Steering Dampers

Introducing the Terrain Tamer 4x4 Steering Damper, the ultimate solution for off-road enthusiasts seeking enhanced steering control and stability. Crafted with precision and backed by years of engineering expertise, this steering damper is designed to absorb shocks and vibrations, ensuring a smoother and safer driving experience on rugged terrains, particularly for 4x4 with lift kits. The Terrain Tamer 4x4 Steering Damper provides unparalleled steering responsiveness, reducing driver fatigue and enhancing overall vehicle performance. +

Video Transcript

[00:00] In this video, we're going to have a chat about a very simple device that plays a critical role in the way our four-wheel drive performs. It's called the steering damper.

[00:20] Imagine we're driving down the road, and our tire hits a big bump, and that forces the wheel to move suddenly in a certain direction. That input from the tire is now going to be transferred through the steering system into the steering wheel. That's going to give you a couple of things. Personally, it's going to jar the steering wheel in your hand. It's also going to mean that you don't have perfect vehicle control because of that movement and that motion. So, we want to be able to control it, and that's what the steering damper is going to do.

[00:53] Now, if we increase tire size and put a suspension lift into our vehicle, that is also going to change the way the vehicle reacts to that bump. And that means that we want to make sure we have a really good quality steering damper that is going to control the vehicle correctly, so that we can keep our vehicles on track heading the way we want them to head, not the way the bump wants it to head.

[01:18] So, having a quality steering damper like this Terrain Tamer unit here is imperative to good vehicle control and having a comfortable vehicle to drive. Let's face it, I'm sure we've all driven one of those old four-wheel drives that has a steering wheel that's just about doing its own thing. It's not a fun experience. So, that's where having a good quality steering damper is really going to make a difference for you.

[01:45] Now, there's a couple of things about a steering damper. As simple as they are, it's basically a shock absorber. There's got a couple of design features that make it different from a shock absorber. Firstly, it's designed to operate in a horizontal position, not the vertical position like a shock absorber would. So, that means that some of the internals are designed slightly differently so they can operate in this fashion.

[02:11] The other difference between a shock absorber and a steering damper is this: in a shock absorber, we have a compression and a rebound shim stack, and they have different jobs depending on whether the car is going up or going down. Well, in a steering damper, we have the same shim stack whether it's being extended or compressed, and that's so that we have the same steering feel and effect whether we're turning to the left or to the right.

[02:35] One of the other features of the Terrain Tamer steering damper is grease nipples here on the ball joints. Put a shot of grease in there at servicing time and keep it in perfect working order. Traditionally, a steering damper is mounted with rubber bushings, but the unique feature of having a ball joint on the damper means that you get far more positive control from the steering damper. This allows the steering damper to easily move with the articulation of the steering system as the vehicle rides over bumps and undulations. It's also got this plastic stone guard here so you can protect the damper's shaft from damage from rocks and stones or whatever it might be.

[03:08] So, I'm going to install the steering damper into my 105 series Landcruiser. How about you come on over to the workshop, and I'll show you how easy it is to do? Obviously, every vehicle is a little bit different, but this is a 105 series Landcruiser, and it's fairly similar to a lot of the Toyota vehicles out there. You're not going to need much in the way of tools, but you do need a ball joint breaker. You can get ball joints undone with a hammer and all that sort of stuff, but geez, for the price, get yourself a ball joint breaker. It makes the job really easy.

[03:41] Sorry, from that, 14-millimeter, 19-millimeter socket, a ratchet, a pair of side cutters or pliers. That's all I need on the Landcruiser. Now, a rattle gun is also a really handy tool because when you're undoing ball joints, they can turn in the taper sometimes, and a rattle gun will overcome that problem.

[04:00] Let's dive under the car, and I'll show you how this works. So the first thing we're going to do is undo the 14-mill bolts up here, and that'll bring this end of the steering damper down. Then we remove the split pins out of the castleated nuts on both ends.

[04:23] Then we undo the castleated nut for the arm. Then using the ball joint breaker, we take the ball joints off. A really important step before you install the damper is to bleed it, and this is going to settle down the oils and the gases inside the damper. To do it, hold the damper in a vertical position, fully extend it, and then fully compress it. And now it's ready to install, but before you install it, go through and clean out the tapers. Just make sure that the whole area is nice and clean and clean any machining oils off the tapers on the new ball joints.

