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LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000) Discussion topics related to the 1990 - 2000 Lexus LS400

Steering damper update

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Old Mar 24, 2010 | 11:36 PM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by TRULUX
Maybe that is part of my suspension problem. I even made a poll on it and no one ever said a word about the strut rods or me not having the damper and it was one of the poll options. 1 more reason for the last thread I posted.
Calling you out on this one... My response to your poll below...

Originally Posted by JimsGX
Maybe none of the above, strut bar cushions... What work have you done to inspect the front end components? Do you get any noise such as a groan when braking?
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Old Mar 25, 2010 | 05:27 AM
  #17  
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Originally Posted by JimsGX
Calling you out on this one... My response to your poll below...
I stand corrected!! You indeed brought it up, Mom always told me I need to listen more then I talk. Lol
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Old Mar 25, 2010 | 09:45 PM
  #18  
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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.
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Old Mar 25, 2010 | 11:25 PM
  #19  
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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
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Old Jun 8, 2014 | 10:35 PM
  #20  
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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.
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