GS - 1st Gen (1993-1997) Discussion about the first generation GS300

Steering Damper !!!!!!

Old 04-25-16, 10:59 AM
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skytechja
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Default Steering Damper !!!!!!

hey guys...

ever since owning the car i realize when im on high way or any stretch of rad... the car swings alot and is most def not stable...

other suspension parts have been changed ... however.. just this weekend the steering damper was taken off and it was DEAD an can be......

its dead dead dead...

could it be the cause of the vehicle mishandling like that ?

Where can i get one or what is a close match that i can utilize ?
are there any upgraded ones that could be utilized ?
Old 04-25-16, 11:22 AM
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Mandrake
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The steering damper should prevent bump steer, it's not really designed to control tramlining which sounds like what you're experiencing. It sounds like you either have an alignment problem or tire problem.
Old 04-25-16, 11:40 AM
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skytechja
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i will def gonna be changing tyres shortly for sure!

but the car was recently aligned.. both front and back...

i was actually in the LS forum and read where they said that once the damper was changed... they didnt have these issues...

the highway i drive on is very smooth when i feel it dancing...

but as u mentioned that term "tramlining" or "nibbling"... i do not get this effect that much (if any at all) when travelling over uneven surfaces.





was just doing sme readng on what the steering stabilizer or steering damper does n all...

"a steering stabilizer absorbs some of the movement in a vehicle's suspension, making life easier for the driver. Steering stabilizers absorb the side-to side motion in a vehicle's suspension, stopping vibration, wheel shimmy and bump steer. A steering damper will make a heavy vehicle much easier to drive, especially over rough or bumpy roads and at highway speeds.

A steering stabilizer will improve the handling, road feel, stability, prevent steering wobble and bump-steer and reduce driver fatigue. ""


these are exactly what im experiencing ....




ANY HELP IN GETTING A REPLACEMENT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED !!!!!!!

Last edited by skytechja; 04-25-16 at 03:16 PM.
Old 04-25-16, 05:52 PM
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TRACKMKIII
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I was unaware that the 1GS has a steering damper. I have been under my car several million times and I am pretty sure I have never noticed a steering damper on the rack. Is it possible that only certain model years came equipped with a steering damper? (Mine is a 1994) Maybe mine was taken off by a previous owner. Can someone post a picture of their steering and where exactly where its mounted? If I am supposed to have a damper that would be great because it may be the cause of a vibration I have been chasing. Thanks for any info in advance.
Old 04-25-16, 10:26 PM
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The steering damper is pretty much right underneath the rack. One end is connected to a bracket that is close to the passenger inner tie rod boot.


Old 04-26-16, 07:56 AM
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skytechja
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Thanks TheMole for posting the pic....



TRACKMKIII ..... yes all GS have em... from what i been reading almost all big vehicles have em especially trucks.... little cars dont need em..

im wondering if the ones that are on the Mercedes can be used on our cars...

would just need to measure the lengths...
Old 05-02-16, 12:09 PM
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TRACKMKIII
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Finally got a chance to put my car on a lift and take a look to confirm if I have a steering damper and I definitely don't have one. I am going ti call Lexus tomorrow to get a price. Has anyone looked into finding any other options that will fit?
Old 05-02-16, 01:50 PM
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skytechja
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Originally Posted by TRACKMKIII
Finally got a chance to put my car on a lift and take a look to confirm if I have a steering damper and I definitely don't have one. I am going ti call Lexus tomorrow to get a price. Has anyone looked into finding any other options that will fit?
yes i am here trying to source that damper for my car cause mine is as dead as can be

check out this thread from em guys in the LS400 section
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...ng-damper.html


im wondering if the damper on the ls400 works on the gs300...
the part number they have is 45700-50011


however... i have no realized that the part number for the 1st gen gs300 steering damper is 45700-30020
Old 05-25-16, 10:15 PM
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kene
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I just ordered this steering damper (very pricey at ~$180), I will try and take complete measurements in hopes that others may find a cheaper cross referenced alternative from another vehicle that does the same thing.

Last edited by kene; 05-26-16 at 06:37 AM.
Old 05-26-16, 09:55 AM
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skytechja
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Originally Posted by kene
I just ordered this steering damper (very pricey at ~$180), I will try and take complete measurements in hopes that others may find a cheaper cross referenced alternative from another vehicle that does the same thing.

WOW

very pricey indeed...

let us know em measurements as soon as possible when u can..
Old 05-26-16, 09:29 PM
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TRACKMKIII
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Please let us know if you feel a difference in the way the car handles or if you notice less vibrations. I don't mind spending $180 if it improves the car.
Old 05-27-16, 11:01 AM
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skytechja
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hey check out this link

based on what im seeing here........ this damper is also used on the aristo

http://jp-carparts.com/toyota/partli...ype=3&fig=4505

45700-30020
DAMPER ASSY, STEERING 1991/10 - 1993/08 JZS147,UZS143 JPY 15,561 USD 148.20


did some more searching and the following should use the same steering damper

Non-Manufacturer
45700-30020

For models
Toyota Aristo, JZS147
Toyota Crown / Majesta, JZS149, UZS141
Toyota Crown Majesta, JZS147, JZS149, UZS141, UZS143
Toyota Crown, UZS141, UZS143, JZS147 , JZS149

For engines
2JZGE, 1UZFE, 2JZGTE

Last edited by skytechja; 05-27-16 at 11:10 AM.
Old 05-27-16, 11:19 AM
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kene
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Good find.. I will definitely let you know how it feels in detail. The high pricing of the part peaked my interest in finding a much cheaper alternative via used small shocks or old Adjustable coil over catridges.
Old 05-27-16, 12:57 PM
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skytechja
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Originally Posted by kene
Good find.. I will definitely let you know how it feels in detail. The high pricing of the part peaked my interest in finding a much cheaper alternative via used small shocks or old Adjustable coil over catridges.
yeah same here
Old 05-27-16, 05:07 PM
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Here is some info I found.

This is a youtube video of a side-by-side comparison with and without the steering damper. Granted, I don't think his suspension uses a standard rack and pinion. The side-by-side comparison is towards the end of the video, and keep in mind that he reconnects his old steering damper back on. Not a brand new unit that might work even better at damping the vibrations.


- - - - - - - -

Second and most importantly, Here are links to the GS300/LS400 equivalents and the posts I found this info from.

OPTION1
1997 Mercedes S320 3.2L Steering Damper - $34.00 USD
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/rafr...&parttype=7412



Steering Damper from a 1997 Mercedes S320<br/>can be used as a replacement for the GS300 (1st gen) and LS400 (1st & 2nd gen)

ClubLexus LS400 1st & 2nd gen forum post I got this info from.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...read-this.html








OPTION 2:
1996-1997 Lexus LX450 & 1995-1998 Toyota Land Cruiser Steering Damper - $27.00 USD
http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/t...ng+damper,7412


Monroe Steering Damper -SC2957 - From a 1997-1998 Toyota Land Cruiser & 1996-1997 Lexus LX450 suv's


ClubLexus LS400 1st & 2nd gen forum post I got this info from.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...er-update.html

The proper size bolts to make the LX450 suv damper work on the 1GS300/ JZS147 Aristo are listed in later posts towards the end of this thread.


Keep in mind the OP says the length is 1/2 longer, and the steering damper's diameter is 4 times(?) thicker . I am not sure if that will pose a problem with room on the GS300 frame/chassis.



Hope this info helps.

Last edited by kene; 06-08-16 at 03:30 PM.

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