Steering damper...where to purchase
 

I would like to purchase a steering damper for my 1997 E420. Where can I get this part and is it called a "steering damper?" I have checked several sites including the FastLane and can't find it.

Once I have the part and have the front end on jack stands or ramps, where do I look to replace it. Passenger's side? Any special tools needed?

Thanks!

Someone who has been under a 210 more recently than I (or someone just smarter) may know better, but, I didn't know there was a separate steering damper with the rack-pinion steering of your car.

That car has a rack, I have not been under one yet but I have never seen a Rack and Pinion incorporate a steering damper.

Maybe there isn't one on my car? I just saw the talk about this being a cause of play in the steering wheel on earlier MB models so I was going to change it if I have it.

The W210 chassis doesn't have a steering damper.

mbusa says......
 

In the 16yr. overview for that model, the MBUSA site describes the steering:

"Steering Rack-and-pinion with power assist and hydraulic damper. Steering wheel turns 3.3, lock-to-lock"

What are they referring to? Is there some damper built-in to the rack housing?

Steve

That is for the hydraulic dampeners inside of the steering rack itself!

What does External Damper Do?
 

I have a '88 260e and last time I was under it, I disconnected the steering damper shock to see if it was working. As suspected, it was not working (no resistance at all). Should I replace the damper? The car drives and handles fine. Does the car need the damper and what function does it perform?

I have a minor ammount of play in my steering. Approximately one inch of the circumference of the wheel in either direction depending on the crown of the road.

Since my car has no damper how do I fix this? It's kind of boggling that my sable with twice the mileage has tighter steering.

Re: What does External Damper Do?
 

For $ 29.39 & 1/2 hour of work, I'd replace it.
You may be pleasantly surprised. ;)
As far as I know, it just makes the steering more " balanced ", for lack of a better description.

Re: What does External Damper Do?
 

Thanks Manny,

Next time I order parts I'll be sure to add one to the order. I'm always looking for ways to "improve" the benz.