Jeep JT JL Wandering Sloppy Steering Fix for FREE, How to for the Gladiator Wrangler Dead Spot Slop
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- Опубликовано: 14 июн 2020
- Watch this video next. • Firm Foundation Synerg...
Note: I pulled the bolt from above the spring perch on the driver side. 13mm. Checked backlash to 15 thousandths. So this is more than just a feel but used it to gauge the steering wheel for the video to be safe. The pressure at idle will make up for the 15 though and will give a firm, controlled feel. Very responsive and feels like a proper steering feel.
I should have done this the day I brought it home. This is the one thing, more than anything, that I hated about my Jeep. This little fix took minutes to do but I put it off thinking I could throw a Sector Shaft Brace, Track Bar, Controls Arms, and Steering Stabilizers at it. Do this first.
This is 100 percent the cure for the wondering Jeep JL issue when at highway speeds. I am so happy I found this video. Many companies offering “solutions” for this but they are at best a bandaid if they do anything at all. Instant gratification here! Thanks for making this video! Wanna hug you right now I am so happy.
Love all the great tips you send out. Definitely doing this. Thank you
This is wonderful, i thought that sloppiness is normal until i’m fed up with it. I search and ran through your video! Thanks, now i’m a fan! Cheers!
So glad I found this video. Saved me from an unnecessary $400 steering stabilizer purchase in an attempt to fix the slop/wandering.
What year is your jeep? Mine is 2022 and was thinking of trying this.
Dude you are the man, I needed to know this and stumbled across this video!! I liked and shared with my other buddies!!
Thx man!
My 2007 JKU steering was getting sloppy and this worked like a champ. Clear instruction and the photo highlighting the mark lines helped a lot. Thanks for sharing!
just did this to my 2016 JKU and it made a huge difference!
I did this 2yrs ago when bought it. People will tell you to never do this and frown on it. But this was the best thing I ever did to my JL. Never had a steering issue again.
How you fix the center screw , any ale key is fixing to mine jl. Look rounded,
Great find and well described! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you THANK YOU!! This video was exactly what the JL needed. This was our second JL 2018 and current 2020 did the trackbar upper control arms and alignment steering stabilizer and only had marginal impact on steering. Glad to do those mods a ride quailty changed for better. BUT THIS FIX and I mean FIXED IT. Mine aluminum box didnt take but 2/3rds of yours to get the wife to say what did I do. I like wife points. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for an awesome informative video- I would never dare to work on these things if it wasn’t for videos like this. I got lucky- my JT steering is reasonably tight at 5k miles, but will know what to do if I feel the need to tighten in the future.
Just picked up a 2018 JLUR yesterday and the steering sucked. Just made this adjustment and it fixed it!!!! THANK YOU!!!!
**VERY IMPORTANT ** You may want to check one more thing before you button that up. It may eliminate the the slop in the center but when you check lock to lock it may be binding right or left and if it is you can be causing more damage. Check to make sure it's not binding lock to lock and in order to check this take the weight off your tires, install jack stands underneath your axle and if it binds lock to lock you've turned in that screw a little bit too much
Good note here.
I had no idea that was so easy. Thank you!!
Will go check right now. Great insights. Keep it going please.
Love video and that’s exactly what my jeep is doing and I have all the fox stuff and I try stuff so as soon as the next sunrise I will be going into the steering box I never aligned jeep before so kinda nervous but I got it now I had Covid and couldn’t do anything either but I love doing stuff so I don’t have to call anybody over to do it for me great video man thanks
Purchased 2021 gladiator May 21. Has 3600 miles on it to date. Been back to dealer three times for wind noise and wandering. $53,000.00 and I refuse to spend any more. Shouldn’t have to. Dealer say’s no fix for either. It has a steel steering box. Ready to trade if dealers ever get any vehicles in but being I basically like the thing I am going to try this. If it works, I thank you immensely and if it doesn’t I thank you for giving “it” one last chance. No more fiat/peugot products for me. Thanks.
Awesome video! Just bought a 2021 80th anniversary. Will do this! Thanks!
Do you have the same issue ?
In what month /year your car was made ?
