Defender Steering Damper, Eye/Pin, Old Man Emu, GL1161

Description 1 x Old Man Emu Defender Eye/Pin Fitment Steering Damper Part Number:- GL1161, Defender Steering Damper, Eye/Pin, Old Man Emu. Manufacturer:- Old Man Emu Fits:- Defender Weight :- 3.1 KG This is a high-quality Foam Cell Steering Damper manufactured by Old Man Emu. Unlike gas-charged steering dampers, these do not extend on their own, making fitment easier and preventing steering from pulling to the driver’s side. They have equal 50/50 valving on both compression and extension stroke. They have 9 1/2  inches of travel. We would also recommend using this steering damper on a Discovery 1 when fitting our SUMOBARS with one of our Steering Damper Relocation kits SUMO-GL79RHD-GL78 (to suit late 1994 on with straight steering box drop arm) We replace the supplied open nut with a Nyloc Nut to eliminate the risk of the nut coming undone in use. Please Note:- Do not over-tighten the pin end of the steering damper as it will over compress the bushes causing the bushes to crack and maybe causing the mounting to flex and break, all our steering dampers come with nyloc nuts, so there is no need to over tighten them. As another integral component of Old Man Emu’s 4WD suspension range, steering stabilisers are designed to reduce the effect of wheel vibration and improve the feel, handling and control of the vehicle. They will also reduce the aggressive rotation of the steering wheel over rough roads without affecting steering wheel return. 9 stage valving: for optimum performance 15mm piston rod: stronger than the original Steel stone guard: protects the piston rod against stone damage 35mm piston and bore: increased oil volume Twin tube design: protects the internal components against stone damage Multi lip seal: prevents oil loss Original mounts: for ease of installation original stabiliser mounts are used where appropriate To protect your steering dampers from stone chips we would recommend fitting this clear heat shrink – Part Number – GL1249 A steering damper is designed for two reasons –  1 – Dampens steering kick back 2 – Helps control steering wheel wobble Why fit a Steering Damper A Steering Damper works similarly to a suspension shock absorber. Designed to absorb, dampen or slow down the shock load or sudden kickback from the steering wheel when a tyre encounters an obstruction, for example, when off road, or even driving over a roadside kerb. Without a good quality steering damper, when driving off road, the steering wheel is easily ripped out of your hands; you would not want your thumbs in the way when that happens, believe me. Death Wobble A steering damper can help control or minimise the Death Wobble felt through the steering wheel as it dampens the excessive shaking or vibration, however, it is not the final cure for steering shake or death wobble. If the Death Wobble occurs after hitting a pothole, then a steering damper will help reduce the sudden wobble and bring it under control more easily. A steering damper is not always the cure for the death wobble, yes it will help improve however there are many reasons a vehicle may have the death wobble, such as poorly balanced wheels, buckled wheels, wheels bolted onto hubs that are not clean or flat, out of shape tyres, or just worn out joints and bushes, even suspension arm bolts loose, especially panhard rod bolts or bushes, even adjusting the tracking (Wheel Alignment) to toe in or toe out can help. Constant Death wobble will cause steering joint and bush failure or wear How do I know if my steering damper is faulty or worn out The steering damper will need to be removed, or at least one side. Make sure it is held vertically as steering dampers are designed to work on their side, not like a shock absorber that is meant to be upright. Pull the damper the whole way out and then push fully back in, it should feel the same or similar force in each direction. Place the damper in its middle position, push and pull, in and out by small movements. You should not feel any air pockets (soft spot) at all. If there is an air pocket or soft spot, then it is not working correctly and will not dampen the small movements that is required to help stop steering shake. Check all bushes and mountings for wear; any wear in bushes or mountings will cause movement or a soft spot. Also, check for oil leaks, if there is a sign of oil, then the steering damper is faulty Many other designs of steering dampers do not function as intended, as they are a modified shock absorber designed to be upright and will not work when fitted horizontally. They generate a small air pocket which reduces the critical small damping movement that is required to hold the steering to reduce the wobble. Also, some steering dampers are gas charged which are constantly trying to extend and causes the steering to pull one way. This is the reason we would recommend an Old Man Emu steering damper, they are designed and manufactured correctly with equal valved for equal steering feel from lock to lock.