D2 steering damper

**wardy1** · 8th February 2007, 03:10 PM

Can anyone tell me what the symptoms of a worn steering damper are? Vehicle has done 150k and although I have replaced all the shocks and springs, the damper is original...... seems to be a little vague in the steering dept. While we're talking about this, any recommendations on a good replacement?

**Disco300Tdi** · 8th February 2007, 03:15 PM

How long is a piece of string...

How much do you want to spend ???

**Bush65** · 9th February 2007, 06:09 PM

Vague steering is a subjective thing. In any case, steering dampers are not there for that purpose, but to dampen violent movement of the steering when driving on rough tracks.

Vauge steering is more likely due to such things as inadequate caster (from suspension lift), incorrect wheel alignment, inadequate swivel bearing preload, worn panhard bushes or worn radius arm bushes.

As far as steering dampers go, I like Bilstein - Les Richmond sell these (there may be others).

To test a steering damper, I would remove it and judge the resistance of fully extending/compressing it. Resistance should be uniform and equal in both directions.

**LandyAndy** · 9th February 2007, 06:21 PM

I replaced mine with one of those return to centre dampers.Has improved that vauge feeling HEAPS.
Andrew

**Piddler** · 9th February 2007, 09:59 PM

The only thing vauge in mine is the nut behind the wheel

**dmdigital** · 9th February 2007, 10:08 PM

If the damper is completely stuffed you may hear a clunk in the steering. I had this in my Defender when I bought it and was rather suprised to find it was the steering damper causing it. I knew it was stuffed but was suprised it made a noise that disappeared when I replaced it.

The Bilstien is a good damper. I've found the OME one's tend to go after about 2 years - ie when the warrenty is over

I've got a Bilstien on the Defender and will replace the OME on my Disco with a Bilstien when it wears out.