Bent Steering Damper…

Recent Jimny (2008) owner. Noticed that a couple of the track rod ends were leaking grease, so bought a set of 4 and replaced them yesterday. When down there I noticed that the steering damper (2 years old apparently) bracket looked misshapen, so removed it all. See pic. Any idea what would cause this to go so misshaped? Poor quality kit? Previous owner says it’s not been off-roaded.

I would say it was not centered correctly when fitted
Or has the damper seized try open and closed motion 

jackonlyjack wrote:

I would say it was not centered correctly when fitted
Or has the damper seized try open and closed motion 
 

Most likely not centred correctly, so it has bent when going to full lock one way.  If it had seized then it would have made the steering unbelievable heavy before it bent the plate.

Even if it wasn't centred, then that has had a fair amount of force to bend the plate like that (I assume it is a steel plate and not aluminium) and if the vehicle hasn't been off-road you would almost think it had hit the kerb (at some speed) or something similar to bend it that much.

It might be worth inspecting the other steering components unless you did already.

Robin

Thanks for replying guys. Yeah, it's a strange one. I'm leaning towards both your suggestion that it wasn't properly centred - the previous owner mentioned that he'd fitted it... No sign of any other damage - it sits on its original (straight) alloys. Maybe it's progrssivly become more bent over time.

The steering feels a bit wayward, so thought I'd start by adjusting the steering box and changing the track rod ends, then noticed the damper. If that's no improvement, I'll do the king pins. Interesting that the weeping track rod ends were both on the front steering drag bar though, or is that typical for a Jimny?. Cheers

Firstly be careful adjusting steering box
Are the rod ends posh ones with grease nipples 
Change all 4 rod ends 
I made my own damper brackets from some 5mm wall box section and used a disco 1 steering damper some pictures on my Jimny page, page 10 

jackonlyjack wrote:

Firstly be careful adjusting steering box
Are the rod ends posh ones with grease nipples 
Change all 4 rod ends 
I made my own damper brackets from some 5mm wall box section and used a disco 1 steering damper some pictures on my Jimny page, page 10 

 

Thanks jackonlyjack. Yes, I only adjusted the box in small increments (I've experience of adjusting BMW racks - it's easy to take them too far).
Not the posh rod ends, but the MOOG brand recommended by Jimnybits. All four changed yesterday, though not road tested yet, as I'm waiting for a new exhaust to be delivered. Nice one making your own - I think I'd already seen your post. I'm not sure if my welding skills would be up to it though! 

No welding needed just drill and grinder