How do I know if the steering damper needs to be replaced?

I took it out there is still fluid in the damper. There is still resistance when I compress/pull it.


Thanks!

Sounds like you've already checked it...I simply unbolt one end and ensure there's plenty of resistance....should be somewhat difficult to push/pull through its range of motion.

I change mine every 50k miles or so, as a maintenance item.

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Best regards, Michael
'92 500E
'88 300TE

They are cheap so I wouldn't take a chance. If you can hear liquid when you compress the shock you are hearing bubbles form air that has replaced a full charge.

A new one will be significantly stiffer than old, but unless you have the new one the comparison will be hard to describe.

BTW, I personally can only slightly tell the difference between no shock and a good shock, if everything else is tight and in balance.

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Steve Brotherton
Owner 24 bay BSC
Bosch Master, ASE master L1
26 years MB technician

Well, Steve, since you brought it up, what else on this chassis typically contributes to a 'looseness' that can be felt through the steering wheel, provided the car is aligned and the wheels are in balance? Also, it sounds like the steering damper replacement is a DIY item?
Thanks, as always,
Nick