Steering problem

[Danny T]

Is anyone have steering problem with their 2021 jeep gladiator. My steering gets loose to a point that the steering wheel moves about 2 inches each way before the wheels move. It then tightens up again. Any problems???? Dealership say it has normal play so there nothing to fix

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[Benbean66]

Welcome to Jeep life (lol) Dozens of threads on here about that same issue.

 

[ScottBeach]

Solid front axle. Drives well for me. Spent a lot of time in older 1 ton with solid axle. Gladiator drives tight by comparison.

 

[Riccochet]

Mine is the same way. Dealer says it's normal. No way the should I be able to move the steering wheel a solid 1.5 inches in either direction from center before getting feedback from the wheels. Tells me the steering gear backlash is not set correctly.

Of course I have the "updated" steering box in my truck, and the dealer/FCA won't do anything about it.

I might adjust it on my own. There's a set screw and adjuster on top of the steering box.

 

[Danny T]

Solid front axle. Drives well for me. Spent a lot of time in older 1 ton with solid axle. Gladiator drives tight by comparison.

i had 2 f150 4x4 and they didn't have all this play in their steering.

 

[Danny T]

Mine is the same way. Dealer says it's normal. No way the should I be able to move the steering wheel a solid 1.5 inches in either direction from center before getting feedback from the wheels. Tells me the steering gear backlash is not set correctly.

Of course I have the "updated" steering box in my truck, and the dealer/FCA won't do anything about it.

I might adjust it on my own. There's a set screw and adjuster on top of the steering box.

the problem i have with my steering is it works some time then the play come on like it loose pressure and the play start then goes back to what dealership say is normal. they had my gladiator for almost a whole month off and on since march. it also leak water from the roof panels and the bottom of the front doors when i take the jeep thru the car wash. they responded by saying there was service bulletin saying that jeep might leak if taken thru a car wash. wow an answer..don't take it thru a car wash. really dis appointed on the quality of the jeep.

 

[Benbean66]

Mine is the same way. Dealer says it's normal. No way the should I be able to move the steering wheel a solid 1.5 inches in either direction from center before getting feedback from the wheels. Tells me the steering gear backlash is not set correctly.

Of course I have the "updated" steering box in my truck, and the dealer/FCA won't do anything about it.

I might adjust it on my own. There's a set screw and adjuster on top of the steering box.

I adjusted mine (on "updated" steering box) and it did improve it but not as much of like. I only turned the Allen bolt in 1/8th of a turn, cause I didn't want to start causing premature wear. I honestly think my issue is in my tie rod ends. I've already had the inner (by the pitman arm) drag link end replaced under warranty, and there seems to be a looseness in my tie rod end links when I twist the rod by hand. Hoping to replace them with Yeti parts soon.

 

[j.o.y.ride]

I am in the minority but I appreciate the play. I don't want direct steering like my car.

 

[Benbean66]

I am in the minority but I appreciate the play. I don't want direct steering like my car.

For me it's honestly not the play that bothers me, it's the darting left and right whenever the road has a fluctuation on it, or the sudden feeling of the ass-end getting squirrelly when hitting a rough bridge seam. My '95 F350 Dually required "predictive steering" but never reacted to road deviations like my JT does. Heck, my '88 YJ handles like it's on rails compared to it.

 

[ScottBeach]

i had 2 f150 4x4 and they didn't have all this play in their steering.

I thought the f150 was ifs for 20 years now.

 

[Mac]

Add more caster and it will help with the darting. Longer LCAs or geometry correction brackets.

 

[ScottBeach]

For me it's honestly not the play that bothers me, it's the darting left and right whenever the road has a fluctuation on it, or the sudden feeling of the ass-end getting squirrelly when hitting a rough bridge seam. My '95 F350 Dually required "predictive steering" but never reacted to road deviations like my JT does. Heck, my '88 YJ handles like it's on rails compared to it.

There must be some differences happen in our trucks. I find mine tracks better than chevy 3500 4x4 (2003) and a lot better than an old 1981 chevy diesel 4x4. Must be some changes in the parts? Or alignment.

I will try to get clear pics of parts from my sport s this weekend. Maybe we could compare and figure out if there are common parts for those having issues

 

[Benbean66]

There must be some differences happen in our trucks. I find mine tracks better than chevy 3500 4x4 (2003) and a lot better than an old 1981 chevy diesel 4x4. Must be some changes in the parts? Or alignment.

I will try to get clear pics of parts from my sport s this weekend. Maybe we could compare and figure out if there are common parts for those having issues

I'm up for that. Do you have any printouts of your alignment specs? I have replaced nearly all the suspension parts with the exception of the tie rod and drag link. I've had it aligned twice, and it's well within the tolerances. I'm thinking it might be another faulty steering box (which seems to be a thing according to others on the TSB thread), or the tie rod ends.

 

[TrainMan]

Shouldn't be normal but sounds like it's starting to be. Mine has been fine since the gear was replaced.

 

[Benbean66]

Add more caster and it will help with the darting. Longer LCAs or geometry correction brackets.

I have it set at around 6 degrees.

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