Steering shock replacement?

[anf6789]

ok. i have a 1994 c280 with 133000 miles. what i would like to know is, would a new steering shock be a good idea? would this firm up the steering? i just rotated my fairly new tires and my car started to slightly pull to the right again just like it did last year before i replaced them, after i bough my car. i though autoocrossing would make them even or whatever again but it still slightly and i have to hold the steering wheel slightly to the left to go straight. how exactly do you go about replacing this, and where is it located? would it be easy with hand tools? im prety good a t fixing things. would this fix my problems? most of them are around $30 dollars for stock oe ones. i saw a MOOG one online some where with what looks to be aluminum and a resivior for 44 bucks!! it looks sweet, ill see if i can find the website again. thanks guys

oh heres the MOOG one and others

[Green Lantern]

mine goes slightly right too.

[c280nz]

i dont think it will be your steering dampner.
most likely you need a wheel alignment or your need to get your wheels balanced.
i took my steering dampner off my car, and i didnt notice any difference in high speed handling, and no vibration or anything, it just made it a bit easier to steer at slow speed.
myne got damaged thats why i removed it

[anf6789]

even besides the pulling. dont you think after 13years and 133000 it may be a good idea to replace? it should tighten up the handling right?

[C280/////AMG]

The steering shock won't stop the car from pulling to the left or right. This is a wheel alignment problem, or it could also mean that your Lower control arm bushes are worn.

The purpose of the steering shock is that it makes sure that the steering is stable, and also stops the steering from twitching when you hit ridges and bumps in the road. Yours will definately be worn by this milage, and it's a very commonly overlooked service item.

HOWEVER ,i've actually taken mine out and left it out (btw, it's really very easy to replace, just 2 bolts and it's off) purely because i'm a very sporty driver, and like to feel exactly what the car is doing below me, therefore i need all the steering communication i can get (which the shock kills). My steering communication has certainly improved, and my car doesn't pull to either side at all.

[anf6789]

after you took it off, does the wheel stay in one place after you turn the car. is it easier to steer, or stiffer? where exactly is it located under the skid plate?

[C280/////AMG]

Originally posted by anf6789
after you took it off, does the wheel stay in one place after you turn the car. is it easier to steer, or stiffer? where exactly is it located under the skid plate?

What do you mean 'does it stay in one place'?

The car is marginally easier to steer, but this is because my shock was worn when i took it off, but on my parent's mercs (which have the same steening as mine) the shock stiffens the steering, so it takes a bit more effort to turn the wheel. But mostly, it slows down your steering movements, so you won't be able to do very quick, sudden steening movements, as the shock resists them.

The shock is located just behind the plate (you don't need to take the plate off) and it lies horisontally. You can't miss it, it's the only shock that's connected to the steering system.

[anf6789]

thanks alot for the help. what i meant was after you make a turn if you let the steering wheel go would it stil come back to center by itself. i guess i will order a new one then. thanks again!!

[VIP_MBZ]

What kind of result would one expect from an aftermarket steering damper like Bilstein or Ohlins? More steering resistance?

-Ray

[anf6789]

thats what i was wondering also! the moog one looks pretty sick