Steering damper on a Series

[CanIBeFrank]

Any one got a steering damper fitted to a series 88", I'm in need of one.

Found this steering damper on ebay but wondered how it fits?

ps 5 months down the road, chassis up rebuild etc, its now MOT'd still need a good gearbox but all else is done. Finally.

[ChrisW]

Famous Four list a "Chassis Mounting Bracket for Steering Damper" for £14.00 - I think the drag link tube already has the mounting on it for the other end of the damper?

[CanIBeFrank]

Hi Chris,

Drag link? is that the steering bar thingamy that conects horizontally from wheel station to steering linkage?

please excuss terminology :)

[ChrisW]

Yes that's the one - I think there's various names for it!
You should have a kind of triangular piece with flanges welded onto the tube with a hole in the middle which will accept the end of the damper.

[Dave]

Are series 3 has the mounts on it tryed a damper of the disco fit fine but made the already heavy steering more heavy  

[Litch]

I fitted one to my S111 SWB when I upgraded to 9.00x16's.
The bracket was already on the chassis (OE fit) but I had to buy a new tube. It was only the standard oil-filled damper but it worked fine.

[blackbob]

why do u need one
if your getting steering judder check your joints and for any free play in axle joints and dont over inflate your front tyres no more that 25 psi

[CanIBeFrank]

Thanks for all the advice guys.

The reason I need one is to stop the steering wandering all over the road at speed, slow speeds fine.

It's just come from it's MOT the spanner jockey said that the best option was a sterring damper, he had one on his.

I'm open to advice, I'm running 31.10.50R15 Technic Tracker 2 MT which are obviously quite big, never had the same issue with my 750x16 (no I wont change back to sort it smart arse :) before you start)

Cheers

[Rich_P]

If the steering is wandering all over the place, then check the swivel preloads.  They're what set the majority of the wheel turn resistance when the vehicle is in motion.

EDIT:  I assume you mean the steering is very light and every bump forces the steering wheel to turn quite a bit?

Or are you talking about play in the steering?  If it is play over 1-2 inches then check all the joints in the steering linkages.

[CanIBeFrank]

EDIT:  I assume you mean the steering is very light and every bump forces the steering wheel to turn quite a bit?

Or are you talking about play in the steering?  If it is play over 1-2 inches then check all the joints in the steering linkages.

Hi Steel,

The steering gets light and follows the road but actually steers very well i.e. not loose to turn before effecting the direction.

[Rich_P]

So no play in the steering then.  It's going to be the swivel preloads.  Do you know what these are?  They are what detirmine how much resistance there is and do the work of a steering damper. ;)

EDIT:  Oh yeah, another thing.  The steering box can also determine some of the steering resistance as well. Not sure how it is on a Series 3, but on a 2A steering box you can adjust it and 'tighten it up' to accomodate for wear on the steering box.

Having one swivel's preload different to the other swivel's preload can actually make a vehicle want to steer to one side, much like a sticking brake would.

[Andy the Landy]

Dont overtighten the adjuster in the steering box though
I also put a tin can around the relay as a shim as it slid into the chassis hole a bit too easily - this took out some of the wandering

[CanIBeFrank]

Thanks for the advice, I'm due to drop a new engine and gear box in soon so I'll take a look at the steering again in more detail.

[James.Harwood]

I'm open to advice, I'm running 31.10.50R15 Technic Tracker 2 MT which are obviously quite big, never had the same issue with my 750x16 (no I wont change back to sort it smart arse  before you start)

You have answered your own question here.  

Try swapping front and rear tyres over worked for me a few years back.

[CanIBeFrank]

Thanks James, I'll give it a go when I've got a rainy weekend :)

[22900013A]

I wouldn`t bother fitting a damper, doesnt make much difference to anything, they were only ever fitted to heavy-duty vehicles or if 900x16 tyres were specified.

[cerberus]

Beg to differ! It makes a hell of a difference to my 109 when tramping down bumpy tracks or dodgy road surfaces. Although I couldn't guarentee it would cure the symptoms described.