Im so glad I found your video...I have a 2021 Ecodiesel Rubicon with lift and 37s...... This is the one thing that drives me crazy, Thanks 🙏
Did you do try this fix on your JTRD yet? If so, did it help? I have the same 2021 JTRD lifted w/ 37's as well and my steering is so sloppy right now.
Sector shafts reinforcement
How did you go about accessing it? Seems a lot harder to get to than on a gasser.
Thanks for the post! I just tried to have the dealership (Lochmandy in Elkhart, Indiana) perform this fix, and they don't feel comfortable adjusting it. They sent a request for a whole new steering box to Chrysler then tried to charge me a diag fee since I have apex swaybar disconnects lol.
I just did this and it’s a huge improvement. My green factory marks were just like yours. I adjusted my to 11o’clock and I’m happy with it. Of note.. I used a 4mm Allen key and that center adjustment grub screw was hard to loosen with the limited space.
I have heard some dont want to turn. Glad yours worked out.
This worked on my 2018 JLU. Thank you
Excellent video!! Thank you for sharing! New subscriber!! Waiting on gladiator diesel 🙏🙏
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I think I will keep my Gladiator, now.
Good video! Helped me out man thanks
Very Nice!! One more thing to add to the list...
I have the Saginaw 525 factory manual box on my 77 cj5 5. I wore out 2 boxes and rebuilt both. The rebuilds were fair as I couldn't get all the parts I wanted. Adjusting eventually didn't cut it. Tired of wheel slop I got a crown brand.
It is new not a rebuild. Made in Spain it is an exact copy with exception of adjustment screw. Zero wheel slop and feels real good. I have 360 000 o
On the Jeep. I realize the power boxes last longer but I love the manual simplicity. The crown unit seems very good. Borgeson makes USA made 525 boxes but for my spline count only in 16 to 1 ratio. I now know that ratio is ok to use so on another Jeep I'm building I will go with borgeson. Point is crown or borgeson when you can't get rid of the slop there is nothing like a new one
I am looking at purchasing a jeep and took one for a test drive today, had this sloppy steering. I thought id look into how to fix it. Thanks.
just turned this about a 1/4 and did all new synergy front end parts and sector brace, what a difference.
This is interesting and ol school. My research has found that the excessive play is due to an aluminum gear box. The mounting ears where the box mounts to the frame actually flexing. There's a video with a tech using a dial indicator showing the play or flexing this is why FCA will replace your box with a steel box if you complain enough or it's a huge issue for the consumer? I'm going to try this, I know from experience if you over adjust this you will damage the gears internally. You seem to have yours adjusted correctly. Cheers
I’m have to give this a shot
2022 wrangler, allen head won’t turn, had to heat allen head with torch, 25 seconds, then work fast before the locktite set back up, got it done, tighten about 1/4 turn, it makes a nice difference
Well I did this and ended up breaking my hex bit in the hex nut there. It did tighten up my steering, but now I have to figure out how to get that broken part of the hex bit out of that nut. Its working okay though for now.
So far made my gladiator seems to be steering properly. When it needs adjusted i will use this videeo to fix it.
I have done this before on my 2001 BMW E46 330i with 250K miles, if you make small adjustments you will be fine if you go to far your steering wheel will not recenter. I'm trying this in my 2020 JLU since FCA says there's nothing wrong with the steering of my brand new Jeep, it just Jeep thing.
Great video 👍, just a question any chance you could show all other things you’ve done please
Stumbled on this by accident and my new Gladiator definitely wanders with quite a bit of steering play. I will first address this with the dealer and see what they do. And if not it will be a DIY. Thanks
Would love to hear what they say. I have a "dealer connect" printout of the repair from the 2018 but it appears they won't do this repair anymore. I bet they tell you its in spec or replace it. The problem may persist if they replace it with a similarly sloppy box.
My dealer listened to me, asked to see the video, and with his service manager and technician viewing the video they decided to tune up the steering! Great news - appointment is tomorrow!
@@kellydrolet4740 Which dealer?
I took mine to the dealer they’re checking mine, but the guy at the front desk was saying, “oh well it’s going to be loose because it’s a Wrangler 😭 I’m hoping they fix it like you or somehow tighten it up a little. I just bought mine and I was thinking it needed an alignment since it was really sloppy especially on the freeway.
