STEERING STABILIZER - Diagnose and Replace

Рет қаралды 214,852

6 жыл бұрын

I explain how to diagnose and replace a worn or blown steering stabilizer on a solid front axle vehicle. I also explain what a steering stabilizer does and why it is NOT to blame for your death wobble
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We hope you enjoyed this video and will keep in mind that all information included is intended to be purely academic and in fact is only the opinion of D&E. We are not professionals, nor are we qualified to knight you a professional. D&E want to ensure that anyone modify or fixing their own vehicle does so in a safe manner which leaves the vehicle in a legal, roadworthy state. In short, DON'T BE A MONKEY WITH A TOOL BOX! If you don't know what you are doing, leave it the professionals!

Пікірлер: 117

@johnweber4169 3 жыл бұрын

Props for finding a Jeep that still has the under engine splash guard.

@jaket.9193 4 жыл бұрын

A bad steering damper may not cause death wobble but a leaking one can absolutely enhance it once its triggered. If the oil is leaking out, air is being introduced to the internals of that shock and air is compressable like a spring. That being said, I totally agree with your assessment of worn components.

@DEInTheGarage 4 жыл бұрын

That is valid. often a bad damper is what lets you know you have DW, though it is not the root cause

@josephtrunk3565 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the video, Sir. Need to do this on my 2.2 liter, 5 speed manual, 05 Saturn Vue, at 285,000 miles, definitely overdue. It’s particularly noticeable once vehicle is thoroughly warmed up and brakes are applied, slowing down from 45-55 mph to a stop, with moderate pressure on the brake pedal. Thanks again, Sir!

@BryantAvant 4 жыл бұрын

I was watching this to make sure I wouldn't need a new alignment after replacing. You said all the things I tell people about this part.

@rodneycarey44 3 жыл бұрын

Yep, mine is a daily as well, do not have death wobble but have noticed exactly what you described. Thanks for the in depth.

@pastorlugo121 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. I am replacing mine tomorrow and your presentation is of great help. Thanks.

@idzyns 4 жыл бұрын

The BFH was the tool I needed. Was trying and trying to turn the bolt. Thx. Removal tool about 45 min. Install 5 min.

@4pjon 4 жыл бұрын

2012 Rubicon....Replaced two sway bar links($40 each) and swapped out with a Rancho Steering stabilizer($60)....no more transfer to the steering wheel every time I hit a pothole or bad pavement. I no longer have to brace the wheel !

@DEInTheGarage 4 жыл бұрын

That is a win!

@TravisScott-dv4wl 4 жыл бұрын

04 grand cherokee se... Straight up man your videos and help immensely I am by no stretch of the imagination mechanically inclined individual but I've already done my tie rod and all the damn vernacular now and the way you explained it is very eloquent I appreciate it brother

@ericbauer4897 Жыл бұрын

Nice video, watched last night and installed my new one today. Piece of cake, no issues with any of the bolts. The explanation was great, it does make a huge difference, steering is much tighter. Thanks for sharing!

@4speed3pedals 3 жыл бұрын

It is always a good idea to coat the damper mount taper with Never-Seez. It will allow for proper torque of the fastener and it will allow the taper to separate from the steering linkage a whole lot easier. I also coat the stud where the damper rides and the threads.

@iriscurbelo4144 3 жыл бұрын

Loved his no nonsense common sense easy to understand instructions.

@samsara2024 Жыл бұрын

Nice video thanks. I just reaplaced mine in my TJ 2005.... lets see tomorrow how it behave :)

@nickask6637 5 жыл бұрын

Just got a rubicon express steering stabilizer for 39 bucks about to replace it 👌

@seanpinson9030 11 ай бұрын

To cure me death wobble I replaced all bushings control arms tie rods and then the track bar but still had it. Honestly I didn't understand because the ball joints and hubs were fine. Then I ordered super hard durometer bushings from Kevin's off road and drilled my mounting holes to 9/16 put the bushings in my original track bar and no more death wobble. Even new track bars have too much bushing deflection to handle the solid axle. Just a little food for thought. It cured my WJ

@leighjohnson1001 6 жыл бұрын

thanks for the video,this is something i will be doing shortly,keep em coming,from downunder australian 4 x 4 nut

@lukecunningham8812 5 жыл бұрын

I should’ve taken a picture of my steering stabilizer... mine literally had an inch of grease on it until I cleaned it off. I think that’s definitely gonna help tighten my steering up and make it not so scary when I hit bumps😂

@Amarillobymorning777 3 жыл бұрын

I learned something new everyday. Thanks.

@stephengoodrich9320 4 жыл бұрын

You explain everything so simply. Awesome teacher , you have a gift. Very knowledgeable. Keep up the good work. I will continue to subscribe . You are my mechanic when it comes to jeeps.

