Steering Damper

This procedure removes and replaces the steering damper (shock absorber) on the front steering linkage of a 2005 Dodge Viper to restore proper steering stability and reduce shimmy.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering damper × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake.
2. Chock rear wheels securely.
3. Turn steering wheel to center position and lock ignition.
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support on jack stands at manufacturer-specified front jacking points.
5. Allow vehicle to settle on stands before beginning work.

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate steering damper
   Position yourself under the front center of the vehicle. Locate the steering damper mounted horizontally between the steering linkage and the frame rail on the driver side. The damper resembles a small shock absorber with mounting eyes at each end.
2. 2

   Apply penetrating oil
   Spray penetrating oil on both mounting bolt threads at each end of the steering damper. Allow 5-10 minutes for penetration. This will ease removal of potentially corroded fasteners.
3. 3

   Support steering damper
   Position one hand to support the steering damper body. The damper will become free once the second bolt is removed and must be controlled to prevent dropping.
4. 4

   Remove frame-side mounting bolt
   Using an 18mm wrench to hold the nut and an 18mm socket on the bolt head, remove the frame-side mounting bolt that secures the damper to the frame bracket. Remove the bolt, nut, and any washers. Note the orientation and position of washers for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove linkage-side mounting bolt
   Using the correct-size wrench to hold the nut and a matching socket on the bolt head, remove the linkage-side mounting bolt that secures the damper to the steering linkage or tie rod. Remove the bolt, nut, and any washers while supporting the damper. Note the orientation and position of washers for reinstallation. Remove the bolt, nut, and any washers while supporting the damper. Note the orientation and position of washers for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove steering damper
   Lower the steering damper from the vehicle. Inspect both mounting eyes for damage, elongation, or cracking. Inspect mounting brackets on the frame and linkage for cracks, deformation, or excessive wear.
7. 7

   Prepare new damper and hardware
   Compare the new steering damper to the removed unit to verify correct length, mounting eye diameter, and overall design. Clean mounting bolt threads with a wire brush. Verify all washers from the original installation are accounted for and in reusable condition, or replace as needed.
8. 8

   Install new steering damper
   Position the new steering damper with the mounting eyes aligned to both the frame bracket and the steering linkage mounting point. Insert the linkage-side mounting bolt with washers in their original orientation, threading the nut finger-tight. Insert the frame-side mounting bolt with washers in their original orientation, threading the nut finger-tight. Ensure the damper body has clearance from surrounding components throughout the full range of steering motion.
9. 9

   Torque mounting fasteners
   Using a torque wrench and 18mm socket, torque both mounting bolts to 20 lb-ft (27 Nm) while holding the nuts with an 18mm wrench. Torque the linkage-side bolt first, then the frame-side bolt.
10. 10

    Verify installation
    Visually confirm both mounting bolts are fully seated and torqued. Check that the damper has full clearance from brake lines, steering components, and frame throughout the steering range. Gently rock the damper by hand to verify secure mounting.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is completed during the procedure steps above.
2. Ensure both mounting bolts are torqued to specification before lowering vehicle.

Verification

• Lower vehicle from jack stands and remove wheel chocks.
• Start engine and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock several times while stationary to verify damper operation and clearance.
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify steering feel and stability.
• Inspect for any fluid leakage from damper seals after test drive.
• Re-check mounting bolt torque after 50-100 miles of driving.

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