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The Advantages Of Steering Dampers
MICHAEL HAYES TALKS ABOUT STEERING DAMPERS, WHAT THEY DO, AND HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ONE FOR YOU!
Most people know that fitting a lift kit can make a big difference in the way a vehicle drives. But what about the steering damper? Do you need one and what do they actually do?
A steering damper is basically a shock absorber for the steering. It dampens the effects of tyre vibration and feedback from the track surface. These problems are multiplied when you add bigger tyres and lifts which alter the factory steering geometry. So a steering damper upgrade is vital to most lift kits which may now require more force to resist road or trail impacts.
Most modern vehicles
have a damper fitted as standard, on older vehicles it is sometimes necessary to add a bracket to allow fitment. A quality damper will generally also be supplied with a bracket of sufficient strength to compliment the forces it will be subjected to. The key to damper fitment is to have it centred in its travel so that it does not restrict steering movement and applies equal force.
Tyre size and driving conditions will determine whether you need to upgrade your steering damper and partially as to what size and type you may require. Just as with shocks, a larger piston will allow more control and therefore be a larger body diameter.
THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STABILISERS
Twin-tube designs allow for larger volumes of oil, better cooling of internals and improved protection of working parts. Low-pressure nitrogen, foam cell body dampers are used for increased performance over OE emulsion style. Approximately 50/50 valving for more equal damping lock to lock.
Return to centre (RTC) steering dampers are based around a twin-tube design which is upgraded by incorporating a captive external coil spring to provide the self-centring action. An RTC steering damper can significantly improve road manners and handling at increased speed as the steering is less prone to wander as well as low tyre pressure off-road steering.
An Internal Floating Piston (IFP or smoothie) separates the shock oil from the high-pressure, nitrogen charged gas chamber. The IFP eliminates oil aeration allowing increased performance and tuned precision valving. Race-bred and balanced-flow piston designs provide comfortable on-road feel and predictable off-road handling with the ability to tune for any application.
Through-Shaft steering damper
designs cancel unwanted steering forces in both directions, taking the place of two conventional-style opposing stabilisers. The design consists of the main shaft continuing through the body on both ends and allows for equal shaft/body volumes on both sides of the piston. This style damper requires an external (often integrated) reservoir which allows for additional fluid capacity and improves cooling during extreme use.
It's important to note that a damper will NOT control bump steer! This is an issue with steering geometry. Nor will it control or correct bad vibrations, shimmy, head shake or 'death wobble' that comes from worn out steering components.
Like any suspension modification or upgrade
it is always best to consult a suspension specialist and get their ideas of what setup best suits your vehicle and driving requirements.