What You Should Know About Steering Stabilizer

Steering stabilizers minimize steering bumps or vibrations and give you better control. Controlling the action of the trucks and SUVs that have oversize tires is an important function of the steering stabilizers. The steering stabilizers will produce a smooth ride and give improved handling by ending the vibration that occurs with larger tires.

The difference between a single steering stabilizer and a dual steering stabilizer usually depends on the tire size or accessories. Vehicles that are not used for heavy-duty functions or have tires 33” or smaller will usually use single steering stabilizers. Dual steering stabilizers are used in vehicles that have heavy accessories like winches, snow plods, and have larger tires that are 35” or more. Vehicles that are used for off-road purposes will need dual steering stabilizers for excellent control.

Have a look at the working of car steering stabilizer:

Steering stabilizers are shock absorbers for the steering system of your vehicle. They are horizontally oriented, unlike other suspension shocks. Steering stabilizers work by dampening shock waves transmitted by the front axle. This reduces the jolts that potholes and other unexpected obstacles can cause in your car. There are two types of steering stabilizer alignments that you can come upon. There are single and double steering stabilizer configurations available. Their names come from the mechanical distinctions between them. The amount of damping force delivered is the fundamental difference between the two steering stabilizer systems. A single steering stabilizer should be sufficient for normal hatchbacks or passenger cars. 

If the steering stabilizer is faulty, then the vehicle may show a few warning signs so that the driver can be aware of the potential issue:

1. Steering wheel feels wobbly or loose

A wobbly steering wheel is the best indicator that the steering damper (also known as a steering stabilizer) is faulty or bad as the steering damper is designed to keep the steering column solid. This symptom might appear even if the steering column is broken because the internal components that are present inside the steering column act as a support for the steering shaft which is fixed to the steering wheel. If the steering wheel is loose or wobbly, it is best to get them inspected.

2. Steering is unstable off-road

You cannot find the steering damper directly installed from the Steering dampers installed in today’s modern trucks and SUVs for best driving performance on bumpy roads, security, and safety. If the steering system shakes a lot while driving on dirt roads or aggressive paved road conditions, then it means that the steering damper is not installed. You will have to get it installed by a professional mechanic.

3. Leaking hydraulic fluid under the vehicle

Hydraulic fluid is used to stabilize the steering column and input shaft through the steering stabilizer or the damper is mechanical. The seal might be broken on the steering damper if you find the hydraulic fluid on the ground, behind the engine, and on the driver side. You will have to replace the seal or gasket if it breaks on this. At times, you will have to replace it with a new steering damper.

4. Clunking noise under the vehicle

If the steering damper is damaged, you will hear a clunking noise. This sound may arise due to the rattling of the broken component against the steering column or support joints where it joins the body or frame of the vehicle. Contact a mechanic as soon as possible if this issue arises.

5. Steering wheel shakes at higher speeds

The vibration of the steering wheel at a high speed is a final warning sign of a bad steering stabilizer. This issue is very common with out-of-balance tires, worn-out CV joints, or bent brake rotors. If the steering damper is loose, you will see a similar symptom. If the steering wheel vibrates above 55 mph, and if both the suspension and tires are checked, then the issue might be with the steering damper.

To change the Steering Stabilizer you may need the following tools:

• Air hammer with a punch

• Wrenches

• Brass punch

• Breaker bar

• Electric or air drill

• Floor jack

• Frame sleeve kit

• Hammer (3 pounds)

• Jack stands

• Large Allen wrench set

• Large drill bits

• Large torque bit set

• Pliers

• Ratchet with metric and standard sockets

• Safety glasses

• Torque wrench

• Wheel chock

Some leading car parts brands are more than just products or services as they give rise to memories and emotions related to the quality. So have a look at some top brands for Steering Stabilizer:

• Skyjacker Steering Stabilizer

• Monroe/Expert Series Steering Stabilizer

• Moog Steering Stabilizer

• Rancho Steering Stabilizer

• Bilstein Steering Stabilizer

• Mevotech Steering Stabilizer

• KYB Steering Stabilizer

Are you familiar with basic car steering stabilizer related parts? If not, then have a look at some important components of the car steering stabilizer.

• Stabilizer Kits

• Stabilizer Cylinder

• Steering Damper

The first question which comes to the minds of most people when they see some faults in the Steering Stabilizer is how much would its replacement cost? The reality is that unless and until a professional technician checks your car, it is going to be a difficult question to answer because the overall cost depends on a lot of factors. The first and foremost thing on which it depends is the size as well as the type of the Steering Stabilizer. The other factors are whether the Steering Stabilizer is going to be brand new, used, rebuilt, or remanufactured plays a major role in deciding the total cost. The normal cost for a Steering stabilizer substitution lies between $169 and $184. Labor costs between $54 and $69 whereas parts are valued at $115.

Here is a step-by-step procedure on how to change the steering stabilizer:

Step 1

Place your vehicle on a flat surface. The transmission has to be in the park or first gear. Place wheel chocks around the tires so that they remain on the ground. The wheel chocks will be around the front tires in this case, as the rear portion of the vehicle has to be lifted. To prevent the rear tire from moving, engage the parking brake. With the help of a floor jack raises the vehicle until the wheels are completely raised from the ground. Now lower the vehicle onto the jack stands. It is always best to check the owner’s manual for the correct jacking location.

Step 2

Find the location of the steering damper. You must remove the engine cover if it is present under your vehicle so that you can access it easily. To remove the screws, it is best to use the Lisle door latch tool. Remove the mounting nut that is fixed to the frame. Pull the bolt from the frame.

Step 3

Remove the nut and bolt that is fixed from the eye to the steering linkage. If you find any U-bolts, remove them too. Few bolts may have hex heads, Allen heads, or torque heads. If you are removing the castle nut and cotter nut, then make sure to fix a new one. The old cotter pin can break easily and so do not use them.

Step 4

At times, the bolt might get stuck in the frame or linkage. To remove the bolts, you will have to use a hammer with a brass punch. You will also have to use an air hammer to pull out the bolt. Before you strike any metal object with a hammer make sure to use safety glasses. Place the steering damper out of the way by lowering them. Wash the mounting surface.

Step 5

Lower the steering damper and place it out of the way. With the help of a 180-grit emery cloth clean up the mounting surface exactly at the place where the steering damper joins. You will have to drill the hole so that it is round and the new steering damper can be secured. If the steering linkage is out of place, secure them. Check the ball joints and the steering system’s condition. Squeeze the ball joints with the help of a large pair of channel locks. Check the grease boots, upper and lower ball joints for any damage.

Step 6

If the steering component is damaged, do not operate the vehicle as it might come out. Replace the steering parts if they are damaged or worn out before you replace the steering damper.

Step 7

Fix the new steering damper to the mounting locations with the help of rubber bushings in case they are fixed separately. Fix the new mounting bolts and lock nuts and torque them if they bulge out. Move the steering wheel manually to the left against the steering lock and to the right against the steering lock. You will have to do this, to make sure that the new steering damper is fixed correctly and is functioning normally. 

Step 8

If there are any removed car covers, under-car covers install them first. With the help of a floor jack, raise the vehicle and place them on stands until the wheels are completely raised from the floor. Now remove the jack stand and keep them away. Lower your vehicle where all the wheels touch the ground and pull the jack aside. Now you will have to remove the wheel chocks from the rear portion of the car’s wheel and keep them aside.

Step 9

Test drive the vehicle and see if there is any jerk in the steering wheel. Drive the vehicle on over-bumps and potholes to see if the vehicle moves in the straight path. Drive the vehicle around the corners to make sure that the steering wheel comes back to a normal position after a rotational rate.