Addressed this at the dealership 1st oil change. They put a new steering box in. No improvement; I’d like to try this as I’ve considered selling it because of the steering play. Especially hard to steer when towing my boat.
Thank you my brother 👍
👍
I just had a new steel steering box put on under the current TSB. Completely fixed mine...
Was there a long wait for parts?
@@Michael_ryan91 They told me it might be a week but called 3 days later and said bring it in.
Should be tighten locking nut 15mm. Lossen with box wrench while center allen is held still. Adjust allen center then hold in place use box end tighten down.
DYNATRAC ball joint very expensive but it cures your death wobble. JKU 30,000 mi ball joints worn out. Haven't had a problem since.
Thank you for this
I have a ‘21 gladiator with horrible steering wander which has the new steel box on it. Been driving on it for 16,000 miles. had the dealership look at it twice and told me it’s the way it’s supposed to drive. Been thinking about trading it in because of steering wander. frustrating. After watching your video and started at it. I loosened the large nut with the half inch drive first and I did put marks on there just as a reference but when I tried to turn the inner hex screw it was extremely tight, so decided to just lock it back down for now, and when I did, I put strength into it and I was able to tighten down just a little bit more from my marked lines. The inner screw turns with the locking nut. Maybe there is some Loctite from factory.
let me tell you it runs like a new truck now! Please note I have the steel box.
Great tip
Awsome vid ty👍
I watched I liked and I follow . Hell I can do this 👍
Question, leave the synergy bracket on?, I know the steering stabilizer has to stay.
Thanks for the video.
On the jk you can do this by only removing the coolant reservoir. Super helpful and definitely makes a difference after bigger tires!
thats a super super super helfull video. thanks so much ill fix ine asap thanks bro
Also check the dealer, they have replaced the box now under a new tsb.
@@c130aviator I will but im sure it's gonna be a bit tricky ;-) driving an US spec Gladiator in Belgium wont be my best advantage ;-) just for example the answer i got from Jeep Dealer yesterday about the warranty extention at 5 years and 200.000km : According that your vehicule is imported from the US market, FCA( Jeep) don't take in charge the warranty of your vehicule .... Surrealistic isnt ;-)
Love the 671 sticker! Hafa Adai
Subscribed,! this video should be shown to you in the lobby of the Jeep dealership when you pickup your new Truck. =) Or they could just FIX THIS FROM THE FACTORY. Thanks bud!
There is a new tsb at the dealer now, that replaces the steering box. It made a huge difference.
@@c130aviator I got that done, it was night and day, I'm still going to try your mod, cuz mine still seems to have more play than I'd like.
I thought most of that center slop was in the steering linkage? Everyone who's upgraded their steering says the center play is gone. I plan to upgrade my tie-rod/draglink first then if the center slop is still present mess with the box adjustment.
There is a TSB issued last year - TSB 08-074-20 to replace the whole aluminum gear with the iron one. This will improve the sloppy feel for good without the need to adjust the nut.
I did the tsb. It was vastly improved.
@@c130aviator Great, thanks! I just emailed my closest Jeep dealer here in Tampa asking to replace mine per TSB. Since this is a known issue, can they order the part and schedule the repair or I would need to go there and give them my Wrangler for a test drive then let them decide where it's bad ir not?
@@luciddreamer6000 I’m on the same boat lol. Good question
I have a 2021 mojava that came with a steel box. It wanders like a stray dog.
@@danielhough6818 did you fix it yet mine is bad and got the same truck
Is that Andersen AFB, looks like base housing
I have 37s on mine and it has a slight pull to the right would the synergy bracket solve that
very good
Thanks TewlTalk
Why would the green mark have moved from factory? Does it loosen over time?
I feel like fca states that it’s not to be adjusted because of liability issues. If it was like this on the JK i don’t see why not to do it on the JL. Consider it my next little project... I got the track bar replaced under the 02-003-19 TSB, and it helped a little.
Good luck. I think this is by far the best option to date for our Jeeps.
TewlTalk I saw things about a pcm flash for the power steering pump, but i just don’t understand how the pump has anything to do with the dead zone. It’s annoying to have an inch to an inch and a half in either direction. But oddly it does seem to tighten at 70mph.
I need to look at mine.. i have a good amount of movment before tires actually move..
