RTC steering dampers - feedback

**dhumphri** · 27th May 2006, 06:51 PM

Guys
Bought a 4way return to centre steering damper approx 3 months ago and have been running it on the Defender for that time. I loved the thing at first but after 3 months I have started to experience steering shudder around corners on both smooth and rough road. This generally happens at speeds over 60 kilometres an hour on either right or left hand bends.

It appears after 3 months of easy use the damper has 'soft' spots in its action which is causing this steering problem.

In summary I have dumped this product and gone back to a Bilstein damper - was going to try a Koni but they dont seem to be readily available. Regards Daz

**one_iota** · 27th May 2006, 06:58 PM

Originally Posted by dhumphri

Guys
Bought a 4way return to centre steering damper approx 3 months ago and have been running it on the Defender for that time. I loved the thing at first but after 3 months I have started to experience steering shudder around corners on both smooth and rough road. This generally happens at speeds over 60 kilometres an hour on either right or left hand bends.

It appears after 3 months of easy use the damper has 'soft' spots in its action which is causing this steering problem.

In summary I have dumped this product and gone back to a Bilstein damper - was going to try a Koni but they dont seem to be readily available. Regards Daz

What brand..Tough Dog?

**amtravic1** · 27th May 2006, 07:10 PM

The same thing happened with mine. Was great for 3-6 months then the damping had soft spots. Would never buy another, just rubbish.Will stick with Bilstein.

**dhumphri** · 27th May 2006, 07:14 PM

Hi Mahn - it is a tough dog / 4way product..

**one_iota** · 27th May 2006, 07:20 PM

My experience with RTC on the Disco is OK so far.

I relocated the damper and used a Bilstein with dubious results...the RTC is better.

I have heard that the RTC on the Defender is less than satisfactory.

I am thinking about putting the Billie in the original position as well...run both

**walker** · 27th May 2006, 10:55 PM

I was considering a RTC damper a couple of months back when I needed a new one. I was talked out of it by 3 different LR mechanics. They all said the same thing, RTC is not needed on LR steering geometry. They said RTC was designed because of the geometry on the Nissan and Toyota steering and only puts extra strain on the steering box of Rovers.

Personally I have no idea but I was willing to take the experts advice.

**VladTepes** · 9th June 2006, 07:57 AM

I presume these are the 4-way ones you are talking about Daz ?!

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....MEWA%3AIT&rd=1

If they were designed specifically for Nissans and Toyotas (based on their steering geometry) I find it ironic that they are being marketed to LR owners because OUR vehicles are "agricultural".

HSVRangie · 9th June 2006, 08:08 AM

RTC damper only mask a problem.

most are crap.

Fit a Bilstein steering damper all will be fine.

make sure Castor, tow in and all bushes are in good order along with swivell ball bearing preload.

Michael.

**that_kid** · 30th December 2008, 03:29 PM

i just ordered a bilstein for my disco 2 i hope you guys are on the money

**dullbird** · 30th December 2008, 03:42 PM

Originally Posted by HSVRangie

RTC damper only mask a problem.

most are crap.

Fit a Bilstein steering damper all will be fine.

make sure Castor, tow in and all bushes are in good order along with swivell ball bearing preload.

Michael.

would only mask a probem if you fitted it with a problem...I would of thought
if you dont have a steering problem before fitting and it is set up correctly I cant see how its going to mask anything..as one would assume it would show up a problem just like any normal damper would.

as for the steering shudder hard to comment as I have one on the disco not a defender and it is the though dog one..

the only problem I have with it is ocasionall the spring works its way out of the collar and pushed up on my relocation mount it doesn't cause a problem just an annoying twang when going around corners as the spring vibrates on compression........if I get under and twist the spring back into place it doesn't do it.

I'm not sure why this happens it doesn't happen all the time, and like i say it doesn't seem to effect the steering its just bloody annoying.

I have heard mixed reports of these I find it quite interesting.....discowhite also ran one on his deffer and when we compared the two as I brought my'n on his recommendation. We noticed that the collar on my'n looked not as well made and the collar appeared to not be as a tight fit as his...we are assuming this is how the spring winds its way out on occasions.

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