Steering Damper

Replace the steering damper (shock absorber) that reduces steering wheel vibration and shimmy on the 2014 Ram 2500 4WD with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering damper × 1 — Use OEM specification or heavy-duty aftermarket equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. If bolts are corroded, apply penetrating oil to mounting hardware and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands under frame rails
5. Verify vehicle is stable before proceeding underneath

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate steering damper
   The steering damper is mounted horizontally on the driver side of the vehicle, running from the tie rod to a bracket on the frame rail. Identify both the tie rod end mounting bolt and the frame bracket mounting bolt.
2. 2

   Remove tie rod end mounting bolt
   Using an 18mm socket and wrench, hold the nut stationary while loosening the bolt that secures the steering damper to the tie rod. Remove the bolt completely and retain hardware if reusing.
3. 3

   Remove frame bracket mounting bolt
   Using a 15mm socket and wrench, hold the nut stationary while loosening the bolt that secures the steering damper to the frame bracket. Remove the bolt completely. If the damper is stuck in the bracket, use a pry bar to gently separate it.
4. 4

   Remove old steering damper
   Pull the steering damper away from both mounting points and remove it from the vehicle. Inspect mounting hardware for wear, corrosion, or damage. Replace if necessary.
5. 5

   Prepare mounting locations
   Clean mounting surfaces on the tie rod and frame bracket using a wire brush. Remove any rust, dirt, or debris to ensure proper fitment of the new damper. Inspect bushings in the new damper for proper orientation.
6. 6

   Install new steering damper to frame bracket
   Position the new steering damper into the frame bracket first. Insert the 15mm mounting bolt through the bracket and damper, then thread on the nut finger-tight. Do not fully tighten at this time.
7. 7

   Connect damper to tie rod
   Align the opposite end of the steering damper with the tie rod mounting point. You may need to use a pry bar to align the holes. Insert the 18mm bolt through the tie rod and damper, then thread on the nut finger-tight.
8. 8

   Torque frame bracket bolt
   Using a torque wrench and 15mm socket, torque the frame bracket mounting bolt to 37 Nm (27 lb-ft) while holding the nut with a wrench. Ensure the damper sits flush in the bracket.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Torque tie rod bolt
   Using a torque wrench and 18mm socket, torque the tie rod mounting bolt to 37 Nm (27 lb-ft) while holding the nut with a wrench. Verify the damper moves freely through its range of motion without binding.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Lower vehicle
    Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. Ensure all tools and parts are clear from underneath the vehicle before lowering.

Reassembly

1. Ensure both mounting bolts are properly torqued to specification
2. Verify steering damper is oriented correctly with damper body on frame side and rod end on tie rod side
3. Check that damper does not contact any components through full steering travel

Verification

• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify damper does not bind or contact other components
• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify steering returns to center properly
• Check for reduced steering wheel vibration and shimmy compared to worn damper
• Inspect mounting bolts for proper tightness after initial test drive

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