What is the Steering Stabilizer Stop all about?
Vehicles that are equipped with oversized tires have excessive weight at the front wheels -- weight that the manufacturer didn’t intend. This can produce excessive steering feedback in a rapid frequency, which can be uncontrollable. It is called a ‘death wobble’ due to its frightening and often dangerous shaking. A steering damper assists in solving a death wobble, and many trucks and SUV’s are equipped with one. A steering stabilizer absorbs much of the vibration that causes a death wobble due to the dampening effects of a fluid-charged cylinder. It's design is essentially that of a suspension system’s shock absorber, which eliminates bounce in a vehicle. The steering stabilizer may be lighter duty than necessary for applications with oversized wheels, or it may be worn out.
Keep in mind:
- A steering stabilizer or damper can be added to a truck that is not already equipped with one.
- A suspected problem with your steering stabilizers may actually have to do with your suspension, or even suspension air bags (if you have them).
How it's done:
- The vehicle front wheels are put straight and the vehicle is lifted and supported on jack stands
- The defective steering stabilizer stop is removed
- The new steering stabilizer is installed
- The vehicle is removed from jack stands
- The vehicle is started and checked for steering stabilizer stop operation
Our recommendation:
A steering stabilizer’s condition is checked with every regular maintenance or suspension inspection performed on your vehicle. If you suspect a problem with your steering stabilizer or if you experience a related symptom, have one of our expert mechanics check your suspension and steering, and repair it if necessary.
What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Steering Stabilizer Stop?
- A ‘death wobble’ at highway speeds
- Steering feels choppy or loose
How important is this service?
The condition that occurs because of a worn or insufficient steering stabilizer is called a death wobble and is dangerous. If your steering stabilizer or damper needs to be replaced, have it done as soon as possible.
