Replaced Steering Damper ("Shock")- Wow!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 453
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas
2005 SL600 by SPEEDRIVEN
Replaced $34.00 Steering Damper ("Shock")- Wow!
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.
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.
Last edited by ashutt; Mar 13, 2007 at 05:06 PM.
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,935
Likes: 5
AMG
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
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
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: MA
CLK320
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!
I literally have the damper in my autohausaz.com cart right now. Let me know!
Trending Topics
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: MA
CLK320
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.
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.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,935
Likes: 5
AMG
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 $$.
Hope that helps
The steering damper bolts on directly to the tie-rod assembly on one end, and the chassis on the other. Its job is to restrict the movement of the tie-rod assembly in relation to the chassis giving it that "firm" resistance feel in the steering. Without a good steering damper, it just moves freely giving it that loose sloppy feel. However, the tie-rod ends themselves also wear out and when they do, you can feel the steering just sort of "flop" over once you turn more than one full turn in either direction.
They are all interconnected and should be replaced together as one. The only component that typically wears that is NOT easy or cheap to replace is the upper control arms (which has the upper ball joints built into them). They are a pain.
However, if you plan on doing suspension upgrade, alot of this stuff has to come out anyways so it may be a good idea to just wait until you are upgrading suspension and just do everything all at once. If you have a good relationship with your shop they will definitely cut down the labor alot, which will save you a significant amount of $$.
Hope that helps
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 106
Likes: 2
clk55
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...
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: MA
CLK320
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!
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2002 G500
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?
any insight?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,562
Likes: 197
From: Austin, TX
2006 E55, 2012 GLK350 & 1992 190e sportline
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?
any insight?