[05:01] The first thing I'm going to do is install the damper onto this end, just loosely put the taper in, castleated nut on. Make sure you have the plastic guard end up towards the chassis. Now, we'll put our plate back on, the castleated nut.

[05:20] Now we've got the castleated nut timed up, and the split pin in place to hold it there. Now we can put this up onto the chassis. Four-millimeter bolts up, and this end's done. Now tighten up the other end's castleated nut. Now I'll install the split pin, and that's the job done.

[05:47] Now, most vehicles are going to be something similar to this process. I trust that gives you the confidence to understand how a steering damper works and what to look for in a quality product. I'm Mad Matt; stay safe on the trails. Terrain Tamer has a 50-year-old promise to deliver quality engineered four-wheel drive parts. Close

Steering Dampers FAQ

A 4x4 steering damper is a device designed to reduce the effect of shocks and vibrations on the steering system of your vehicle. It works by dampening or absorbing these jolts before they reach the driver's hands, making it easier and safer to control your vehicle. Steering dampers are an essential part of any off-road prepared 4x4 vehicle as they ensure that you can safely traverse even the most rugged terrains with precision driving accuracy. They also help extend the life span of your suspension components by reducing wear and tear from repetitive shock loads on them. Terrain Tamer’s range of 4x4 steering dampers is built for superior performance and heavy-duty strength.

Steering dampers serve to reduce the effects of road shock and vibration on your 4x4’s steering system. They are designed to absorb these shocks, which can help provide a smoother ride and more control for the driver. This also reduces wear on suspension components as it prevents excessive force from being transmitted through them. When fitted with one of Terrain Tamer’s superior steering dampers, you will feel in complete control over any terrain you traverse - no matter how rugged it is! With Terrain Tamer's range of 4x4 steering dampers, you'll be able to handle even the toughest off-road conditions with ease.

Steering dampers provide a variety of benefits for 4x4 vehicles. They help reduce wear and tear on suspension components by absorbing shocks before they can be transmitted through them, thus extending their life span. Additionally, they make driving off-road smoother and easier since they absorb any jolts or vibrations coming up through the system to the driver's hands. With Terrain Tamer's range of 4x4 steering dampers installed, you'll be able to enjoy greater control over your vehicle in all kinds of terrain for an improved driving experience.

JEEP - Terrain Tamer Parts Suitable for Jeep Vehicles

 

MAKEMODELMONTH/YEARPART #NOTESSTORE
Wrangler JK 3/2007- T14038L LHD BUY NOW
Wrangler JK 3/2007- T14038R RHD BUY NOW
Wrangler TJ 1996-2006 T14037   BUY NOW

Land Rover - Terrain Tamer Parts Suitable for Land Rover Vehicles

 

MAKEMODELMONTH/YEARPART #NOTESSTORE
Defender 90 2003- T14032   BUY NOW
Defender 110 1992-2001 T14032   BUY NOW
Defender 130 1992-1999 T14032   BUY NOW
Discovery Series 1 1991-3/1999 T14011 Pin/Pin BUY NOW
Discovery Series 1 1991-3/1999 RTC14011 Pin/Pin Retrun to Centre BUY NOW
Discovery Series 2 2/1999-12/2004 T14012   BUY NOW

Nissan - Terrain Tamer Parts Suitable for Nissan Vehicles

 

MAKEMODELMONTH/YEARPART #NOTESSTORE
Patrol GQ 8/1987-8/1989 T14034 Eye/Eye BUY NOW
Patrol GQ 8/1989- T14036 Pin/Pin BUY NOW
Patrol GU 10/1997-1/2000 T14011 Pin/Pin BUY NOW
Patrol GU 10/1997-1/2000 RTC14011 Pin/Pin Retrun to Centre BUY NOW
Patrol GU 1/2000- T14501 Eye/Eye BUY NOW
Patrol GU 1/2000- RTC14501 Eye/Eye Return to Centre BUY NOW
Patrol MK 11/1983-12/1987 T14022   BUY NOW
Patrol MQ 4/1980-10/1983 T14022   BUY NOW

