DBA AUSTRALIA, WHITELINE Steering Damper Bushes

Steering damper bushes are the replacement bushes that sit where a vehicle's steering damper mounts. A steering damper, also called a steering stabiliser, is fitted to the steering system of some cars, utes and 4WDs. When the bushes at its mounting points wear, the damper can loosen in its mounts.

What Does a Steering Damper Do?

A steering damper is a hydraulic damper, similar in design to a small shock absorber, that's fitted to the steering system of some vehicles. It's usually mounted between part of the steering linkage and the axle or chassis.

Its job is to resist sudden steering movements. When a wheel hits a bump, pothole or rut, the impact can be transmitted back through the steering system as a jolt through the steering wheel, often called kickback. A steering damper helps absorb some of that movement before it reaches the driver.

Steering dampers are commonly fitted to 4WDs, particularly those with a solid front axle, and are often found on vehicles driven on rough roads or off-road.

What Do Steering Damper Bushes Do?

A steering damper is mounted at each end. Steering damper bushes sit at these mounting points and help:

• Secure the damper in its mounts
• Allow the damper to move as the steering is turned and the suspension moves
• Cushion the connection between the damper and the parts it's mounted to

When steering damper bushes are in good condition, they help hold the damper securely so it can do its job. When they wear, the damper can develop movement in its mounts.

Why Steering Damper Bushes Wear

Steering damper bushes move every time the steering is turned and the suspension works, so they wear gradually with age and use. Other factors can also affect how quickly they wear, including:

• Road conditions, such as rough roads and off-road driving
• Exposure to dirt, water and road grime, as the bushes sit underneath the vehicle
• Age, particularly on older vehicles where the original bushes have been in service for many years

Signs Your Steering Damper Bushes May Need Replacing

Worn steering damper bushes can contribute to:

• Bushes that are cracked, perished, split or missing
• Movement or looseness in the steering damper's mounts
• Knocking or rattling from the front of the vehicle over bumps

These symptoms can also be caused by other steering or suspension components, or by the steering damper itself. If the damper is leaking or no longer resists movement, the damper may need attention rather than just the bushes.

Steering parts are critical to safety, so if you notice any change in how your steering feels, have your steering and suspension inspected by a qualified technician.

Steering Damper Bushes vs Shock Absorber Bushes

Steering dampers are mounted in a similar way to shock absorbers, so the bushes used at their mounting points are often similar in design. What matters is that the bushes suit the steering damper mounts on your vehicle. Always check the product listing and vehicle fitment before you buy.

Choosing the Right Steering Damper Bushes

Steering damper bushes are designed to suit particular vehicles and mounting types, so choosing the right one starts with your make and model. Before you buy, check:

• Vehicle fitment: use the vehicle search to find steering damper bushes that suit your make, model and year.
• Mounting type: confirm the bushes suit the type of mounting used on your steering damper.
• What's included: check the product listing to see how many bushes are included, so you have enough for both ends of the damper.
• The condition of the damper: if the damper itself is worn, consider whether it also needs replacing.

Full fitment details, specifications and inclusions are listed on each product page. If you can't find steering damper bushes for your vehicle, or you're unsure which ones you need, Fulcrum's team can help.

Fitting Steering Damper Bushes

Steering damper bushes are part of your vehicle's steering system, so they need to be fitted correctly. Make sure the vehicle is safely supported before working underneath it. If you're not confident working on steering components, have the bushes fitted by a qualified technician.

With Fulcrum's Click & Fit service, you can buy your steering damper bushes online and have them delivered to your nearest Fulcrum workshop for installation. Fulcrum also offers a free suspension check and wheel alignments.

Buy Steering Damper Bushes Online from Fulcrum

You can shop the steering damper bushes online and use the vehicle search to find the right steering damper bushes for your make and model.

If you're unsure which parts suit your vehicle, Fulcrum's team can help you choose. Fulcrum also stocks a wider range of steering parts and suspension bushes, including shock absorber bushes, drag link bushes and idler arm bushes, so you can replace other worn steering and suspension bushes at the same time.