Steering Dampers and return to centre dampers
Submitted: Wednesday, Dec 26, 2007 at 01:17
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Andrew(WA)
Are they one in the same or are they different?
Are these items something to be changed every 100000 - 150000k or what?
My LC100 with 87000k on the clock runs standard
suspension (for now) and factory steering damper...
Is this an item to replace? will I benefit with better on road feel and off road? or am I likely to just waste my money?
Cheers
Reply By: Member - Karl - Wednesday, Dec 26, 2007 at 09:20
Wednesday, Dec 26, 2007 at 09:20
Andrew - from my limited mechanical knowledge - they are similar but different.
The steering damper takes the shock out of steering - whereas the return to centre (RTC) does the same but also physically returns the
wheels to the centre position once the steering action is complete - whereas the damper doesn't.
It is for this reason that it is a little bit more fiddly to fit the RTC as you have to get the centre position exact or it will be off centre and cause problems.
It was recommended to me by the fellas at Coastal 4WD* in Jandekot to have one fitted to my 80 Series as my steering always seemed to pull to the left - and it did make quite a difference.
Hope this helps.
Karl
* No affiliation just a happy customer.
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Follow Up By: Member - Roachie (SA) - Wednesday, Dec 26, 2007 at 09:59
Wednesday, Dec 26, 2007 at 09:59
I agree with Karl's description of the purpose of the RTC damper.
The only other thing I would add, is that it has been my personal experience that the actual damper you get when you buy an RTC is cr@p! I had 2 of the damn things and they both failed. I'm not sure whether this had something to do with the spring placing a greater strain on the damper..... but I seriously doubt this could ever be the case. Indeed, if anything, the spring would possibly have a detrimental affect on the original power steering box components, as it could be argued that the spring is acting against the power steering.
On the other hand, you can also get the large RTC damper, designed for use with more radically-lifted beasts...perhaps these dampers are better quality than the smaller RTC dampers?
Cheers
Roachie
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Reply By: Footloose - Wednesday, Dec 26, 2007 at 10:15
Wednesday, Dec 26, 2007 at 10:15
The steering damper is usually replaced when you replace the standard
suspension. At that stage you'll notice a huge difference all the way round.
AnswerID:
278434
Reply By: Crackles - Wednesday, Dec 26, 2007 at 10:41
Wednesday, Dec 26, 2007 at 10:41
You'll find little if any difference in handling with a new steering damper fitted & the Toyota one would be far superior than much of the after market gear around anyway. In reality the power steering takes the vast majority of shock loads these days, so much so many new vehicles come out without a steering damper at all.
Suspension correctly set up will have the steering return to centre by itself so you shouldn't need a damper to do it for you.
A
suspension installer I soke to said they take alot longer to wear out than shock absorbers and had a theory that the after market company's painted them
bright colors to make it easier to sell an item that most people didn't really need :-))
Cheers Craig............
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278439