I guess the question is, will it get worse. Is it something that should be fixed or can it be left alone (assuming it doesn't drive me crazy). It seems so subtle to me...but just annoying enough to be distracting. Seems like it make sense to get it checked out but I just don't have the energy to do to the dealer to play the back and forth game... but knowing from these thread that some have found a real issue and it has been solved, I might just amuse myself and ask the dealer if he has heard of the problem.... problem? what problem?

 

They do know and even if they don't ask the service manager to take a ride with you before you leave it and show him this thread ... and it is going to get worse. My friend's Rubicon got really bad after a little wheeling,,, mine on the other hand was very subtle but ,, annoying as you say but after the lower steering shaft was replaced it got fix completely remember don't turn off your jeep when you get to the dealer.. mine was noticeable when the jeep was in running temp

 

Just want to make sure I understand what part is the lower steering shaft. When looking in the engine compartment it is the black shaft that connects the steering box to where the shaft comes out the firewall, is that correct? I am sure like all the previous jeeps there will be a heavier duty shaft that will come out.

Bryan

 

That is correct!

 

Well, I sat a the dealer from 7:30am to about 12:30pm and they came up with nothing! They did that flash bit on my brakes saying that maybe it was to sensitive. They also said they went through and tightened everything up and that they didn't see a problem. So the service manager asked the foreman to go for a ride with me (for a second time) and just when I was about to jump out of my own jeep with frustration that the clunk was not happening... it happened! The freaking clunk clunked. Soooo, back to the shop to look at the service web page they have and nothing. So, they documented that they verified the clunk but have no solution at this time. I had to get outta there sooo, now I am to wait until it gets worse so they can more easily diagnose the problem. I plan to print this thread which I should have done in the first place and go in again after hitting a few trails to really wiggle things up a bit!!!

DKH

 

I'd even try another service dept if they don't want to correct the issue.

 

I agree ....

 

Is there any JK's that don't have this issue? Is this happening on units built between certain dates? Or is it a complete crapshoot on who this happens to? I have a new one coming and don't want to have to deal with it.

 

Some have it, and some don't. My buddy has the same 2-door Rubicon that I have and his doesn't do it.

I replaced my shaft myself for $160 and the clunk is gone. Even after doing some serious offroading last weekend on the Miller Trail trip. The shaft IS THE PROBLEM.

I sent my original to Borgeson so they can build a heavy duty shaft, but after looking at the shaft they say they're NOT going to build one because it would require new tooling and they haven't got enough complaints from 2007 Wrangler owners. This is why I was trying to get everyone with the problem to call Gil at Borgeson.

So now, everyone has to keep wasting their time trying to get their dealers to replace the shaft, or buy one themselves for $160!

Here's Gil's response:

Mike,
I'm afraid we can't do anything for you right now. Our closest size u-joint would be a bit loose on the shaft and, since our joints attach with set screws and lock nuts instead of the clamp bolt, I don't think it would be a proper fit. Also since the stock assembly uses a splined telescoping shaft and we use a Double D shaft, we can't match the exact orientation between the 2 joints. This would result in your steering wheel being off center when the front wheels were pointing straight ahead. This can cause a number of problems in the steering column including turn signals that fail to cancel. I wish I could be of help, and if we continue to get complaints from '07 owners, we might look at this again. I will send your stock assembly back to you.
Thanks,
Gil

Modern day warantee's suck don't they?

~

 

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I had the upper column replaced and the service guy told me to put a 1/2" hose clamp around the collar. Look at the picture on top and you can see where the collar went. You can see the collar is gone so the shaft moves about a 1/4 of a inch in the fire wall opening causing the clunk feel in the steering wheel.
The lower picture shows the collar correctly in place and holding the steering column in place at the fire wall opening.

The service tech said this will become a recall issue because the collar is only snug tight and vibrations will cause it fall out and slide down the shaft. The hose clamp corrects this for just .95 cents.