@DEInTheGarage 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Bring on the Jeep questions

@stephengoodrich9320 4 жыл бұрын

I've got a problem . I don't know if it's brake fluid or differential fluid , but on my 04 jeep grand Cherokee limited inside the back passenger tire there is a oily greasy fluid and on the other side close to the tire but not at the tire it's looks like something is leaking and dripping from the hoses that are attached to rear end. I just recently replaced upper rear control arm and ball joint.

@CTSCAPER 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for showing what the stabilizer looks like. It looks like a simple process once you get the bolts out.

@khalidhasan8234 5 жыл бұрын

very simple easy to understand video,, thumbs up :) thanks, i finally got the actual function of this piece in my car.

@DEInTheGarage 5 жыл бұрын

Haha.. glad you found the video helpful!

@justinlee5314 4 жыл бұрын

great vid! "the info I'm about to give you, is applicable for a literally, everyother vehicle you could put into order..applicable then not" seriously man thank you!

@justinlee5314 4 жыл бұрын

shock absorber

@gelatodiesel5461 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video!

@drew856856 5 жыл бұрын

thanks you there is all kind of play in my wheel i will be fixing this in the morning

@DEInTheGarage 5 жыл бұрын

Good luck!

@rubendelcampo205 3 жыл бұрын

very informative video you earned 1 sub buddy i got a 04 tj love the ride man keep it up 👍

@jeepguyluke7485 4 жыл бұрын

hm, i have a 97 xj, my steering has a ton of play n the wheel moves alot on bumps so this helps alot, thx. 👍

@Cowboysway1969 4 жыл бұрын

Got the RC version, It’s def wet and looking rough on my 95 YJ so I’ll be changing it when the sun rises, Thanks for sharing the video... 👍

@DEInTheGarage 4 жыл бұрын

Good luck!

@Cowboysway1969 4 жыл бұрын

@@DEInTheGarage Well my bolt on the pitman, Draglink side did not come out with a hammer and I couldn't get the pitman pulled in there without removing more stuff first! Had to cut it off and drill it out! But the new one is on!

@robertsims6136 2 жыл бұрын

GOOD VIDEO.

@georgeparker555 5 ай бұрын

Great video very informative!

@ChannelytelHD 4 жыл бұрын

Great video thanks 👍

@tyecurtis7228 4 жыл бұрын

This video even helped me on my Hummer. Thanks!

@DEInTheGarage 4 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear it!

@cartersimataa7531 4 жыл бұрын

Can you replace a short stabilizers with a lil longer ones?

@jonathanjeffries9928 3 жыл бұрын

Will I need an alignment once I disconnect the pitman arm?

@nickulasmaharaj7550 Жыл бұрын

Is it normal for a steering damper shaft to be fully extended out or do you need to pull on it to come out when new

@anythingbrap8843 4 жыл бұрын

Thank for the help. I watched about 5 other videos and no one made it clear on how the top bolt came out

@DoggFart Жыл бұрын

Hi, would you recommend replacing the steering stabilizer when replacing the axle?

@powerram92 Ай бұрын

Does this help with body sway going around a turn or should i be looking at other components?

@nativeoutdoors1780 2 жыл бұрын

Steering stabilizer WILL help with deathwobble, but only if other components aren't severely worn. But any dealership will help the death wobble with a new steering stabilizer, but you really need to go bigger than stock since most stock shocks aren't that great

@timwickersham869 6 жыл бұрын

I changed mine on my 95 grand Cherokee limited a couple years ago, i put a boot on it to help keep it clean..

@DEInTheGarage 6 жыл бұрын

That is a great idea. The Trail Boss I put on my WJ came with one.. I should invest the $3 and put on on this too. Thanks for the tip!

@jat-justamaturetech-philpj8285 3 жыл бұрын

Can you replace the stabilizer after a wheel alignment without having to realign again??

@luissonoma6255 4 ай бұрын

Would it hurt to apply some anti seize where the new hardware meet the inside of the eye? How long do they typically last before it needs to be replaced?

@JeepTJWheelin 2 жыл бұрын

My Monroe HD steering stabilizer is leaking oil after just one month, it's absolute junk. Since I have Fox 2.0 performance shox on my '05 TJ Rocky Mtn, I'm going with their stabilizer to match the shocks.

@dnkomos1 6 жыл бұрын

i have a 1999 jeep cherokee . I put in same brand of shock you did on the front end. i could not tighten hex nut all the way down the shock moves up and down. This will probably be a problem right?

@DEInTheGarage 6 жыл бұрын

it will most likely result is a more loose feeling and possible some bump steer depending how much play there is. What prevented you from tightening the bolt fully?