Range Rover - Terrain Tamer Parts Suitable for Range Rover Vehicles

 

MAKEMODELMONTH/YEARPART #NOTESSTORE
Range Rover   1972-4/1995 T14011 Pin/Pin BUY NOW
Range Rover   1972-4/1995 RTC14011 Pin/Pin Retrun to Centre BUY NOW

Suzuki - Terrain Tamer Parts Suitable for Suzuki Vehicles

 

MAKEMODELMONTH/YEARPART #NOTESSTORE
Sierra LJ/SJ 1981-1996 T14030   BUY NOW

Toyota - Terrain Tamer Parts Suitable for Toyota Vehicles

 

MAKEMODELMONTH/YEARPART #NOTESSTORE
Hilux KDN165 8/2001-11/2005 T14033   BUY NOW
Hilux KZN130 8/1993- T14033   BUY NOW
Hilux KZN165 8/2001-11/2005 T14033   BUY NOW
Hilux LN46 8/1981-7/1983 T14021   BUY NOW
Hilux LN60 3/1984-8/1985 T14021   BUY NOW
Hilux LN65 8/1983- T14021   BUY NOW
Hilux LN106 8/1988- T14021   BUY NOW
Hilux LN107 8/1988- T14033   BUY NOW
Hilux LN110 8/1988- T14033   BUY NOW
Hilux LN111 8/1988- T14033   BUY NOW
Hilux LN130 8/1989-11/1995 T14033   BUY NOW
Hilux LN167 8/1997- T14033   BUY NOW
Hilux LN172 8/1998- T14033   BUY NOW
Hilux RN36 1/1979-7/1983 T14021   BUY NOW
Hilux RN46 1/1979-7/1983 T14021   BUY NOW
Hilux RN105 8/1988- T14021   BUY NOW
Hilux RN106 8/1991- T14033   BUY NOW
Hilux RN110 8/1988- T14033   BUY NOW
Hilux RN130 8/1989-11/1995 T14033   BUY NOW
Hilux RZN165 8/2001-11/2005 T14033   BUY NOW
Hilux RZN169 8/1997- T14033   BUY NOW
Hilux RZN174 8/2001-11/2005 T14033   BUY NOW
Hilux VZN130 8/1990-11/1995 T14033   BUY NOW
Hilux VZN167 8/2001-11/2005 T14033   BUY NOW
Hilux VZN172 8/2001-11/2005 T14033   BUY NOW
Hilux YN60 3/1984-8/1985 T14021   BUY NOW
Hilux YN63 8/1985- T14033   BUY NOW
Hilux YN65 8/1983-8/1985 T14021   BUY NOW
Hilux YN67 8/1985- T14021   BUY NOW
Hilux YN130 8/1989-8/1990 T14033   BUY NOW
Landcruiser BJ40 3/1969-10/1984 T14023   BUY NOW
Landcruiser BJ42 2/1974- T14023   BUY NOW
Landcruiser BJ43 2/1974- T14023   BUY NOW
Landcruiser BJ45 8/1980- T14023   BUY NOW
Landcruiser BJ46 8/1980- T14023   BUY NOW
Landcruiser BJ60 8/1980-1/1990 T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser BJ60 8/1980-1/1990 RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser BJ70 11/1984- T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser BJ70 11/1984- RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser BJ71 11/1984- T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser BJ71 11/1984- RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser BJ73 11/1984- T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser BJ73 11/1984- RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser BJ74 11/1984-1/1990 T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser BJ74 11/1984-1/1990 RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser BJ75 11/1984-8/1988 T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser BJ75 11/1984-8/1988 RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser FJ40 3/1969-10/1984 T14023   BUY NOW
Landcruiser FJ45 3/1969-10/1984 T14023   BUY NOW
Landcruiser FJ55 1/1975-7/1980 T14023   BUY NOW
Landcruiser FJ60 8/1980-1/1990 T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser FJ60 8/1980-1/1990 RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser FJ62 11/1984-1/1990 T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser FJ62 11/1984-1/1990 RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser FJ70 11/1984-1/1990 T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser FJ70 11/1984-1/1990 RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser FJ73 11/1984-1/1990 T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser FJ73 11/1984-1/1990 RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser FJ75 11/1984-1/1990 T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser FJ75 11/1984-1/1990 RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser FJ80 1/1990- T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser FJ80 1/1990- RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser FZJ70 1/1990- T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser FZJ70 1/1990- RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser FZJ73 1/1990- T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser FZJ73 1/1990- RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser FZJ75 1/1990- T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser FZJ75 1/1990- RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser FZJ78 8/1999-1/2007 T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser FZJ78 8/1999-1/2007 RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser FZJ78 1/2007- G59825   BUY NOW
Landcruiser FZJ79 8/1999-1/2007 T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser FZJ79 8/1999-1/2007 RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser FZJ79 1/2007- G59825   BUY NOW
