Steering Damper Install-Pics

[Forzaman]

Here's how I changed out the damper on my '97 LC w/ a new OEM damper. No heat,hammers,worries. First marinate your nuts (qty 2 ,Damper meets bracket and damper at the relay rod) overnite w/some liquid wrench. Here's some of the tools I used.

Steering damper pre-shot

Here's where to start first,the damper at the relay rod.

Remove the nut on the back side w/ breaker bar then ratchet.

Here's the honey that gets it done..$30 worth it.

Like butter.

Another angle.

Once that pops off (pretty loud pop!) move over to the bracket and remove 2 bolts.

Take that to the vise and use the tie rod end remover to pop it off (again, a loud pop!)

Attach new damper to bracket and torque to 54 ft/lbs.

Attach bracket back on the frame with the 2 bolts and torque to 29 ft/lbs. Then attach other end of damper to the relay rod and torque the nut to 54 ft/lbs. Done. Should be about 45 minutes total. it's all in the marinade.

 

[timer00]

no pics ??

 

[Forzaman]

I thought I had them all up and now the dreaded red x . I'm working on it.

 

[timer00]

I thought I had them all up and now the dreaded red x . I'm working on it.

figured something like that happened. Look forward to them

 

[Ozdunc]

All good with me.

 

[Czar]

Something's wrong with the pics.....where's the rust?

 

[timer00]

Nice been looking for a nice short concise way of doing this.

 

[arndog123]

I wish I had that tool when I did the steering dampers on my 80's. It took a lot of pounding and cursing to break 'em loose.

 

[Forzaman]

I spray the undercarriage with this stuff:
Corrosion Stop
seems to do the job. I'm the original owner so I always kept it coated.

 

[timer00]

I spray the undercarriage with this stuff:
Corrosion Stop
seems to do the job. I'm the original owner so I always kept it coated.

Seems its from the same family as PB Blaster I think. I'll have to check out that stuff

 

[bmw635]

What do you look for when time to replace the steering dampener? TIA.

 

[Kernal]

Regular PB Blaster damages rubber, what is that Corrosion Stop made of? Is it a waxy or a rubber undercoating?? Edit: looked at the MSDS, looks like Petrolatum with some Acetone and Hexane which would evaporate away.

 

[Forzaman]

I just had new tires put on and had a slight shimmy thru the steering wheel and the truck wandered at highway speeds. Replacing this seemed to cure it. Now it feels like new again.

 

[GCRad1]

Where did you purchase your otc 7315A ball joint end remover from for $30?

Cheapest I'm seeing it for is $41.05 + shipping...
otc ball joint end remover - Google Search

 

[harrydunn]

Same one I used. It worked like a charm but stripped the threads in the process. I was able to return it for a full refund. I would not be afraid to buy another one as I think I just got a bad unit.

 

[gfox777]

I have been looking for a good product to take care of some undercarriage Utah rust. How long have you been using this stuff and how has it worked so far? Thanks for posting.

GF

 

[Riad]

Just got some more parts from Dan, so am I right, the steering damper does not come with any (castle) nuts? What size nut should I get?

Thanks

 

[702FZJ80]

Old thread resurrection:

Don't waste your time with a pickle fork, MAPP gas, and a BFH! I felt like I was tearing my tie rod apart I was banging on it so hard. I then reviewed this thread and went to Autozone. They have this tool in their free loaner program and it's worth it's weight in gold, so inuitive and easy to use. Hope it helps out guys!


Autozone Part #27276

 

[BILT4ME]

One very important tip: Don't just crank on the bolt to tighten it, or you may run the risk of stripping the threads as the one post states. These tools are designed to tighten, then hit the head of the bolt (on the tool) with a hammer, tighten, hit the head with a hammer, lather, rinse, repeat........

 

[theQuaz]

Just did this. Worked like a charm even for a noob. Aerokroil marinade + tool = hour long swap job.