Steering dampners..... Information sought...

**BlueDream** · 10-09-2008, 05:20 AM

I've been thinking about steering dampeners lately because of the rough ride that I tend to get through the steering of my '83 RN46 4x4 hilux, I hear a lot about them and how they are good at stopping a lot of vibration coming through the steering wheel and are good for 4 wheel driving.

But how do they work?

I get the basic principle of fitting a shock absorber to the steering system to absorb the sudden turns that a 4 wheel drive might experience because of 4 wheel driving and such - but where exactly on the steering system are the dampeners fitted?

And can you fit them to older model's that don't come out of the factory with them - or does it not work that way...???

I really have no idea as to how they work, never had a vehicle with one fitted - and only recently have I started noticing them more and more....

**PlacentaJuan** · 10-09-2008, 06:37 AM

i think it is fitted between the rack body and one of the steering arms. that way it absorbs the shocks turning left and right both in tension and compression.

i dont know why you couldnt fit one to your car, although you would have the broblem of bracketry etc.

what i dont understand is the difference between similar models where one has a dampener and one doesnt, like the series 1 mx83 and series 2. i mean series 2 is supposed to be the newer model but they obviously thought it better to lose the dampener???

did they do anything in the series 2 to compensate? if so maybe there is another option for you.

also im not sure that they were designed for the low-speed, high-impact forces of 4wdriving, but more for higher frequentcy vibrations while cruising highway etc, but i couldnt say for sure.

**TooF** · 10-09-2008, 09:22 AM

most hilux 4x4's ive seen have one fitted. although with age they tend to get pretty flogged out. have a look and see if you have one you may just need a replacement dampener not any moutning hardware