Landcruiser FZJ80 1/1990- T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser FZJ80 1/1990- RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser FZJ105 1/1998- T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser FZJ105 1/1998- RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser GRJ71 7/2009- G59825   BUY NOW
Landcruiser GRJ78 7/2009- G59825   BUY NOW
Landcruiser GRJ79 7/2009- G59825   BUY NOW
Landcruiser HJ45 3/1969-10/1984 T14023   BUY NOW
Landcruiser HJ47 8/1980-10/1984 T14023   BUY NOW
Landcruiser HJ60 8/1980-1/1990 T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser HJ60 8/1980-1/1990 RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser HJ61 10/1985-1/1990 T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser HJ61 10/1985-1/1990 RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser HJ62 10/1985-1/1990 T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser HJ62 10/1985-1/1990 RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser HJ75 11/1984-1/1990 T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser HJ75 11/1984-1/1990 RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser HDJ78 8/2001-1/2007 T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser HDJ78 8/2001-1/2007 RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser HDJ79 8/2001-1/2007 T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser HDJ79 8/2001-1/2007 RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser HDJ80 1/1990- T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser HDJ80 1/1990- RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser HZJ70 1/1990- T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser HZJ70 1/1990- RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser HZJ71 8/1999- T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser HZJ71 8/1999- RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser HZJ73 1/1990- T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser HZJ73 1/1990- RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser HZJ74 8/1999- T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser HZJ74 8/1999- RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser HZJ75 1/1990- T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser HZJ75 1/1990- RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser HZJ76 1/2007- G59825   BUY NOW
Landcruiser HZJ77 1/1990- T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser HZJ77 1/1990- RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser HZJ78 8/1999-1/2007� T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser HZJ78 8/1999-1/2007� RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser HZJ78 1/2007- G59825   BUY NOW
Landcruiser HZJ79 8/1999-1/2007� T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser HZJ79 8/1999-1/2007� RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser HZJ79 1/2007- G59825   BUY NOW
Landcruiser HZJ80 1/1990- T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser HZJ80 1/1990- RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser HZJ105 1/1998- T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser HZJ105 1/1998- RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser KZJ70 5/1993- T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser KZJ70 5/1993- RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser KZJ73 5/1993- T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser KZJ73 5/1993- RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser KZJ78 5/1993- T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser KZJ78 5/1993- RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser LJ70 11/1984- T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser LJ70 11/1984- RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser LJ72 4/1990- T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser LJ72 4/1990- RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser LJ73 11/1984- T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser LJ73 11/1984- RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser LJ77 4/1990- T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser LJ77 4/1990- RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser PZJ70 1/1990- T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser PZJ70 1/1990- RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser PZJ73 1/1990- T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser PZJ73 1/1990- RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser PZJ75 1/1990- T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser PZJ75 1/1990- RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser RJ70 11/1984-1/1990 T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser RJ70 11/1984- RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser RJ73 11/1984-1989 T14024   BUY NOW
Landcruiser RJ73 11/1984- RTC14024 Return to Centre BUY NOW
Landcruiser VDJ76 1/2007- G59825   BUY NOW
Landcruiser VDJ78 1/2007- G59825   BUY NOW
Landcruiser VDJ79 1/2007- G59825   BUY NOW