Steering Damper

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MadPikAvenger

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Michigan

• Feb 3, 2009

• #1

While attempting to solve another issue with my Jeep I noticed that my steering damper was leaking pretty badly. I have my factory service manual but the its instructions are basically just unscrew the old one and screw in the new one. I'm up at school so only have limited tools in my Jeep. Basically I was wondering if anyone else has had experience replacing their steering damper and if so did it end up being a bigger job than it seemed. Thanks

 

RichP

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Effort, Pa

• Feb 3, 2009

• #2

It has a tapered bolt that be tough to remove, usually a 1/4 lb of C4 works well.
Basically it is easy, just that tapered bolt can be a nitemare.

 

IslanderOffRoad

NAXJA Forum User

NAXJA Member

Location

Houston, Tx

• Feb 3, 2009

• #3

Its easy. Most difficult part is getting the new one lined up for the bolt holes, which really isnt hard at all with a hammer.

 

snail

NAXJA Forum User

Location

North Jersey

• Feb 3, 2009

• #4

like they said its a pretty easy pull and replace
im also at school with very limited tools and i had some trouble with it getting that tapered bolt off too
ended up just taking it to a local shop where they did the swap for just $15.

on my other xj i just cut the old one to make the removal easier

 

M

MadPikAvenger

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Michigan

• Feb 3, 2009

• #5

Awesome...I was just worried because in the FSM it says you need a puller tool. But I couldn't really see how that would be necessary. Anyone know if the $12 puller tool from autozone would be sufficient if one was needed? Or is it some silly Chrysler tool?

 

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winterbeater

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Royal Oak, Michigan

• Feb 3, 2009

• #6

Spray with breakaway or similar a couple of days before.

 

rocknxj

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Clinton, Utah (SLC area)

• Feb 3, 2009

• #7

If you tap the tapered bolt out with a hammer, make sure you leave on the castelated nut to prevent damaging the threads.

You can rent a puller from Autzone (or equiv) for free if you have a credit card. I recommend the puller if you don't have a BFG and are sporting girly arms.

 

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kujito

NAXJA Forum User

Location

colorado

• Feb 3, 2009

• #8

MadPikAvenger said:

Awesome...I was just worried because in the FSM it says you need a puller tool. But I couldn't really see how that would be necessary. Anyone know if the $12 puller tool from autozone would be sufficient if one was needed? Or is it some silly Chrysler tool?

Click to expand...

Yep, that's the one I used when I changed TREs and damper. They had one that is slightly smaller than the one I bought, shoulda bought the little one. I say that because it would have made removing the upper drag link tre easier due to the shorter profile. If all you are doing is the damper, a BFH will get you there but the puller has other uses as well. Plus you get a new tool
my $.02

 

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MadPikAvenger

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Michigan

• Feb 3, 2009

• #9

Excellent. Thanks all for the advice!

 

RichP

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Effort, Pa

• Feb 3, 2009

• #10

If you start hammering that puppy out make sure no one is down range.