Steering damper longevity
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Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
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Steering damper longevity
Wondering how long should the steering dampers last. My 2016 G wagon has gone thru two dampers. The truck only has 24,000 miles and it’s driven only on city roads and occasionally on interstates.
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Joined: May 2017
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From: Plano, Texas
2012 G550 - Capri Blue Metallic
That seems very unusual... still have the original damper on the truck with 40,000 miles including some serious off-roading. I would imagine normally life expectancy would be around 70-80,000 miles.
Perhaps there's an underlying cause? Do you feel vibrations through the wheel and maybe the damper is under constant stress?
If you're tired of replacing the original OEM one, perhaps upgrade to a Fox shock?
Perhaps there's an underlying cause? Do you feel vibrations through the wheel and maybe the damper is under constant stress?
If you're tired of replacing the original OEM one, perhaps upgrade to a Fox shock?
Last edited by Limey Hooligan; Jan 27, 2021 at 01:10 PM.
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From: USA
18 G550, 24 EQB3504M
My 2018 needed a new damper at 4500 miles and it’s now got 6200 miles and I suspect it may need one again at some point due to some subtle shake at certain speeds. My research pointed to out of balance wheels/tires and alignment so I’ll look to find a shop that can do a really good road force balance of all four tires before summer
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From what I have seen most old style G wagons go thru steering stabilizers at a very fast pace. Today I had my tires rebalanced (although the tire shop didn’t think that they were off by much). With the new stabilizer the G wagon feels tighter and seems to track better over small bumps. Time will tell....
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From: Massachusetts
2018 GLE350, 2014 G550, 2000 SL500, 1980 TR8, 1995 E320 Cabriolet
Proper tire balance is the key. Let me repeat that, proper tire balance is the key. And that means a good road force balance to under 20 pounds. It is a common misconception that the steering damper there to deal with steering wheel vibrations (especially the wobble of death at 60 MPH). That is not its primary purpose. It is there to dampen or slow down the steering response at speed so the truck is not as "twitchy", making it more pleasant to drive, less susceptible to bump steer (from potholes, etc.), and making it safer in a high speed panic maneuver. With a properly balanced set of tires, a G will drive with no vibration with the steering damper removed! So don't mask the problem, address it at its source.
Last edited by Floobydust; Jan 28, 2021 at 01:27 PM.
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1999 E320, 2008 S550, 2016 G63 AMG
Mine was replaced under warranty based on leakage (oily around outer casing). It was under 10K miles when replaced and I am pretty certain that it was not taking off road from previously owner.
I have seen other choices that physically looks more beefy compared to the OEM.
Are after market versions anymore robust and more reliable?
I have seen other choices that physically looks more beefy compared to the OEM.
Are after market versions anymore robust and more reliable?
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From: SO CAL
2008 S550, 2004 G500, 2020 Cayenne
I have heard that in a perfect world, you wouldn't have that wobble even without the steering damper.
I had experienced that death wobble at 60 MPH twice when I had to replace the tires, and both times, the fix was the road force balance.
I had experienced that death wobble at 60 MPH twice when I had to replace the tires, and both times, the fix was the road force balance.
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No more MB:(
I know all about the wobble of death. For me, I find it's tire pressure sensitive which this time of the year fluctuates. Sometimes I get none and other times I do, usually between 55-70. If my tires are warmed up and running correct PSI its a lot less.