@scoolmaxmaximizatuaprendiz2219 6 жыл бұрын

Hi! I had pretty bad DW on my WJ 2004. Mechanic said that I had to change the stabilizer and stabilizing bar bushings, which we did, but suddenly I got it again. We found out that the bolt holding the stabilizer to the link arm had broken. Next step is checking everything you mention on your Diagnosing Death Wobble video, my question is: Any pointers on what broke that bolt? Thanks for your help!

@DEInTheGarage 6 жыл бұрын

Well Death Wobble is a pretty violent event. I am going to assume that DW broke the bold. I cant think of much else that would break a bolt on a steering damper. There isnt a ton of stress in that area. Good luck!

@Zoofactory 4 жыл бұрын

I just looked at my drag link after watching your video.. The crown nut was missing it’s cotter pin and was almost off the stud! That could’ve ended poorly. Thanks for posting. I’ve got my stabilizer ready to install. Question .. Would you replace the steering stabilizer before replacing any other suspension parts - assuming that the shocks are good and no parts appear to be physically broken and torn. ? I don’t want to put the cart before the horse.. Indeed, new front steering bushings are en route as part of the stabilizer swap. Am I missing anything? Tire pressures are good, but I have a sloppy ride....

@DEInTheGarage 4 жыл бұрын

Good gravy!... Glad you caught that

@zachgetsguap7846 4 жыл бұрын

I just did tie rod ends and ball joints on mine, and it needed an alignment anyway, but I decided to wait until after I did the tie rod ends and ball joints so I didn’t have to get it done again. I also want to replace my steering stabilizer, should I do this before the alignment, or does it not affect anything?

@3Tardz 3 жыл бұрын

no, its just a shock and it essentially has nothing to do with alignment the way tie rods would... (i know this is late but this is rather to help people who do this in the future)**

@DerekChristensen 3 жыл бұрын

My steering and suspension components are in good condition with no noticeable issues. What I was trying to find out is how do you test or know if the steering stabilizer is still good or if it is worn out and needs replacement? Obviously, if it is leaking or bent, etc, but mine looks fine and seems to have resistance to movement in both directions (I removed it from the vehicle for cleaning and testing). It is a Rancho RS5402 and it’s been in service for nearly 20-years, but it seems Ok, yet I wondered if there is a Test to verify. The Boot is and has remained intact protecting the piston shaft.

@DEInTheGarage 3 жыл бұрын

Your best bet would be to take one side off and see how resistant it is to being pulled in and out. It should be difficult for you to extend and retract the shaft by hand

@DerekChristensen 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. It does exhibit resistance in both directions. Even though it’s around 20-years old, it seems to be working fine. The boot has remained intact and the piston shaft is clean as new. A New one is $60. Thanks. DC

@donovansantana9977 5 жыл бұрын

Even though it temporarily hides death wobble would you still recommend to replace it if you need an immediate fix just to get to work and back. Until a mechanic can get you in to fix ball joints and u joints?

@DEInTheGarage 5 жыл бұрын

Here is the thing. it may or may not temporarily hide your DW. It may lessen it, it may do nothing. They are cheap enough that you might as well change it out if you want to try and easy temporary solution, but chances are whatever is causing your DW is going to put extra stress on your new stabilizer and possibly wear it out sooner

@schleppyzee2931 2 жыл бұрын

The new JLs had stabilizer issues, issued a recall for em, but I was going insane trying to diagnose what my death wobble was from, being she was fresh, but yea, turns out, if your stabilizer is itself defective or broken, you will likely get the death wobble in a Wrangler.

@jeffazarva6549 Жыл бұрын

Theres a technical service bulletin on steering stabilizer on death wabble. Jeep up graded it to a new part number on cherokees.May be on others as well.

@sim7409 Жыл бұрын

so i started havin wobble..after new track bar it's still ther..guy at shop said i shld think bout stabilizer. but ur saying NO. cldnt be?

@tavorodriguez973 5 жыл бұрын

Hey.where did you buy the steering stabilizer 👍

@DEInTheGarage 5 жыл бұрын

I think I got that one from rockauto.com. Unless you are running big tires and modified suspension there is no reason to get a crazy upgraded one. The stock size works fine and is very affordable

@yourallbrainwashed 3 жыл бұрын

I don't have death wobble, but I do have a sort of hopping movement, that gets worse as I accelerate. I checked everything else I can think of, even my ujoints and carrier bearing. Are you positive my stabilizer shock wouldn't cause this issue?

@DEInTheGarage 3 жыл бұрын

I am completely and totally positive, but here is the catch. Which it will not CAUSE it, a bad steering stabilizer will EXACERBATE it. Changing your SS might hide the issue for a while, but without finding and fixing the root cause you will wear out the new stabilizer and be back where you started in short order. If you are running larger tires, possibly one is out of balance. Did you check wheel bearings?

