attached you drive the vehicle in circles turning your wheel all the way to full lockout to the right… After completing a full circle, you turn the wheel all the way to full lock out to the left making a giant figure 8… And repeat this process until you’ve gone three or four complete turns in each direction.

you can / should also be sure your power steering fluid reservoir had the appropriate volume in it. I had to add some to my wifes JLU when I noticed it was low and it seemed to improve her steering.

another less desirable possibility is that it’s truly a steering box issue. May be worth while venture to pressure your dealer to replace the box under the warranty and see if that does it.

 

[Deleted member 52902]

It could be your just experiencing a true, truck versus the far nicer suspension and steering systems in some trucks but certainly in all common passenger cars.

Recirculating ball steering in a few, versus rack & pinion steering in the many. Recirculating ball system is going to be the toughest system that works on the street and can take the most difficult abuse that can be thrown at a steering system. Even if rack and pinion is utilized which is very good, breaking them is really costly to fix. But rack and pinion on the street is always going to steer more precise. It will always provide more deft-feedback. And typically a car that also has Struts, these work together quite nicely. Potholes included, versus the shakes that will come out of a recirculating ball configuration.

And in high winds and/or gusts, rack and pinion is a dream. The blocky shape of a JEEP even on standard height suspension with tires that are better handling on pavement can be tough to keep in a lane. That can be tiring on a long drive. Rack and pinion/struts/other steering mechanicals and a more streamlined, lower to the ground vehicle will be less work.

I might imagine your just experiencing some old school mechanicals that most other, at least non commercial vehicles we might have, react quite differently. JEEP JL and JT's make great multi-purpose vehicles for street & off road but just have to factor in the street & highway ride, noise and especially steering differences versus all cars and other choices of trucks that are not built to drive over rocks and ruts as well as a JEEP. Even if a JT, JL, JK models preceding these type of JEEPS are more jarring, and requires more steering input.

Quick note. My 1966 Gladiator that I had many years ago - ROUGH on the road. Harder to steer without power steering. And absolutely scary to stop quickly with very small drum brake shoes on all four corners. Rainy days with these brakes, especially eye opening. Pretty sure it was a single master brake cylinder and no power boost although maybe it had that. Lot of years ago. Our modern JEEPS are a Cadillac with some pretty advanced technology in comparison. Except street ruts and steering response is still kind of like the "good old days".

Hello everyone! I have a 2021 Willys Gladiator that I absolutely love. I joined this forum because other than the Dealer, I don’t have anyone to help me find the answer to this issue. I live in PA, pothole Central, so I notice that when I’m driving and hit a pothole or multiple potholes, I almost lose control and have to hold onto the wheel to keep it in the lane. This occurs 10-80 mph and it’s a real challenge if I’m making a slight bend. My son has a 2020 Sport Gladiator and he says “Mom there’s something wrong with this” and actually everyone who rides with me says the same thing. I described this to the Dealer and was told it’s the tires and that they could order me something more all terrain and that would probably fix it. Not an option, it’s the tires that make it look awesome! Finally, I took it back to the Dealer again because I can’t stand it and a technician took it out and felt what I was talking about but couldn’t find anything other than all tires were out of balance (oh and a leaky shock). He seemed to think that corrected the issue. At slower speeds on that road, I thought the same thing but no it still jerks me in the lane when it hits a bump. I don’t know what to do; does anyone have any suggestions?? I worry I got the COVID Jeep that was put together without having all the parts.
Thank you.

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