Hi folks,;
Can someone explain to me the use of Steering damper. How do I know its time to replace.
Thanks
MVK

__________________
One penny saved is three penny earned.

1985 300D Turbo 179,000miles

My understanding is that it helps prevent steering wheel kickback when going over rough terrain - potholes in this instance.

Should I replace it. Its about 20 bucks. I am not sure if I need it but it looks like DIY project.
MVK

__________________
One penny saved is three penny earned.

1985 300D Turbo 179,000miles

MVK,

The steering damper reduces vibration and response (kick back) from uneven surfaces, especially when they are encountered other than straight on. If the car is in need of a new one, but the rest of the system is in good shape, you may not be aware of the fact it is worn out. They usually don't fail abruptly while you are driving, so you experience a gradual degradation of the damper performance which makes it hard to detect, and you get used to it as it happens. A worn out damper passes extra, higher frequency vibration on the rest of the steering system components, which increases wear on those parts.

When you put a new one on, it will slightly stiffen the steering feel and it should smooth the response to road irregularities, and reduce wear to the rest of the system. I usually end up replacing them when I do some maintenance in the vicinity and notice the damper is near rusted away. Once off the car, if you compare the old one to the new one, the difference is very apparent. The changeout is easy.

Hope this helps, Jim

__________________
Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)

In both of my MB diesels (1980 240d and 1983 300d), I replaced the steering damper when I adjusted the play out of the steering. You can tell if it's bad by removing it and checking to see if it functions like a shock.

Both of the ones I removed had about 130 to 150 kmiles and they were completely gone (you could slide them in and out with little to no effort.

They are easy to change but you have to get under the car. Please take all the appropriate safety actions before you get under it.

thanks
Joe

Thanks Joe and Jim:
I think I will do it its never done on my car before. Might as well do it and get it out of way.
next week end project. (also the rear swaybar link).
MVK

__________________
One penny saved is three penny earned.

1985 300D Turbo 179,000miles

Start out small like this and get that feeling of accomplishment and you will be dropping that differential out next . It's not alot harder, just more physically demanding.

__________________
Jim

JimSmith, I thought the steering damper was like an autopilot allowing people the luxury of not having to have their hands on the steering wheel all the time..... most people I see on the road already have one hand taken up with holding the phone... how can people put on makeup,eat,change cds,picking their n***,etc, unless the steering damper will allow hands free driving ? Greg

leathermang,

I think some of those people would do that even if their steering dampers were removed right in front of them. But take away their cruise controls, and you might actually keep them off the road. I mean, the car will go and careen around the way they like it without an autopilot to steer, but if you can't keep your foot on the gas, well, it just won't go. Jim

__________________
Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)

I wish you had not mentioned cruise control... that is right after air conditioning and 1 qt oil usage per 300 miles of driving.....but that stainless steel exhaust would more than double what I have into the car... LOL... Greg