Steering damper steering faults

STEERING DAMPER STEERING FAULTS

The power steering system, as well as reducing the Symptom:- effort required to manoeuvre the vehicle when parking, also helps to dampen any deflections of the Excessive kickback through steering wheel - when road wheels, being transmitted back to the steering driven on rough terrain. wheel.

When operating the vehicle off road, the road wheels are often deflected by ruts and boulders causing the steering wheel to turn left and right. This phenomenon is known as ’steering kickback’. To subdue the effects of ’steering kickback’, a hydraulic damper is fitted in the steering linkage between the track rod and the differential casing. The damper, which offers the same resistance in extension and compression, is sealed for life.

Steering damper check

Check the condition operation of the hydraulic steering damper as follows:

Check procedure

1. Inspect damper for casing damage or leaks.
2. Clamp one end of the damper horizontally in a vice using soft jaws. Compress and extend the unit by hand. Resistance should be equal in both directions.
3. If it is felt that the unit is outside acceptable limits, fit a new steering damper
1. Is the steering damper in good working order? See Steering Damper. NO - Renew unit See Repair, Steering Damper. YES - Continue.
2. Is there any looseness or free play in the steering ball joints and linkage? YES - See Steering Linkage Inspect. NO - Continue.
3. Is there any looseness or worn bushes in front suspension? YES - See FRONT SUSPENSION, Repair, Radius Arm.

NOTE: When replacing suspension bushes ALL bushes and fixings must be replaced.

NO - Continue.

4. Is the steering exceptionally light/sensitive when driven on good road surface? YES - See fault symptom - Steering excessively light/sensitive and freeplay at steering wheel. NO - Suspect axle swivel resistance.
5. Check the resistance of the axle swivels See FRONT AXLE AND FINAL DRIVE, Overhaul, Front Stub Axle, Constant Velocity Joint and Swivel Pin Housing.