I have it exactly one the line but I have a very loose steering, how much can I tight that bolt?
Well it's been about 2 years since you made this video and I'm seeing it right now have any updates
I just bought a 2022 gladiator. I just put my first 150 miles on it and my only complaint is the steering is wandering a bit. Will the dealer tighten this up for me for free? I don’t have any tools and I don’t want to void the warranty. What do you think?
You mentioned that you had installed control arms? I’ve installed adjustable lower control arms and have been adjusting them out and it has been helping this problem but not solved yet... and I haven’t made my next adjustment out yet.
What castor do you think you were at before this adjustment? And do you have adjustable top and bottom or? Thanks for the video.... the wandering in my 2020 rubicon is terrible...
4.8 deg is rec for the mopar lift. I modified it in several areas so that numer is a ballpark imho. Use 5.5 or 6 degrees. Don't need to touch your uppers at these heights. Get a real alignment with a shop ask them to set caster to 6.
TewlTalk so circling back to my original question... how far in degrees did you go on the castor originally? The reason I’m sticking on this is because I had a JK that I put a Metal Cloak 2” lift, King adjustable shocks, and all the other pieces that would be professional and appropriate ....but only after I added a ton of castor did the car drive actually quite well..... with the JL, it feels more like a castor issue in addition with a fair amount of slop in the steering box. I’m just wondering if you had gone further with the castor adjustment ... would you have gotten to the same if not more comfort level with the steering?
Did you have trouble getting the middle bolt loose from the outside? Mine turn together and seem fused?
Needs heat on some vehicles to loosen the set screw and the nut.
Just got a 23 JL that has a little play in the steering. It has the black steel steering box. I asked a Jeep shop Forman about it and he said the steel box has no adjustments on it according to the new service bulletins.
Did u find a solution for the steering play?
@@taimurtaimur2196 nope. After looking at it more, mine actually has alot less slop than other new Jeeps on the lot. Will continue to monitor.
So frustrated with my '06 LJ. Every single component of the steering linkage has been replaced, as have the control arms and steering gear. The steering shaft has not, but is tight. Vehicle has just had a 2" spacer lift on it, new wheel spacers (I run 33x12.5's on it) and new shocks. It still wanders despite all the new stuff and 2 alignments. I may check the adjustment on the steering gear. To echo what others have said if performing this adjustment: Start with 1/16th-1/8 turns, and STOP once steering get reasonably tight.
I checked my green mark and it’s still lined up. Do you think I should still tighten it a little. I think I have about the same amount of play in the steering wheel as you!
You could add a bit more if its still lined up. Just depends on how you want it. Just leave a little room for the fluid when the truck is on. It will feel loose when off but snug when on.
How do you get ride of the bump steer out of the JEEP JL steering is good not loose bump steer showed up at around 1500 miles
Bump steer is typically caused by one of two things, lifting your Wrangler incorrectly or loose, broken, or bent suspension components. ... The angles that matter in this situation are the angles of your track bar and drag link, on a stock Wrangler, these two will be parallel to each other.
thanks for the video! are you turning the inside hex screw first the tightening the nut over top. I couldn't seem to move the inside hex even when I loosened the nut.
I couldn’t move mine either. We have a 21 and it came from the factory with the updated steering box. I think they somehow locked the adjustment hex screw making it impossible to turn it. Sure would like to know from anyone here how to adjust this box since our steering is still too sloppy.
@@A320Andrew did u find a solution for the sloppiness?
I just got a new 2021 wrangler rubicon with manual trans. I love it but my transfer case is very hard to shift...is this normal....Just 3 days old.
Completely normal. Jjst have to take it offroad a few times and have the vehicle in neutral. If you can let the vehicle roll a bit while in neutral it will go in a bit easier.
Saginaw does this on frontier it's reverse threads
The hex bolt just will not budge no matter how hard I try to turn it. What gives?
When he moves the steering wheel, before & after his adjustment, is the Jeep on or off?
click key forward to unlock wheel, but not running.
@c130aviator Do you have any update on how the TSB did for your gladiator? Does it eventually come back or is it fixed for good? Dealing with this right now after purchasing one yesterday.
Tsb was still sloppy but at least the box is steel.
