How to determine if my steering damper is shot??
Mudding
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 155
Likes: 14
I maybe wildly off base here so please pardon my ignorance, but isn't the steering damper only there to prevent the wheels from turning the steering wheel violently while off-roading? I was under the impression that the steering damper will not dampen vibrations produced by the front axle or steering mechanism.
At any rate, I'm 100% with you guys when you're saying if there's vibration up front, it's better to find the cause and repair it than to mask it with the damper.
At any rate, I'm 100% with you guys when you're saying if there's vibration up front, it's better to find the cause and repair it than to mask it with the damper.
Baja
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 5,845
Likes: 368
From: Near Bordeaux, France
X1. if it vibrates so without the steering damper it will no doubt feel worse and then start searching hard for the source of the vibes.
Pro Wrench
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,387
Likes: 111
From: Dallas, TX
did you go over the checklist?
i agree with drowssap, the damper can disguise many steering defects. Firstly check any slack in the steering box as it adjustable.
The things to check.
Track control and drag link ball ends.
Top and bottom steering ball ends both sides.
Cv joints.
Tire balance.
Radius arm bushes.
Panhard rod bushes.
Rear watts linkage bushes.
The things to check.
Track control and drag link ball ends.
Top and bottom steering ball ends both sides.
Cv joints.
Tire balance.
Radius arm bushes.
Panhard rod bushes.
Rear watts linkage bushes.
^
|
|
|
|
|
Thread Starter
|
Winching
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 677
Likes: 12
From: Austin, TX
wondering if the steering boxes are similar to the old recirculating ball units used in the older Mercedes. You could tighten the adjustment screw and it would improve the slop at the center point,...but once you moved past that worn center point,....the mechanism would begin to bind,....and often would not return to center on its own.
Pro Wrench
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,605
Likes: 321
From: BC, Canada
wondering if the steering boxes are similar to the old recirculating ball units used in the older Mercedes. You could tighten the adjustment screw and it would improve the slop at the center point,...but once you moved past that worn center point,....the mechanism would begin to bind,....and often would not return to center on its own.
https://landroverforums.com/forum/di...ing-box-66302/
https://landroverforums.com/forum/di...upposed-58657/
Rock Crawling
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 256
Likes: 51
From: Belfast, N. Ireland
wondering if the steering boxes are similar to the old recirculating ball units used in the older Mercedes. You could tighten the adjustment screw and it would improve the slop at the center point,...but once you moved past that worn center point,....the mechanism would begin to bind,....and often would not return to center on its own.
The best thing is to adjust it gradually, loosen off the lock nut and with a 5mm allen key tighten the adjustment screw 2 turns then test it. Repeat as necessary to take out as much of the free play at the centre without compromising the free play at each lock.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post