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)