Land Rover Repair: RR steering damper, steering damper, range rover classic

Question
john,
i checked the other questions i could find about the steering damper, those were regarding a disco I, but the old man emu conversion is the same part for my 1989 range rover classic.  i know mine is blown, it has all of the classic symptoms, shimmy after hitting bumps or potholes, etc.  my question is what do i need to swap this thing out before i buy the part?  i have adequate mechanical ability, but havent done anything as extensive as this on my rover.  any advice would be great.  i have a garage and the truck can stay there for a few days if need be.  thanks!  also, should i have the allignment done before or after the damper is replaced?

ben

Answer
Hi Ben,

its much the same as my Disco:

Range Rover Steering Damper Service repair no - 57.55.21
Remove
1. Site vehicle on a ramp [hoist].
2. Remove fixings at differential case bracket.
3. Remove fixings at track rod bracket.
4. Remove steering damper.
Refit
5. Reverse removal procedure. 1 to 4.

So much for the LR tech sheet on the subject.

Just remember exactly how the damper is removed and be absolutely careful on the sequence of bushings and washers on both ends when you refit.  

As for wheel alignment, it does not matter when you do it with regards to the damper.

Just to be safe, how are your shocks?  If your shocks are failing they can be the source of the damper failure problem.

Best of luck,

JohnMc