Steering Damper

[ayavner]

OK guys... while under the car the other day for the oil change, was looking at the steering damper, and it occurs to me to ask: how do i know if it needs replaced? My steering does seem a bit "wandery" over bumpy roads. Where's some good sources?

2001 Disco II

 

[Sergei]

should still be ok for 2001.. they are ok for about 30-40K miles.

You can detach it and try to compress/uncompress. If you can do either motion that fairly easy (steady force of about 10lb or more is ok - speaking from just gut feeling) - bloody thing is shot.

 

[ayavner]

will it affect my steering geometry at all if i remove it? also, i have closer to 60K... think its time to check? Should i go for something aftermarket, or is stock OK?

 

[Sergei]

Naahh.. geometry will be exactly same.

Basically reason why dampener is there is safety. It prevents your steering to sideways too abruptly. Like in case if you blow tire on highway. And it helps when you driving bumpy road.

Many people removing those at all. Altough i like mine

As far as replacement goes - its up to you. They arent that different, and basically only bit that really plays role - stiffness. Stiffer dampener will hold wheel better, but steering becomes harder at low speed/standing vehicle.

One thing that also affects things - bushings on dampener. If they are too soft or rotten - you get extra play. When i had dampener in stock place (moved to relocated one since) i used red polyurethane ones from Autozone - that helped a bit And they cost like 8-14$/set..

 

[discomike]

Here is one place where I dissagree with Sergei. Pumping it tells only part of the problem. At 60K you factory stablizer is gone especiall if you do much off roading and have larger tires.
Buy only an OME stablizer or you'll find it won't hold up.
Take care,
Mike J.