ashutt

I replaced the steering damper (Cost $34.00) on Monday. This part is also known as the steering shock or steering stabilizer. It sits vertically across under the engine and only requires two bolts to replace. If I had a jack to lift the car I would have done the replacement myself. My mechanic did it on the lift in about 60 seconds.

What impressed me was at 55,000 miles the shock was shot- really shot. To be honest, before I replaced the part the steering feel was somewhat numb but I assumed this was part of the Merc steering "feel" problem and wasn't to concerned. However, after replacing this part the car responds much quicker and crisper to smaller steering wheel movements. The numb feeling has been significantly reduced.

That being said, for the money, I would recommend replacing this part on cars with 40,000 or more miles. You will be pleased with the steering feel restored to your car.

ntmatter

Is $34 the cost from the dealer, or did you order it somewhere? Is this something that a reasonably handy person could self-install?

ashutt

I amended my post above to include a link to the $34.00 OEM part, which I did not purchase from the dealer, as well as, a picture of the part.

slobes

This is awesome. The dealer just told me that my steering shock is leaking. I assume this is what they are talking about. I will be doing this along with my motor mounts soon!

AMS Performance

Yes, it does make a big difference.

If you REALLY want to transform the way the front end feels, get the steering damper as well as the entire front tie-rod assembly with new bottom lower ball joints. This replaces almost every possible part in the front suspension that is prone to wearing out, and the total parts is under $200 so its well worth the money. Also, since they are all interconnected the labor isn't really that much more to just do everything at once, so you might as well replace it all.

Hope that helps

slobes

I actually need to replace the front lower ball joints. I wasn't going to attempt this myself. Are you saying there is a way that I can replace everything all together without needing the special ball joint compression tool?

I literally have the damper in my autohausaz.com cart right now. Let me know!

M-bENZ

How did you get $34 ? your link shown $44 something ?

Andy

slobes

It's actually cheaper at autohausaz.com... $27!

http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...ering%20Damper

Is what he said up there true about replacing the tie rod assembly and lower ball joints? Will I need 12 hours in my driveway to do the ball joints? That's what I've read on here.

mk4mike

w209's dont have steering dampers! rack & pinion instead

M-bENZ

I guess we can change the tierod end (inner + outer).

Andy

mk4mike

Yep!

AMS Performance

On the W208s, the lower ball joints simply bolt right in and take less than half an hour per side (if not less).

The steering damper bolts on directly to the tie-rod assembly on one end, and the chassis on the other. Its job is to restrict the movement of the tie-rod assembly in relation to the chassis giving it that "firm" resistance feel in the steering. Without a good steering damper, it just moves freely giving it that loose sloppy feel. However, the tie-rod ends themselves also wear out and when they do, you can feel the steering just sort of "flop" over once you turn more than one full turn in either direction.

They are all interconnected and should be replaced together as one. The only component that typically wears that is NOT easy or cheap to replace is the upper control arms (which has the upper ball joints built into them). They are a pain.

However, if you plan on doing suspension upgrade, alot of this stuff has to come out anyways so it may be a good idea to just wait until you are upgrading suspension and just do everything all at once. If you have a good relationship with your shop they will definitely cut down the labor alot, which will save you a significant amount of $$.

Hope that helps

Bmwr1d3h

55,000k that is really good, I changed mine two times already in 2 years...if you have aftermarket wheels be ready to replace it often...but yes I do agree, I changed the drag link with the steering damper and it feels like a new car, my alignment fixed too...

slobes

Thanks for the information AMS. That is very valuable and I will be looking to do this work over one of the upcoming weekends. I was worried that I'd need a chizel and a lift to get this done, but it sounds like the tie-rod assem. ball joints, and steering damper can all be done in the driveway. I hope that's true!

Chappy

Mine was toasted at 30K miles. It will get changed regularly as part of routine maintenance.

Amiricanmade

Would this be a good idea for a 07 550 with 53k on it?

Jessie D

I just had the steering dampener replaced with the 300 OEM part... drove away and it felt nice... then 15 minutes later started shaking again when i was going faster, hit a bump, etc. Anyone else have that issue? Is it possible the OEM part is not the right part for this car? I purchased a stabilus 2312PW 201/18 BC.02

any insight?

insame1

Its probably your control arms.