Steering Stabilizer

HOW TO DETECT THE STEERING DAMPER FAILURE

To diagnose the steering damper on your own, you have to visually inspect it. Streaks on the part surface, deformation of the housing or the spring, wear and rust on the rod, rupture of the protective dust boot indicate that the component is faulty.

Then you have to suspend the car front part and turn the steering wheel a few times in both directions with sharp movements. If it travels too freely, most likely the shock absorber has failed. The part failure is indicated by the excessively tight turning of the steering wheel as well. You also have to check that the rubber bushings are in a good condition: over time they can become brittle and eventually crack.

More thorough examination of the steering damper requires a special test bench and is performed  at a service station.