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What Is a Jeep Steering Stabilizer? (Explained)

Quite popular among off-roading enthusiasts, Jeep steering stabilizers have been around for most of the Jeep marques. This component goes by different names — steering damper, steering dampener — and sometimes, even confused with a sway bar.

Ironically, it is one of the most exploited components of the Jeep (despite being largely misunderstood). This guide will finally set the record straight as to what it does and why it is needed.

A Jeep steering stabilizer is a component that works much like a shock absorber, except that it reduces steering feedback and driver fatigue on top of improving ride quality. While it is mainly used to dampen the Jeep death wobble, it is essential for lifted rigs with larger tires and other extras.

We will not only delve into the definition and purpose of the Jeep steering stabilizer but also touch on its installation and how to tell if it is in bad condition.

If you want in on the different steering stabilizers, top aftermarket picks, and more, stick around and continue reading — I guarantee it will be worth your while.

Jeep Wrangler on Rocky Terrain

What Is a Jeep Steering Stabilizer?

Before I explain in length what a Jeep steering stabilizer is and what it does, let us first talk about the overall function of a steering stabilizer.

A steering stabilizer (also referred to as a steering damper) is a component designed to give you increased steering predictability – a sought-after quality, especially by off-roading enthusiasts.

Do I Need One?

Not all vehicles require a steering stabilizer, though. The need for this component depends on one’s driving habits and frequented terrain.

If you are using your vehicle as a daily driver and the extent of your weekend travels are trips to the local beach, you do not necessarily need to have one. But if your car or motorcycle is a weekend warrior taking on marshes, boulders, and mud paths, the part can be a valuable addition to your driving arsenal.

There are instances, however, where a steering stabilizer may become a necessity on paved roads – although this applies more to cars than two-wheelers. Scenarios include noticing looseness or bounciness in your steering when driving on the interstate or freeway (more on this later).

Note that this case is not automatic, but it is very likely your local mechanic will advise you to get one if you seek their help.

The Jeep Steering Stabilizer

When it comes to Jeeps, most consumers believe that Jeep steering stabilizers are solely for countering the infamous death wobble. This misconception is not true since Jeeps have been fitted with steering stabilizers from the factory since the dawn of Jeep CJs (yes, as early as the 40s!).

The component has the same function as any other steering stabilizer in the market – to control the effect that changing road conditions and other outside factors have on the steering wheel.

What Does It Do?

The main role of a Jeep steering stabilizer is to mitigate vehicle vibration, provide steering wheel resistance, and aid in the longevity of steering components (the reason why the OEM has been equipping Jeeps with it for the past 80 years).

Whether or not your Jeep has the death wobble, it still deals with shock waves that reverberate through the front axle and entire steering system, progressively worsening if you traverse a lot of rough, uneven roads.

Driving would probably still be bearable in these conditions. But without a steering stabilizer, components like tie rods and ball joints are likely to wear out prematurely.

Steering Stabilizer vs. Steering Damper/Dampener

These terms are two different ways of describing the same part. Some call it a steering damper/dampener since it “dampens the movement in the steering system.” Others refer to it as a steering stabilizer because it makes their vehicles’ steering more stable.

Single vs. Dual Steering Stabilizers

If you search online, one of the two will show – a single or dual steering stabilizer. The main distinction between these offerings is the amount of damping force provided. Simply put, you will need a dual steering stabilizer for an unruly steering system or extreme applications and a single type if the vibration you experience is not that severe.

Which One to Choose

Consider your driving style and intended application if you are torn between these steering stabilizers. For instance, a single stabilizer will suffice if your Jeep runs no bigger than 33″ tires, is driven mainly on paved roads, and is not used for heavy-duty operations.

Conversely, fitting your 4×4 with a dual steering stabilizer would make more sense if the situation was the opposite of what I just described.

But make no mistake – identifying which of these two you need should not be based solely on tire size and vehicle function. Many Jeep owners have observed that certain disadvantages go with each stabilizer type.

Single

Single steering stabilizers tend to cause wandering when driving at high speeds and wheel jerking when hitting potholes.

Dual

Dual steering stabilizers make wheel turning and returning to center more difficult and may also lead to power steering pump overheating.

