Installing a steering damper

[Matthew Jeschke]

I am a little annoyed mt 2001 z71 tahoe doesnt have a steering damper. What is slickest way to mount one?

I am assuming i need a new steering bar... but how do i mount damper on frame side?

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[TheAutumnWind]

Its easy ive got one on the caddy. Not a huge difference but it helps.

Iirc this is what i have.

KYB SS15326

Like $50ish for the kit. Requires drilling.

 

[SnowDrifter]

Why do you need a steering damper?

 

[drakon543]

you only really need a steering damper if your running larger tires on a poor lift. if your stock and feel the need for a damper you probably have an underlying issue you haven't found. if your running a lift with larger tires let us know maybe we can give you advice on what lift parts you need. if your truck is practically a monster truck you might need a damper and if so pics pls.

 

[Matthew Jeschke]

Truck gives quite a bit of road feedback in steering. I think a damper would help with that.

Only remaining thing is my stock ride height. Guy i bought it from raised the front to level the truck. I lowered it. But seems not quite far enough yet. My z angle is at 5.2" and should be 4.7 for stock.

I believe the 2500 comes with a damper stock?

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[TheAutumnWind]

Why do you need a steering damper?

You dont really need one if everything is sorted unless you have big tires.

I think i need a new steering box at some point and my wheel feels overassisted (too easy to turn on the freeway). Iirc there is a wheel speed sensor that could be replaced to fix that?

 

[Matthew Jeschke]

You dont really need one if everything is sorted unless you have big tires.

I think i need a new steering box at some point and my wheel feels overassisted (too easy to turn on the freeway). Iirc there is a wheel speed sensor that could be replaced to fix that?

Thanks for the help.

I believe my tires are the stock size but cannot say for sure. Door says same overall size but 17" wheel as apposed to 16" wheel. They are 265/75/r16.

What are the signs of a warn out steering box? It's annoying the steering is extremely responsive (no slop whatsoever). Fluid looks great, no leaks, and no cavitation, grinding or noises otherwise. However, there's virtually no resistance at all in the steering. To me just seems as though isn't dampened at all?

 

[TheAutumnWind]

Thanks for the help.

I believe my tires are the stock size but cannot say for sure. Door says same overall size but 17" wheel as apposed to 16" wheel. They are 265/75/r16.

What are the signs of a warn out steering box? It's annoying the steering is extremely responsive (no slop whatsoever). Fluid looks great, no leaks, and no cavitation, grinding or noises otherwise. However, there's virtually no resistance at all in the steering. To me just seems as though isn't dampened at all?

No slop is great. Means your box is in good shape. I think i have the same problem where it seems to be far too easy to turn the wheel. Could be a steering wheel position sensor or something like that like i mentioned. If i understand the issue correctly when that goes bad the power steering stays in low speed mode (high assist) all the time. Its like a $100+ part. Dont get an aftermarket one.

 

[TheAutumnWind]

I looked it up a lot of people are referring to an EVO sensor. On the steering shaft. Sounds like you might be able to service it with wd40? Im going to have to look into that.

I think this is it.

 

[Matthew Jeschke]

I looked it up a lot of people are referring to an EVO sensor. On the steering shaft. Sounds like you might be able to service it with wd40? Im going to have to look into that.

I think this is it.

View attachment 217224

Wow awesome insight. thanks a million for pulling that up!

Yeah it is really annoying. Almost like i can. Spin the wheel at high speed. So little resistance.

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[TheAutumnWind]

Wow awesome insight. thanks a million for pulling that up!

Yeah it is really annoying. Almost like i can. Spin the wheel at high speed. So little resistance.

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Same issue i have. I can tell you that a steering damper didnt "fix" it and i have a fresh alignment, new inner and outer tie rods,pitman, idler, sway bar bushings and links, upper control arms, adjusted the steering box, adjusted the screw at the steering wheel, tires in good shape, stock ride height and factory tire size on factory wheels.

 

[drakon543]

my 97 has the same deal in it and ever since i bought it i was always fighting this steering surge. mine turned out to be the evo valve was hanging up or something. the shaft started to get some play so i replaced the pump. i bought the ac delco without the evo so i thoroughly cleaned the original now i dont have a problem.

 

[TheAutumnWind]

my 97 has the same deal in it and ever since i bought it i was always fighting this steering surge. mine turned out to be the evo valve was hanging up or something. the shaft started to get some play so i replaced the pump. i bought the ac delco without the evo so i thoroughly cleaned the original now i dont have a problem.

I dont get "surging" just way too much assist imo at freeway speeds. My wife doesn't think there's anything really wrong to be fair. (Which is why i haven't done it yet) Its not terrible. I just dont like it.

 

[drakon543]

sorry let me rephrase my comment. if the condition was met while turning id get one single lurch surge of over assisted steering. i dont see one listed for your truck but the 90s tahoe that have that feature has an alternate ps pump i think. lower pressure and you change one of the lines and remove the system so you have the same level of assist but its not overkill.

 

[TheAutumnWind]

sorry let me rephrase my comment. if the condition was met while turning id get one single lurch surge of over assisted steering. i dont see one listed for your truck but the 90s tahoe that have that feature has an alternate ps pump i think. lower pressure and you change one of the lines and remove the system so you have the same level of assist but its not overkill.

Yeah that sounds frightening. I would be way more proactive about that sort of problem.

The systems did change slightly from obs to nbs apparently. From what I've read a lot of people choose to delete the system. GM even sells delete kits. That's what I'd do ifmy issue was like yours.

 

[drakon543]

honestly that was part of my intention. ive bern going over the truck swapping out parts that needed attn or basic parts that are typical. i actually ordered the pump without the evo valve hookup and got the one with the evo. i did the water pump and while i had everything apart i was checking the pump and noticed i had excessive shaft play. so i decided to just use the pump i recieved anyway and just went out and got the right hose for that side.

 

[adriver]

Tire size came as an RPO code. (here are my Silverado codes).

PF9 19656 P WHL M WHEEL 16 X 7, ALUMINUM CAST 931221 E T E A
QNF 21210 P TIR M TIRE ALL P235/75R16-106S BW R/PE ST TL ALS 970312 E E E A
XNF 30282 P FTR M TIRE FRONT P235/75R16-106S BW R/PE ST TL ALS 970314 E E E A
YNF 31578 P RTR M TIRE REAR P235/75R16-106S BW R/PE ST TL ALS 970314 E E E A

 

[Merc1973]

my 97 has the same deal in it and ever since i bought it i was always fighting this steering surge. mine turned out to be the evo valve was hanging up or something. the shaft started to get some play so i replaced the pump. i bought the ac delco without the evo so i thoroughly cleaned the original now i dont have a problem.

Yup, My Grand Marquis had the same problem, I swapped the pump out for a non EVO pump and it was good to go.

 

[Merc1973]

Any updates of replacing the steering sensor, EVO, angle sensor?