@@c130aviator Did you then do what you did in the video to the steel box to repair it? If this is a reoccurring issue, this is the last vehicle I want. Nearly killed my wife driving it back to the dealership.
I have a 2018 JL Rubicon with the same steering issue but when I came to do the adjustments, both bigger bolt and the Allen bolt turn together seems like they are one piece. Any suggestions ?
You may have to heat them with a torch to loosen it a bit or use a more robust allen wrench socket on a ratchet
@@c130aviator use some wd40, let it set , heating up a bolt connected to your steering box could be a bad idea...
Would u suggest doing this first or do the synergy and everything else before this part!
Yes, do this first. When you do the other parts it all adds to the strength and stability of this box.
is this same process for jeep wrangler sport jl? Also what you did is just losing the big bolt and tighten back again and did not adjust the steering gearbox right or i'm missing something please help thanks.
Yes
@@c130aviator Did you torque spect this or no, if you did torque it, what is the torque for the steering gear bolt and adjust screw lock nut?
@@jayhernandez6812 I did not on this bolt. I lined the green marks back up on the box. That is factory spec.
So wait that marker line is from factory and some how through your use of the jeep it has work it self off the mark?
No, they are pretty tight.
I just had the steel steering box put in by jeep but still having the same issue. Should I take it back to the dealership? Or try this instead ?
Dealer, this is only good if you have no other option. Imho
Same for JKU?
I have some play i've noticed and was considering going to the dealer for the new steering box TSB. I have a tazer and alot of aftermarket parts, etc. I don't like to bring it to the dealer for any reason if i can avoid it. I saw in your comments that you are getting the new box. Are you removing things from your jeep before you bring it in? I've seen that dealers are putting up a fight with the replacement. Would you still recommend your adjustment on the older aluminum boxes?
Yes. I just got the truck back. Its way better!
I would still recommend the slop adjustment, but if you can get the dealer to get you the upgrade box do it.
@@c130aviator do you have a tazer? did you unmarry it before bringing it in? and did they do it with your sector shaft brace? and reinstall the brace?
@@roccomanochio I do have a tazer. I took it off as well as the synergy brace 42mm nut
I am unable to separate the Hex from the bolt and not much room to torch it. PB blaster overnight and we will see...
Everyone has a inverted hex or something easy to adjust. Mine is a regular screwdriver adjustment and its seized. So much for that lol
Has anyone had any luck adjusting the newer steel box? We have a 21 that came from the factory with the steel box and I’m convinced they put a locking agent in it to prevent making these adjustments. Can anyone here confirm or deny? Thanks.
Have u tried adjusting it? Or did u find any solutions for the sloppiness
Great video, please give an update to how you feel its been working after several weeks. I have the same sloppy steering and would like to do the same on mine. thanks TewlTalk
I will do a followup. While keeping an eye on the steering box. If you follow my video to the t with a cool box, there will be enough play in the box, while fixing the slop.
See, I pulled the bolt from above the spring on the driver side. 13mm. Checked backlash to 15 thousandths. So this is more than just a feel but used it to gauge the steering wheel for the video to be safe.
@@c130aviator Where are you measuring backlash at? the pitman arm? Also, do you have a lift? I feel that my JT was great until the dealer-installed the Mopar lift and 35x12.5R20 now I can't keep this jeep in its lane on the freeway.
Wonder if this is the same process on my jeep jk 2018?
Yes. I have done this to other cars and jeeps.
Unfortunately, I couldn't break free my adjuster screw. The geniuses over at Jeep chose a flat head design on top of the screw for the JK. At least for the 09 anyway. I'll have to try two nuts to break if free this weekend. 🙄
You should do a video on what you need to remove to get to this part
No offense but if you need a video to get to this, it's probably not something you should take on. Get some one to help. Good luck with the fix, jeep should have done it from the start.
@@c130aviator Well I got my steering tightened up. Removing that stuff was unnecessary. You mentioned getting the proper torque on the 15mm nut. What is the proper torque for that and how did you get that torque without a torque wrench??
If you are under warranty have Jeep replace the aluminum steering gear box with the steal one. I've replaced my dampener already and it helped but still too much play. I'm 2 months out of warranty and was quoted $987 to replace. Been fighting my steering for too long.....
