Steering stabilizers are an important, yet often forgotten piece of driving equipment. Statistics show that drivers that have steering dampers on their car are less likely to be in an accident.
These devices often help the driver to stay in control through intense swerving. Just to be on the side, you should definitely get one if you don’t have any.
If you are wondering how long do steering stabilizers last, it can last from 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Its service depends on the internal components and your driving style.
If you adhere to rules and avoid driving rough then you can expect it to last around a hundred thousand miles.
How Long Do Steering Stabilizers Last?
Steering stabilizers or dampers are used to keep wobbling under control. These devices will significantly increase control, especially if your vehicle has to handle too much weight at the front.
The amount of extra weight at the front puts strain on suspension and steering, which can result in death wobble. It is not only scary but also can cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
Adding a stabilizer to the steering system will reduce the wobbling to a minimum.
But how long do they last? It depends on various factors like on-road driving, off-road driving, amount of weight carried, your driving style, etc.
For example, driving rough on hilly terrain would put more pressure on the damper than driving slowly on a highway.
So, depending on these various factors steering stabilizer can last from fifty thousand miles to a hundred thousand miles.
External damage or harsh weather can shorten the expected lifetime. Always try to replace them at the due time as a bad steering stabilizer cause death wobbler.
How to Test a Steering Stabilizer?
The responsibility of the steering damper is the absorb the shock from the wheel. So that it does not get to reach the steering wheel.
The best way to test a damper is to do a thorough inspection. It is attached to the wheel and the drag link.
You can also test these dampers by fully removing them. In case that seems too much hassle, you can detach one end.
To test the damper, you should take off the bolt from the drag link end. Then push the other end and check if it behaves like a spring. The liquid substance inside the stabilizer should push back.
Also, give attention to its smoothness. It should smoothly push back against the force you applied. If something seems off then it might be time to get a new one.
Steering Boxes, Spline Sizes, and Racks
| Application | Size | Spline Diameter | Splines |
| Ford Rack | |||
| Mustang II and Pinto Manual | 9/16” – 26 | 0.563 | 26 |
| Mustang II and Pinto Power | ¾” – 36 | 0.750 | 36 |
| Ford Box | |||
| Manual and Power | ¾” – 36 | 0.750 | 36 |
| GM Box | |||
| Model 525 (1986 – Present) | ¾” – 30 | 0.750 | 30 |
| Model 800 (1978 – Present) | ¾” – 30 | 0.750 | 30 |
| GM Rack | |||
| Corvette (1984 – Present) | 17MM Double D | 0.670 | 570 |
Symptoms of Bad Steering Stabilizer Shock
Let us look at some of the symptoms that would tell you the steering stabilizer is going bad.
- Nose Dive: If your car nose dives while braking, it is time to take a hard look at the dampers. The nosedive happens when the stabilizer cannot absorb the full force.
- Excessive bounce: When the damper cannot absorb the shock properly, it delivers that shock to other connected components. This results in an excessive bounce.
- Unable to handle wind: If the steering stabilizers lose their ability, your vehicle will be less stable in windy situations.
- Excess leaning: The car should not lean excessively when cornering because the suspensions and dampers together should be able to handle it. In case, the damper is not up to the mark, you will see excessive leaning.
- Leaking Fluid: This is the most obvious symptom of a damper that has gone bad. Even the best steering stabilizer ford f250 can get damaged.
Driving on a country road or debris on the roads can easily damage the piston of the damper. If you see fluid leaking from the damper, then take action immediately.
When to replace Steering stabilizer
The good practice is to replace the steering stabilizer at the interval of 50 thousand miles.
Even the best shocks and struts need to replace when they have crossed that mark. Because the performance will start to deteriorate after that.
If you ever notice grease and dirt build-up then it is time to replace the damper immediately.
Also, keep an eye if the housing gets damaged or dented. Replace the steering stabilizer when you notice anything of that sort.
FAQs
1. When should I replace my steering stabilizer?
If the damper is damaged or leaking liquid then you should definitely replace the steering stabilizer. You should also replace it if you don’t feel it dampening the side-to-side movement.
2. How long is a steering stabilizer good for?
A good steering stabilizer can offer service up to 100,000 miles if driven in optimal conditions.
3. Do you need an alignment after replacing the steering stabilizer?
No, the steering stabilizer has nothing to do with the alignment. It just dampens the side-to-side movement to help you keep the steering wheel under your control.
4. How do I know if my steering stabilizer is bad?
First of all, take notice if the devices dampen the quick side-to-side movement of the steering wheel. If it does not, then the device has gone bad. Also, it has gone bad if you see any leaking.
5. What is death wobble?
Death wobble is a situation where front suspension goes through a series of sudden violent vibrations. Most of the time front axle suspension exhibits vibrations.
6. Is a dual steering stabilizer better than a single?
If you like to drive off-road or carry heavy accessories then a dual steering stabilizer will help you a lot. For regular commuting, one stabilizer would be enough.
Bottom Line
Bad steering stabilizer cause death wobbler which can result in an accident in an instant. It is important to keep an eye on how long do steering stabilizers last because you should replace them as soon as possible.
When working properly these devices can be a lifesaver. They can have the opposite effect if you keep using a broken or damaged piece. So, whenever you see the steering stabilizer needs replacing, replace that as soon as you can.
