How to Install an Aftermarket Steering Stabilizer | DIY Guide

Heavy vehicle owners would understand how much damage a rough ride can cost, bringing us to a steering stabilizer’s significance. A steering stabilizer does what it says, stabilizes the steering wheel. Positioned near the steering linkage, this tool serves as a shock absorber, reducing the lateral movement of the front tires. One end of the tool is connected to the tie rod, while the other is mounted on the axle. It minimizes the impact of bumps and irregularities on the road, ensuring a smoother, more controlled driving experience. Let’s see how to install an aftermarket steering stabilizer.

Additionally, it dampens the secondary vibrations that can eventually add up to death wobble. 

Steering stabilizers are not necessary for all vehicles. But bigger vehicles like jeeps and trucks prone to a bumpy ride require these stabilizers more than anything else. 

I am going to discuss these steps:

• Prepare for Installation:
• Remove the Old Steering Stabilizer:
• Install the New Steering Stabilizer:
• Connect the New Steering Stabilizer
• Align the New Steering Stabilizer
• Reinstall the Suspension
• Adjust the Steering Stabilizer
• Finish Up with the Installation

How to Install an Aftermarket Steering Stabilizer

Prepare for Installation:

Since we have already established that a steering stabilizer needs an attachment to the front wheels, we need to lift the front axle of the jeep or truck using a jack, and jack stand. Disconnect the battery. 

Aside from that, it would help if you had the following tools for the installation:

• Wrenches 
• Sockets 
• Rachet 

Remove the Old Steering Stabilizer:

Firstly, peel off the skid plates and unscrew the frame. You must unbolt the screw that attaches the damper to the tie-rod. This can require a lot of pressure and force, especially if your damper is old or greasy. A ball joint splitter can split the bolt or penetrate oil, even if it does not budge. Another option is to heat the bolt with a gas torch, and it should come off easily. 

Install the New Steering Stabilizer:

Start by removing the bracket but save the bolts in the axle’s center. Unclamp the bracket from the tie rod. Remove the steering link pinch bolt using a wrench. Install the center stabilizer age bracket and tighten it. 

Attach the axle bracket with the standard bolt and tighten the two U-bolts. Insert the long thick sleeve into the rod end. Install the other three sleeves into the bushings. 

Connect the New Steering Stabilizer

After you have installed the stabilizer:

• Bolt it from the bottom of the tie rod and tighten it.
• Insert the new end into the frame bracket to install the other side of the stabilizer.
• Bolt the bridge and tighten. 

Align the New Steering Stabilizer

After adjusting the wheels by the driver’s side, place the center axle bracket back on top and tighten. 

Reinstall the Suspension

Install the tie rod bracket using the U-bolts you took off earlier and fully extend the stabilizer. Install the passenger side stabilizer to the middle bracket in a similar manner. 

Adjust the Steering Stabilizer

Adjustment includes stretching the stabilizer to the maximum limit of its extension. An additional step is to align the front-end suspension with a professional mechanic so your vehicle can eliminate the damage due to wear and tear. 

Finish Up with the installation.

Lower the jacked-up vehicle by removing the stands. Reassemble the battery. 

The final step is to check if you have done the job right. For this purpose, you must move your wheels around or take your vehicle for a test drive on a bumpy road and see the difference.

My Opinion 

People only require stabilizers if they face excess vehicle shaking or vibrations. But if you do, don’t worry about trips to the mechanic to get a job done that is as simple as installing a stabilizer.