steering

Steering Damper

for 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV 65 kWh Single Motor FWD · FWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Easy

Time

30 min

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

Remove and replace the steering damper on a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV to eliminate steering vibration or harshness.

Warnings

⚠Ensure vehicle is on level ground and properly supported on jack stands before working underneath.

⚠Do not start vehicle or turn steering wheel with damper disconnected, as this may cause damage to steering components.

ℹ️The Bolt EUV uses electric power steering with no hydraulic fluid, simplifying this repair.

Tools required

Floor jack and jack standsEssential

Torque wrench (10-150 Nm range)Essential

10mm, 13mm, 15mm, 18mm socketsEssential

Ratchet and extension setEssential

Pry bar or large flathead screwdriver

Wire brush

Penetrating lubricant

Wheel chocksEssential

Parts

Steering damper assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
Mounting bolts (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
Turn steering wheel to center position and do not move during procedure
Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at proper lift points
Allow steering components to cool if vehicle was recently driven

Procedure

1
Access steering damper
Locate the steering damper mounted to the steering rack assembly. It will be positioned horizontally beneath the vehicle, attached between the steering rack and the subframe. Inspect the area for any debris or corrosion.
2
Remove lower mounting bolt
Using an 18mm socket, remove the lower mounting bolt that attaches the damper to the subframe bracket. Support the damper with one hand while removing the bolt to prevent it from falling. If bolt is corroded, apply penetrating lubricant and allow to soak for 5 minutes before removal.
3
Remove upper mounting bolt
Remove the upper mounting bolt that attaches the damper to the steering rack using an 18mm socket. The damper may now be under slight tension, so control its movement as you remove the final bolt. Note the orientation of the damper for proper reinstallation.
4
Remove steering damper
Carefully remove the steering damper from the vehicle. Inspect the mounting points on both the rack and subframe for damage, wear, or excessive corrosion. Clean mounting surfaces with a wire brush if necessary to ensure proper seating of new damper.
5
Install new steering damper
Position the new steering damper between the steering rack and subframe mounting points, ensuring proper orientation matches the original. The damper rod should face the same direction as removed. Insert both mounting bolts finger-tight to hold damper in position.
6
Torque mounting bolts
Using a torque wrench, tighten both upper and lower mounting bolts to specification. Torque the lower bolt first (subframe side), then the upper bolt (rack side). Ensure damper moves freely through its range of motion without binding after torquing.
Torque spec
Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
7
Verify installation
Visually inspect both mounting points to ensure bolts are fully seated and damper is properly aligned. Check that no components are in contact with suspension or steering parts that could cause interference. Gently push on damper rod to verify it compresses and extends smoothly.

Reassembly

Lower vehicle from jack stands and remove wheel chocks
With vehicle on ground, verify steering wheel is still centered
Start vehicle and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly while stationary to verify no interference or unusual noises

Verification

Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area and verify steering operates smoothly without vibration or harshness
Turn steering wheel through full range at various speeds to confirm damper is functioning properly
Check mounting bolts after test drive to ensure they remain properly torqued
Listen for any unusual noises from steering system during turns