New steering damper-What can I expect?
 

While replacing my starter on my 85 300D, I noticed the steering damper is basically worn. (very little resistance back and forth). Car steers and drives very well since I had it alligned. If I replace the damper, should I expect a significant difference in the feel at the wheel? It's probably been bad since I purchased the car. Any experience with this out there?
Thanks,
Gene

The system was designed to function with a functioning damper. Regard it as a 50,000 mile replacement item. If you think about it, there are forces transmitted through the suspension that are horizontal (left to right). The damper resists those forces.

I just bought a '97 S320. I didn't think the steering felt right. Removed the old damper. Limp with no resistance. Slapped in a new one. Not only did the steering feel better, but the reaction to bumps improved. Nothing dramatic, but an improvement.

Steve

Just did this last weekend on mine, along with the drag link. Not too much difference. Wheel feels firmer. More stable in the wheel going accross potholes and the like. It is worth the money, and takes about 20 mins. Might as well.

Do you need the "self locking bolts" to install it? I was reading about it in the MB service manual library CD I have, and it says it is mounted with two "self locking bolts"

Are the old ones reusable with locktite on them or something? I was wondering about it so I know whether I should get some new bolts from the dealership or not. I have the steering damper on my desk in the basement and plenty of locktite in the garage...so I'd think I'd be ok.... :confused:

Personally, I have never bought new nuts or bolts for the R&R of the steering damper. If your were a car mfg, wouldn't you also specify new self - locking nuts. Think legal dept. and lawsuits.

Steve

Soft,

And lets not forget more profit.

P E H

Yes, that too.

Steve

Clean the bolts and put Loctite on them. Make sure the bolt hole is reasonably clean. Use the blue stuff so you can get the bolts out in another 50,000 miles.

Jeremy

Replacing a worn steering damper will help restore the 'Mercedes' feel - stable, smooth, luxurious.

Exactly the reason why a lot of the w201 guys remove them (myself excluded).

The only Merc mechanic I trust taught me the trick of removing the damper for suspension problem diagnosis...a properly functioning damper will help mask a lot of other issues such as worn linkage components, alignment, etc.

If your old one has no resistance..."like a pushing a straw into a glass of water" you will notice a good bit of difference. A 30 buck, 10 minute repair made a very noticeable diiference in the way the steering feels....you can really feel it on a rough road. Go for it...it's a easy task.

Thanks! I will probably install it tonight then! Blue Loctite and cleaning it off really good is the way I will go. (I don't even own red loctite, I'm afraid of it :eek:)

I wonder how much of a difference it will make, my suspension is tired on my car, and the damper on there is original......

Also think in terms of less wear on suspension components - thats probly where cheap steering dampner replacement pays for itself.