AFTERMARKET STEERING DAMPERS

We often get asked regarding the benefits of installing an aftermarket steering damper on a car such as the Suzuki Jimny. This article will help to clarify some of the advantages of fitting an uprated steering damper.

Steering dampers are usually found on off-road ladder frame cars, such as the aforementioned Jimny, along with the Ineos Grenadier, the classic Land Rover Defender and older Toyota Land Cruisers.

The steering damper is designed to reduce steering wheel wobble, but also to reduce kickback through the steering wheel when driving off-road. It helps to suppress vibrations and shocks that would otherwise be directly transmitted to the steering wheel when driving over rocky surfaces and undulations.

OEM steering dampers that are supplied fitted to the vehicles listed above often have many limiting factors that reduce performance. This includes costs, mixed driving characteristics and a focus on compatibility with more road-orientated tyres. Aftermarket steering dampers can help to improve performance through both superior construction and a higher specification compared to the factory item.

1. Reduced steering kickback when driving off-road

If you have fitted larger and/or more aggressive off-road tyres, your steering will be more susceptible to aggressive kickback when off-roading. An aftermarket steering damper will typically have a higher damping force, along it to better counteract the forces being pushed through the steering by the tyres and off-road surface.

2. Improved straight-line stability

Although the steering damper itself does not directly affect straight-line stability, it does make it easier to keep the steering wheel in the dead-centre position on undulating roads, which gives the impression that stability has been improved and inspires more confidence when driving. The steering will also be less affected by pot holes and ruts in the road surface.

3. Suppressing steering judder and shimmying

In cars such as the Suzuki Jimny, there can quite often be a feeling of the steering "shimmying" on poor quality roads, especially when bigger tyres with more aggressive tread patterns are installed. Fitting an uprated steering damper can help to better counteract this phenomenon by exerting a stronger damping force on the steering setup.

4. Heavier steering

Some customers report that their steering feels too light, especially in the latest generation Suzuki Jimny (which has electric power steering). A steering damper with uprated damping will cause the steering wheel to feel heavier, as the damper actively tries to counteract the steering wheel input. This can help to inspire confidence at speed, especially on twisty roads.

It's worth noting that, while an uprated steering damper is designed to absorb shocks and impacts, it will have a reduced rebound effect (as this would exacerbate steering kickback when off-roading). Therefore, while a heavily uprated steering damper will improve the steering feel when turning into a corner, the steering will typically be less likely to self centre, requiring more driver input to return the steering wheel to its natural position.