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Steering Damper
Looking under our rig for the plastic shield commented on in the other post I noticed the damper on ours. I don't notice a problem with our steering but I wonder if I should replace this due to what appears to be a leak? We have around 62K on the rig.

Jim

Re: Steering Damper
Reply #1
It looks to me like it’s starting to leak and due for replacement. They’re not very expensive and could make a noticeable improvement.
Dale from Downey 27’ 2012 RB,”Casa Verde”, 2000 Jeep Wrangler. Formerly1991 RB & 1990 Jeep Wrangler.

 

Re: Steering Damper
Reply #3
I suspect that even you could do it Jim.
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy

Re: Steering Damper
Reply #4
How easy are they to replace as a DIY?
Easy, the hardest part is getting under the front of the engine.
The hardest part is finding the right size plastic pin.
Plastic pins, in various sizes, are available in most auto parts stores.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Steering Damper
Reply #5
Easy, the hardest part is getting under the front of the engine.
The hardest part is finding the right size plastic pin.
Plastic pins, in various sizes, are available in most auto parts stores.

Larry

From that I gather it isn't just a matter of unbolting the old and bolting on the new and all the necessary parts aren't included with the damper.

Jim

Re: Steering Damper
Reply #6
From that I gather it isn't just a matter of unbolting the old and bolting on the new and all the necessary parts aren't included with the damper.

On our '09 MB, the replacement was "unbolting and bolting".  As Larry said, the hardest part was just getting on the ground.  The existing bolts are used on the new damper.  It's necessary to turn the steering so that the damper is compressed to the same size as the replacement which is explained in the simple installation instructions.

Btw, we installed a Bilstein steering damper for about $75 and free shipping from Amazon.  We didn't have a plastic pin.  Maybe Larry was referring to Piece of plastic hanging down at front ?

 Hope this helps.

Re: Steering Damper
Reply #7
From that I gather it isn't just a matter of unbolting the old and bolting on the new and all the necessary parts aren't included with the damper.

Jim
Nope; I replaced the factory damper with a Bilstein unit and you use the Ford factory hardware. You will have to take a few measurements to make sure it is positioned correctly. Here's the unit to shop for:

Product Search Detail - BILSTEIN

Charles
Harvest Hosts + Boondockers Welcome #23975
Escapees SKP #138195
2007 23.5' Twin King


Re: Steering Damper
Reply #9
We just had ours replaced.  We bought it at NAPA for around $40 and our local "friend" mechanic only charged us $20. to install.


Re: Steering Damper
Reply #10

What is the plastic pin and where does it go?

The plastic shield has two holes, where the push pins are inserted and then pushed into holes in the LD's metal frame, locking the shield in place.
Here is a link to a collection of pins that show some of the various sizes and types available.
Amazon.com: Uolor 415 Pcs Push Retainer Kit with Fastener Remover, Auto Push...

Larry
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Steering Damper
Reply #11
Looking under our rig for the plastic shield commented on in the other post I noticed the damper on ours. I don't notice a problem with our steering but I wonder if I should replace this due to what appears to be a leak? We have around 62K on the rig.

Jim

Looks to me as though you have weather damage to the shaft attachment, and quite a bit of rust on everything. A thorough inspection of the front end would be in order to see if components, brackets, etc., are in need of more immediate attention.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit

Re: Steering Damper
Reply #12
Looks to me as though you have weather damage to the shaft attachment, and quite a bit of rust on everything. A thorough inspection of the front end would be in order to see if components, brackets, etc., are in need of more immediate attention.

Steve


Thanks, Steve, It was thoroughly inspected May of 2016 by All Wheel and I plan on having them check that again in a couple of months.

Jim