Steering Damper

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the steering damper (stabilizer shock) on a 2007 Ram 3500 4WD with the 5.9L Cummins diesel engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering damper × 1 — Mopar 68067429AA or equivalent heavy-duty aftermarket

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support on jack stands under frame rails
4. Ensure steering wheel is centered and vehicle is in neutral (manual) or park (automatic)
5. Apply penetrating oil to steering damper mounting bolts and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate steering damper
   The steering damper is mounted roughly horizontally between the tie rod/drag link assembly and a bracket on the front axle housing (driver side on many configurations). One end attaches with a stem-type mount and the other uses a loop/eye mount bolted to the bracket. Verify exact mounting points on this vehicle before removal.
2. 2

   Remove tie rod end mounting nut
   Using an 18mm wrench and socket, hold the stem of the damper with the wrench while removing the mounting nut with the socket. The stem may spin in the rubber bushing if corroded. If nut is seized, apply additional penetrating oil and carefully apply heat if safe to do so.
3. 3

   Separate damper from tie rod
   Pull the damper stem out of the mounting bracket on the tie rod. If the stem is stuck, gently pry with a prybar or tap with a soft mallet. Do not damage the tie rod threads or mounting holes.
4. 4

   Remove frame bracket bolt
   Using a 21mm wrench and socket, remove the bolt securing the loop end of the damper to the frame bracket. This bolt passes through the damper eye and bracket. The bracket remains attached to the frame; only the bolt is removed.
5. 5

   Remove old steering damper
   Pull the damper free from the frame bracket and remove from vehicle. Inspect mounting locations for damage, excessive wear, or bent brackets. Wire brush the frame bracket and tie rod mounting area to remove rust and debris.
6. 6

   Inspect mounting hardware
   Examine both mounting bolts for thread damage, corrosion, or stretching. Check the frame bracket for cracks or excessive wear in the bolt hole. Inspect the tie rod mounting bracket for cracks or elongated holes. Replace any damaged hardware before installing new damper.
7. 7

   Install new damper to frame bracket
   Position the loop end of the new steering damper into the frame bracket with the damper body oriented toward the rear of the vehicle. Insert the 21mm bolt through the bracket and damper eye. Thread nut onto bolt but do not fully tighten yet.
8. 8

   Install damper to tie rod
   Insert the stem end of the damper through the mounting hole in the tie rod bracket. Thread the 18mm nut onto the stem. Again, do not fully tighten yet. The damper should be able to move slightly at both ends.
9. 9

   Tighten mounting hardware
   With the vehicle weight on the jack stands and steering centered, tighten the frame bracket bolt and the tie rod stem nut to the factory torque specifications listed in the service manual for this vehicle (do not rely on generic values). Tighten the stem nut while holding the stem with a wrench to prevent spinning.

Reassembly

1. No additional reassembly required for this procedure
2. Verify all mounting hardware is tight and properly secured
3. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle to ground

Verification

• Start engine and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly 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 and there are no unusual noises from front end
• Check for steering wander or oscillation at highway speeds; properly functioning damper should eliminate steering wheel shimmy
• Perform visual inspection after test drive to ensure all mounting hardware remains tight

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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