Steering damper update
#16
Lexus Test Driver
#18
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (1)
I got the steering damper suggested on this thread. 1st problem, as mentioned by someone already, the hole in the mounts is way bigger diameter. You have 3 choices. 1 modify the mounting to accept a bigger bolt. 2 and this is the best one if you have a lathe available, is to lop off the extra protrusion on the bolt that comes with it and then turn down the threaded end so that you can put the correct 10 X 1.25 thread on it. 3 go to the hadware store and rig up a bushing. I did 3 because I do not have a lathe but I am keeping the bolts that came with the kit to eventually do 2.
Second issue. Damper is for a truck so I suspect that it has more damping than the original. On my test drive I noticed that the wheel is slightly laizier to return to center when turning a corner but its a very negligible difference. The steering feels a little stiffer at low speeds so the people who have been complaining about the steering being too assisted at low speeds probably have a worn damper. I did not notice much difference on bumps in such but I did notice that on the highway it was much easier to keep the car in the lane. Hardly had to touch the steering wheel. Can go almost half a mile without hands on steering wheel on a flat level road at 70 mph.
All and All worth the 38 bucks but I would not pay 130 for one.
Second issue. Damper is for a truck so I suspect that it has more damping than the original. On my test drive I noticed that the wheel is slightly laizier to return to center when turning a corner but its a very negligible difference. The steering feels a little stiffer at low speeds so the people who have been complaining about the steering being too assisted at low speeds probably have a worn damper. I did not notice much difference on bumps in such but I did notice that on the highway it was much easier to keep the car in the lane. Hardly had to touch the steering wheel. Can go almost half a mile without hands on steering wheel on a flat level road at 70 mph.
All and All worth the 38 bucks but I would not pay 130 for one.
#19
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (1)
One other thing I forgot to mention. The damper bottoms out when turning right before the hard stops on the steering are hit (just slightly before) to I do not know how much stress that will put on the damper. Best not to turn all the way to the hard stops when turning right. You still hit the hard stops because the give of the rubber bushing of the damper but they are being stressed thats for sure
#20
Even though it's an old thread, I wanted to point whoever may be reading this, to this thread:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...read-this.html
Basically, there is a much better fit for 1st gen LS400 (1990-1994), than the abovementioned damper from LX450. It is the SACHS Part # SG203003 (W140) steering damper, also listed as "1997 MERCEDES-BENZ S320 3.2L L6 steering damper". The best price I found was on rockauto.com, some $35.00.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...read-this.html
Basically, there is a much better fit for 1st gen LS400 (1990-1994), than the abovementioned damper from LX450. It is the SACHS Part # SG203003 (W140) steering damper, also listed as "1997 MERCEDES-BENZ S320 3.2L L6 steering damper". The best price I found was on rockauto.com, some $35.00.
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