Question Steering Damper Replacement

[kemorris]

I replaced my steering damper on my 1999 F-250 7.3L with 206,000 mile on it. The steering damper had been leaking for sometime. I bought the part at the Local Ford Dealer for $56. The replacement went fine, I think. It seems to be a little stiffer driving down the road, so that is good.

My problem might not be a problem. I can turn sharper to the Left than to the Right. It might have always been this way and I just noticed it.
I can turn the steering wheel 4.5 turns to the Left compared to 3.5 turns to the Right.

Has anyone else experienced this? Is it normal? I really don't think the replacement of the steering damper did anything, so I am asking for your advice.

Thank You in advance.

Keith

 

[bigrigr]

When you replaced the steering stabilizer, did you replace all the hardware? or just the "shock" itself? If you replaced the hardware itself, you can easily get the hardware "off" on its placement on the tie rod. Undo one end of the "shock" and let it hang while you turn the wheel, turn the wheels all the way right, then either stretch out the shock, or compress the shock(depending on which end you removed) and compare it with the hardware thats installed. If the hardware is installed correctly, the shock will slide right on. Do this when the wheels are turned both left and right and check the shock movement accordingly. If the steering stabilizer looks good, then the other thing would be the "steering wheel center" adjustment on the drag link. These can be adjusted by any good alignment shop. sorry for the long post, hope this helps. Good luck!

 

[LonestarBronco]

Yes sir, I second that advice. I replaced my stabilizer a month ago and had check just this. The attachment hardware at the tie rod end of the cylinder can be moved to give you full steering range.

 

[kemorris]

Thanks

Thanks for the replies. This give me something to check. I knew I could count on some good advice.

 

[kingkevindavid]

I am surprised you got that many miles out of yours. I am on my third with 62000 on the clock. I finally bought a Moog with a lifetime warranty.