This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the steering damper (shock absorber) on the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with RWD configuration to restore proper steering response and eliminate steering wheel shimmy.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering damper × 1 — Motorcraft DS-1754 or equivalent
• Mounting hardware kit (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Turn steering wheel to center position and lock ignition
4. If bolts show significant corrosion, apply penetrating oil to both mounting bolt locations and allow 15-30 minutes soak time
5. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated front jacking point
6. Support vehicle securely on jack stands under frame rails
7. Remove front skid plate if equipped (four 13mm bolts)

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate steering damper
   Position yourself under the front center of the vehicle. The steering damper is mounted horizontally between the tie rod/drag link and the frame, typically on the driver's side of the front axle beam or front crossmember on RWD F-150 models. It resembles a small shock absorber running parallel to the ground.
2. 2

   Support drag link if necessary
   If the damper provides significant support to the drag link or tie rod assembly, use a pry bar or secure support to prevent the linkage from dropping when the damper is removed. This is typically not necessary but may be helpful on worn suspension systems.
3. 3

   Remove frame-side mounting bolt
   Using an 18mm wrench to hold the nut and an 18mm socket with ratchet on the bolt head, remove the upper mounting bolt that secures the damper to the frame bracket. The bolt passes through a bushing in the damper eye. Support the damper as you remove the bolt to prevent it from dropping.
4. 4

   Remove tie rod or drag link mounting bolt
   Using the same 18mm wrench and socket combination, remove the lower mounting bolt that secures the damper to the steering linkage bracket. Once both bolts are removed, carefully lower the steering damper from the vehicle.
5. 5

   Inspect mounting points and clean threads
   Inspect both mounting brackets for cracks, elongated holes, or other damage. Use a wire brush to clean bolt threads and mounting bracket holes. Check the condition of bushings in the new damper before installation. Verify the new damper matches the old unit in length and mounting configuration.
6. 6

   Install new steering damper
   Position the new steering damper with the correct orientation (rod end typically faces forward/down toward steering linkage). Insert and hand-thread the lower mounting bolt through the steering linkage bracket and damper eye first, followed by the upper frame mounting bolt. Do not fully tighten either bolt yet.
7. 7

   Torque mounting bolts to specification
   Using a torque wrench, tighten both mounting bolts to the proper specification. Torque the frame mounting bolt first, then the steering linkage bolt. Ensure the wrench is on the bolt head while holding the nut stationary with a backup wrench.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front skid plate if equipped, torquing bolts in a cross pattern
2. Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to the ground
3. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Start engine and turn steering wheel fully left and right to verify no interference or binding
• Test drive vehicle at various speeds and verify steering damper has eliminated shimmy or oscillation
• Perform visual inspection underneath vehicle after test drive to confirm mounting bolts remain tight with no leakage from damper seals
• Check that steering returns to center properly without hanging or excessive resistance

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