Was wondering if anyone knows when or if you should replace one. If so, what are some of the signs of emminent replacement.....Thanks

i replaced mine last year, its a simple fix just two bolts and its out.
when i hit any bumps my steering wheel would shimmy then stop. after replacement the wheel stayed solid after hitting them.

If it starts to leak, it needs to be replaced. You can also disconnect one end and stroke it. It should provide uniform resistance throughout the range of travel. If the resistance is jerky, it should be replaced.

The steering damper is a high pressure gas type like the suspension shock absorbers, and the most common cause of failure is loss of gas pressure, which will almost always be accompanied by oil leaking.

Duke

on a w202: where is it located? roughly...sounds like a basic beginner can do it...thanks for the help......

It is underneath the car plain as day. It is a very easy repair, but if it isn't leaking then I wouldn't bother. Just crawl under there and look at it. If there is a drop of oil hanging on it then it is leaking. If it is dry then it isn't.

Mike

__________________
1998 C230 330,000 miles (currently dead of second failed EIS, yours will fail too, turning you into the dealer's personal human cash machine)
1988 F150 144,000 miles (leaks all the colors of the rainbow)
Previous stars: 1981 Brava 210,000 miles, 1978 128 150,000 miles, 1977 B200 Van 175,000 miles, 1972 Vega (great, if rusty, car), 1972 Celica, 1986.5 Supra