My Steering Problems....are fixed!

[wildturkey]

As some of you know, i've had steering problems since 10K k's.
When stationary and with the engine running, if i rock the steering say 45° from center- left to right, there's a worrying clunking noise.

First visit they thought it was the pitman arm so they replaced that. Problem still there.

Second visit they replaced the steering box. Problem came back within a week.

Now i'm on 29K k's and on the third visit, which was Monday and half of yesterday. They replaced "some bar that runs from one side of the car to the other" (service dude's words) and the problem's still there.

Now they're pretty sure that it's what they called an intermediate bar that's the problem. It's the bit that connects the steering column to the steering box i've been told. This needs to be ordered from Singapore and will be here in about 10 days.

To their credit, they've treated me well throughout this drama but still, it's pissing me off that it's taken so many visits to find the problem. I just hope that the leaking air to the feet and whining diff/CV/?? is rectified quicker. Haven't even looked at that yet.

I'll keep youse posted.

P.S. Tony doesn't work at WW Burwood anymore which is a bummer- he was good to deal with.

[cherokee94nz]

The bolt that holds your track bar may need a tighten, put a big ring spanner or socket on it and loosen the bolt, then tighten it again. Then see if clunck dissapears.

[Cpage66]

Yeah Mario keep us up to date on that one. I remember it well from when you showed me and I've been obsessing about if mine will start...

[wildturkey]

Originally Posted by cherokee94nz

The bolt that holds your track bar may need a tighten, put a big ring spanner or socket on it and loosen the bolt, then tighten it again. Then see if clunck dissapears.

When you grip the intermediate shaft and try to replicate teh cluncking it won't do it. This is why they reckon it's the problem. I'll still have a look at what you're talking about on the weekend though.

Was funny, the service dude behind the counter, in an attempt to try to make me feel better about all this said "look on the bright side, with all the parts we've replaced, you'll have completley new steering system"....to which i replied..."it already was new when we started"

ANyway, see what happens in a couple of weeks.

Chris i wouldn't worry too much mate. Least if it shows the same problem as mine then you'll be able to get it sorted in one visit.

[wildturkey]

Visit Number 4.
Today they changed the intermediate bar.

I get a call to say it's fixed and ready to go. I hop in just like the previous 3 times and i couldn't fckn believe it. The problem is still there.
Straight back inside the service office

So they get under the car and after about 1 minute looking at it, tell me that they NOW know what the problem is.
Mechanic: "It's the bar that goes from one side of the car to the other, it connects to the pitman arm"
Me: "what's it called"
Mechanic: This one here (points to it)
Me:
Me: But didn't you change that last time and decided it was the intermediate bar?
Mechanic: Dunno but look, you can see it, look at the play
Me: So didn't you check for the problem before you said it was fixed?
Mechanic: shrugs
So i tell the service guy that i haven't got time to discuss this shit right now as i have an interview in 20 mins, just order the part in asap, i'll call you tomorrow. I'm not calling, i'm going in there i've decided since.

I've been patient and understanding to date and seen it as a fault finding process. Now i'm starting to see it as a serious incompetance problem and will be letting someone who matters know about it. Further to this they put two stone chip size marks in the rh guard, didn't look at the A/C air leaking at the feet and didn't replace the power steering fluid like they said they would to rectify an unrelated steering hydraulics problem.

WTF do i do?
Do i write a letter to Jeep HO or the dealership bigwig- does this change anything?
Do i take it to another dealership to fix? (i don't like this option as they probably prefer that i go away, don't wanna let that happen)


I dunno, i just want it fixed.

[brizXJ]

Geez mate, you really have had a rough deal..........it does sound like total incompetence for sure.
Seriously I think you will need to take this matter to a higher authority, my suggestion would be to sit down and create an email listing a detailed timeline of the issues you have, suggest that as you have reported a fault with this vehicle since almost new and it has not been corrected despite four visits for the same issue you are exersising your rights under the 'Lemon Law'* to claim a new vehicle with the identical specifications to the current one.
I would then send that email to the selling dealership's Service manager, CC the State manager for Chrysler Jeep,your local member of the legislative Assembly, the office of Fair Trading and if your know a lawyer, include him/her also.

*Unfortuantly the 'Lemon Law' applies only in the US, its a federal law designed to protect people who do everything possible to have a fault corrected but are not sucessful....there has been some talk of introducing a similar law here but our weak kneed politicians wouldnt want to upset the Motor Traders industry leaders now would they??....

[wrench]

Trouble is that after a 10 day wait for the parts the poor mechanic gets told to fit the part & ususally gets no rundown on the problem & previous attempted repair history.This & constant pressure to do the job quickly leads to probs like you're having.

Maybe a firm suggestion that they supply a loaner & retain the car until they are certain your list of 'DEFECTS' are properly rectified may work.

Otherwise the suggested power path for your complaints is:-
Service adviser
Service manager
Dealer principal
State distributor head office
National distributor head office
American head office
I'd suggest taking the steps in order as jumping straight to the top causes excess agro at the lower levels & can complicate negotiations.

HTH
David