FORMULA, WHITELINE, MSA, RIVAL, FOX Steering Dampers

A steering damper, also called a steering stabiliser, is a hydraulic damper fitted to the steering system of a 4WD to help absorb unwanted feedback through the steering.

What Does a Steering Damper Do?

A steering damper works in a similar way to a shock absorber, but it's fitted to the steering rather than the suspension. It's usually mounted horizontally between part of the steering linkage and the axle or chassis.

When a wheel hits a bump, pothole, rut or rock, the impact can be transmitted back through the steering as a jolt through the steering wheel. This is often called kickback. A steering damper resists sudden steering movements, which helps:

• Reduce kickback through the steering wheel
• Absorb some steering feedback from rough and uneven surfaces
• Smooth out steering movements, especially off-road

Steering dampers are commonly fitted to 4WDs, particularly those with a solid front axle.

Why 4WD Owners Upgrade Their Steering Damper

Many 4WDs leave the factory with a steering damper, but owners often upgrade it, particularly after modifying their vehicle. Common reasons include:

• Larger wheels and tyres: bigger, heavier wheel and tyre packages can increase the feedback transmitted through the steering.
• Suspension lifts: lifted vehicles are often fitted with steering dampers designed for lifted setups.
• Off-road driving: rough tracks, rocks and ruts put more load through the steering.
• Worn original dampers: like shock absorbers, steering dampers wear over time.

A steering damper upgrade is commonly done at the same time as a lift kit or new wheels and tyres.

Types of Steering Dampers

Fulcrum's range includes several types of steering dampers. The right type depends on your vehicle, your setup and how you drive.

Big Bore Steering Dampers

Big bore steering dampers use a larger body, which allows a higher oil volume.

Smooth Body IFP Steering Stabilisers

Smooth body IFP stabilisers use an internal floating piston (IFP), which separates the oil from a gas charge inside the damper.

Through-Shaft Steering Stabilisers

On a conventional steering stabiliser, the shaft moves into and out of the body as the steering is turned. This displaces oil and increases pressure inside the stabiliser, which the driver can feel as a push or pull through the steering. Through-shaft stabilisers are designed to address this, with the shaft passing through the damper body.

Adjustable Through-Shaft Steering Stabilisers

Fox's adjustable through-shaft (ATS) stabilisers use a through-shaft design that eliminates shaft fluid displacement throughout the stabiliser's travel in both directions. Fox's Factory Race Series 2.0 ATS stabiliser also features an external piggyback reservoir and an external adjuster with 24 clicks of adjustment, so you can tune how the steering feels to suit your setup.

Steering Damper Mounting Options

Steering dampers are mounted in different ways depending on the vehicle and the damper design. Options in Fulcrum's range include:

• Eye-to-eye mounts, with a mounting eye at each end
• Tie rod clamp mounts, which clamp to the tie rod
• Axle mounts, which mount to the axle

Tie rod clamp sizes vary between vehicles and aftermarket tie rods, so check the clamp size on the product listing matches your vehicle's tie rod. If you're fitting a steering damper to a vehicle with an aftermarket tie rod or other steering modifications, confirm the damper and mounts suit your setup.

Steering Dampers and Death Wobble

Death wobble is a violent shaking of the front end and steering that can occur on some vehicles with a solid front axle, often triggered by a bump at speed. It can be alarming and dangerous.

A steering damper can help absorb steering feedback, but it isn't a fix for the underlying cause of death wobble. Death wobble is typically linked to worn, loose or incorrectly set up steering and suspension components. Fitting a new steering damper without addressing those causes may only mask the problem.

If you experience death wobble or severe front-end shake, have your steering and suspension inspected by a qualified technician as soon as possible.

Signs Your Steering Damper Needs Replacing

Steering dampers wear over time, like shock absorbers. Signs your steering damper may need replacing include:

• Oil leaking from the damper
• The damper no longer resisting movement when compressed and extended
• Increased kickback or feedback through the steering wheel
• Damage to the damper body or shaft
• Worn, cracked or missing mounting bushes

If only the mounting bushes are worn, you may be able to replace the bushes rather than the whole damper. Fulcrum also stocks a separate range of steering damper bushes.

Choosing the Right Steering Damper

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

• Vehicle fitment: use the vehicle search to find steering dampers that suit your make, model and year.
• Mounting type: confirm the damper uses the right mounting type for your vehicle, such as eye-to-eye, tie rod clamp or axle mount.
• Tie rod clamp size: if the damper uses a tie rod clamp, check the clamp size matches your tie rod.
• Your setup: consider whether your vehicle is lifted or running larger wheels and tyres.
• How you drive: an adjustable stabiliser lets you tune the steering feel to suit your driving.

Full fitment details, specifications and dimensions are listed on each product page. If you're unsure which steering damper suits your vehicle, Fulcrum's team can help.

Fitting a Steering Damper

A steering damper is part of your vehicle's steering system, so it needs to be fitted correctly. If you're not confident working on steering components, have the damper fitted by a qualified technician. If you're fitting a steering damper as part of a lift kit or other suspension work, a wheel alignment will help make sure the steering and wheels are set up correctly.

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

Buy Steering Dampers Online from Fulcrum

Every product we supply is backed by our warranty, a fitment guarantee and the support of a nationwide workshop network. You can shop the range online and use the vehicle search to find the right steering damper for your make and model.

If you're unsure which steering damper suits your vehicle or setup, Fulcrum's team can help you choose. Fulcrum also stocks 4x4 lift kits, shock absorbers and steering parts, including steering damper bushes, so you can set up your 4WD's steering and suspension together.