@yourallbrainwashed 3 жыл бұрын

@@DEInTheGarage ty.. I really don't think so . Because it's essentially just a shock absorber.. but there are conflicting stories, but you're right

@blakedoty6109 4 жыл бұрын

6:39 ...and from oil dripping from oil pan.

@bushcraftwithmadmax6280 6 жыл бұрын

My bushing came out of my stabilizer where it mounts to the stationery side and caused a really violent death wobble replaced it and back to no death wobble and the only way to stop the death wobble from the bushing being gone from the stabilizer shock was to stop in the middle of the road lol it was really bad

@DEInTheGarage 6 жыл бұрын

Haha.. I had a Cherokee on 35's oncve like that. You'd be going 50 mph and have to slam on the brakes to stop the whole thing shaking apart. fun fun times

@jamesparker4727 4 жыл бұрын

Do you have any ideas as to what my problem is? 2004 GC pulls left on acceleration, pulls right on deceleration. Front end seems tight. Can you help? Thanks

@DEInTheGarage 4 жыл бұрын

You have some loose components somewhere. maybe control arm bushings or wheel bearing?

@mercytreeministries5973 4 жыл бұрын

I had a death wobble multiple times replaced the steering stabilizer haven't had it since

@timjohnson6457 4 жыл бұрын

Same here. Mine under warranty

@TheWolfsnack 3 жыл бұрын

My mechanic went over my whole front end on my 93ZJ yesterday.....just had the transfer case and rear diff replaced...my front end is fine, all tight and inspected three years ago......but the stabilizer is leaking oil.....it only wobbles badly when the front tires hit several bumps in a row....my mechanic says replace the stabilizer.

@adamthomas5997 3 жыл бұрын

My jeep tends to wander and I have to constantly correct it. The mechanic said stabilizer. But you said in this video that the stabilizer won't fix this. So what should I do?

@DEInTheGarage 3 жыл бұрын

The stabilizer wont fix death wobble (different that wandering). A new stabilizer should fix your issue

@JayJay-dr7qd 4 жыл бұрын

I dont have death wobble but a shudder only when the wheel is returning to centre. I was thinking axle u joints but thought maybe i would get lucky and it would be the ss because i cant find any play.

@DEInTheGarage 4 жыл бұрын

Hmm.. did it work?

@georgesantiago6005 2 жыл бұрын

My steering box breaķs the screws Hope can help. Thanks

@jedidias7091 4 жыл бұрын

Just bought a jeep wj 02 feels like I have to counter my steering often ?? Feels as if hit a bump or depressions in the road I'm fighting between left to right to keep it str8. ??? I claim the steering feels loose. This such thing help my situation? Speeds 20 to 50 mph. Not death wobble but just feels like the bumps I hit I have to streer thru to keep it straight

@DEInTheGarage 4 жыл бұрын

It sounds like a worn out front end to be honest. Tie rod ends, ball joins, etc might need to be replaced

@jedidias7091 4 жыл бұрын

@@DEInTheGarage went under there and pulled and twisted things . I believe it's a steering link nuckle one side is loose . Part of the pitman arm , looks just like a tie arm but the upper one that connects steering. .

@jumpoffit2052 4 жыл бұрын

Do you need to do an alignment?

@DEInTheGarage 4 жыл бұрын

no as you are not touching the tie rod ends

@michaelchristy9057 Жыл бұрын

I had death wobble everything on the front of my Jeep is new besides the steering shock I replaced it the death wobble went away

@Deadbuck73 2 жыл бұрын

100th! 💥

@chriscamgemi368 2 жыл бұрын

😅😂🤣 I mean hay ,hit with a hammer 🔨 or a rock or anything 😅😂🤣

@insylem 5 жыл бұрын

I have death wobble. I was unable to find any play in any of my steering/suspension componants. Found my steering stabalisor seems to have been leaking. I plan on watching the Death wobble video after this one.

@nevamind3334 5 жыл бұрын

insylem. Try sway bar links/ bushings to help out with the death wobble.

@insylem 5 жыл бұрын

@@nevamind3334 That's what fixed it. Swaybar/ bushings

@nevamind3334 5 жыл бұрын

insylem. Glad to hear that . That’s one of the things that helped mine. Now I am in the last stage of getting my Jeep back right. Stay safe and enjoy ya ride😎

@colino5056 4 жыл бұрын

Just replaced mine. These jeeps go through suspension parts like nothing. I suspected tie rods but my dampner was so loose you barely push and it slides down...no compression. If you have a wobble going over bumps its probably this.

@johnnyd4049 5 жыл бұрын

9 out of 10 times death wobble will be control arm bushings

@doccomeau2770 4 жыл бұрын

Track bar

@jaylinderman6522 4 жыл бұрын

Ball joint + steering gear box bearings. After fixing every thing else were the cause. Control arms for me changed nothing but were shot so that did inprove ride.