I’m not very technically savvy, so looking down at the box and green mark and then the yellow marks confused me. Backlash? 15 thousandths? I had told the dealership about the steering on the highway and he shrugged and said “jeeps”
Wonder if you can do a JK like that?
Yes
You undo the bolt the move both again to the right at the same time then tighten it?
Hi, will this slight adjustment void my warranty?
No, most dealer techs are not mechanics. I would say they don't even really care. They replace parts and are not even worried about stuff like this. They'll have no clue this was adjusted if you aligh the marks when complete.
My jeep jl center screw is not ale , it is a circle. I can adjust just the nob, someone knows how adjust center screw?😊
I adjusted my caster to the high side of the spec. 6.0 and it is perfect. Do not mess with your gear box. Sorry.
Caster doesn't fix the sloppy feel. I have addressed this. Thank you for the polite reply.
CANNOT ADJUST CASTER IN STOCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anybody do this the the upgraded/replacement tsb steel box? PS a wrench and a socket Witt 6” extension and 5/32 Allen socket make this real easy to do.
Have u tried doing this to the upgraded steering box?
I didn’t. I adjusted the castor to 6° and it solved my problem.
I can not turn the alien bolt in the center. I loosened the 15 mm nut . What am i doing wrong. Thank you
Its a very tight interference bolt and nut. You will have to put some muscle behind it, make small corrections as you go.
It has red loctite on it. Some probably more than others. Heat is needed to soften it up. Be careful.
David Faustino I used a heat gun from Harbor Freight. Worked great and was needed
I just tried this and I wasn't able to loosen up the 5/32 allen bolt. I even tried with a rachet.
Any ideas?
Mine moved freely. Some people heat it with a torch that you use to sweat pipes. It'll move. Also use a bit and an extension instead of a small hex key.
@@c130aviator okay I'll give it another try some day
@@buckeyedolfandid you able to loosen that allen bolt?
Why would you advise using non metric allen on a metric bolt, this will strip or ruin it for the future
At the time it was what fit my application. It was later discovered that I had the wrong one. Still worked and didn't strip my application.
Thank you!! Works like a champ on my 2020 with a new box already installed. This steering is terrible without the adjustment. I had a question though. How is the adjustment weeks later? Does it revert back to garbage or staying constant? Also, Would you recommend the synergy trackbar replacement and trackbar brace? My JL is stock
I feel the Synergy trackbar brace (that I paid full price for shipped to Guam), is a great part. Its a valuable part that centers that sector shaft allowing for a more steady adjustment to the steering box. It works hand in hand with this video. The trackbar also is a good part because the stock bar is 8 lbs, my Rock Krawler Trackbar weighs 18 lbs. It does not flex like the stock piece. It makes the suspension stiffer and less sloppy.
@@c130aviator Thanks again. I added the Synergy Trackbar brace per your recommendation. Tightened the steering and helped a bunch. I also changed out the trackbar with Synergy but then went back to factory. The Synergy didn’t fit quite right and made a lot of noise. The factory worked fine since I’m not lifted. I also did the Updated Fuse Technique posted by CaliforniaJeeping on the JLForum. That reset mostly fixed the wandering. It’s a shame FCA is selling JLs and Gladiators with faulty steering and banking on aftermarket fixes to limit their liability. I enjoy your post so please keep them coming!!
@@scottcarpenter5988 thanks for info
I had to do a search for the Updated Fuse Technique and to save time for others, here it is below:
californiajeeping said:
Updated Power Steering Reset Fuse Technique
Some have reported this fixed a few different steering issues such as the dead spot, loose steering, pulling, etc.
Note: It might not be a good idea to try this procedure if you have already made other modifications to tighten steering like adjusting the steering box lash screw. Keep in mind that this same reset occurs if you have a dead battery or replaced the battery so if you have made other steering tightening modifications you may have over tight steering.
1. With the JL off, remove F34 power steering fuse.
2. Start the JL, notice no power steering by turning the steering wheel and dash message error appears. Do not drive it.
3. Turn off engine. Open driver door and close it so it completely turns off all dash lights. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes so all electronics fully discharge.
4. Reinsert F34 fuse, start engine, immediately turn steering wheel full left, full right, turn to center, turn engine off. Restart and take for a test drive.