If your Jeep already has one of these issues as pre-existing, and you choose a stabilizer that exacerbates it, then upgrading to that stabilizer would be futile. At this point, you will have to address underlying steering or suspension problems first before going ahead with a steering stabilizer upgrade.

How Do You Know if Your Steering Stabilizer Is Going Out? 

Person Holding Jeep Steering Wheel

Masking suspension problems is something you should never attempt by adding aftermarket components to your vehicle. But a Jeep steering stabilizer upgrade would be inevitable if your current setup is shot.

That said, here are some ways to tell if your steering stabilizer is screaming for a replacement:

  • You may notice wobbling, looseness, or oscillation in your steering wheel, especially when driving at high speeds.
  • Parts of your steering stabilizer are bent, cracked, or broken (this is best inspected as soon as you come home from trail riding).
  • Your stabilizer offers little to no resistance when you push and pull the strut from the body (doing this will feel effortless).
  • When you visually inspect the underside of your vehicle, there is leaking hydraulic fluid on the ground or surrounding steering components.
  • When swerving (ideally done in an empty parking lot), the steering wheel jerks or twitches in your hands.
  • You hear clunking noises from under your Jeep even when you are driving on paved roads.
  • The actuator shaft is pitted or rusted.

Components to Note

Problems with the below components give off the same symptoms, so be careful and particular when inspecting your front end and observing the steering mannerisms of your Jeep:

  • Track control and drag link ball ends
  • Steering ball ends (top and bottom)
  • CV joints
  • Tires (check if out of balance)
  • Bushings (radius arm, Panhard rod, rear watts linkage)
  • Other parts that control, produce, and connect the steering wheel to the steering gear, and the latter to the steering knuckles or spindles

Steering stabilizers/dampers practically last a lifetime (as long as regular shocks and struts do). On average, their service life ranges from 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Should you start noticing steering problems long before this threshold, thoroughly check your front end for any concurrent issues before deciding to replace your Jeep steering stabilizer.

How to Install a Jeep Steering Stabilizer

For Options That Connect to the Factory Stabilizer Location

1. Check Compatibility

First, check your owner’s manual and ensure that the steering stabilizer you are installing is compatible with your vehicle.

2. Jack Up Your Jeep (Optional)

This is not entirely necessary since the fasteners underneath are accessible without a jack lift. Just position your Jeep in a way where it does not roll over you while you work.

3. Prepare Steering Stabilizer Kit

Ready your steering stabilizer kit and examine all parts and the diagram or instruction manual that came with it. Have a backup resource for installation instructions (ideally done beforehand) if the ones provided in the kit are hard to understand.

4. Loosen the Tie Rod End

Loosen the tie rod end of the stabilizer while holding the opposite end of it with a wrench. The old/stock stabilizer should be freed after doing this.

5. Put the New Stabilizer In

Pull out the old stabilizer and put the new one in. Fit the boot on the new stabilizer with the “cut” ends toward the cylinder body.

6. Seat the Boot and Secure

Take note of the small groove in the tie rod end of the boot, as this corresponds to the flange near the rod end eye. You will have to seat the boot exactly on this flange. After which, secure the body end of the boot with the wire tie provided in the kit.

7. Add the Axle Side to the Bracket

Slip the axle side or stabilizer body end into the bracket and tighten that side once in place.

8. Thread the Bolt

Thread the bolt provided in the kit through the rod end eye, the thick washer, and the bracket on the tie rod. Add the nut afterward.

9. Torque the Bolts

Refer to the diagram provided in the kit for axle side and tie rod side torque values. Otherwise, refer to your owner’s manual. (Giving them an extra turn is discretionary, but do not overdo it.)

10. Test Drive

Take your Jeep out for a test drive and keep an ear out for any noise indicative of loose bolts or components.

For Secondary Steering Stabilizers

Do steps #1 to #3 as above.

3. Stabilizer Kit Parts

As you examine all parts provided in the stabilizer kit, visualize how the installation will go. Generally, the order of installation should be as seen below. But if you want more specific steps, here is a sample of installation instructions:

  • bolt
  • flat washer
  • shock loop
  • flat washer
  • 5/8″ spacer nut (or whichever size comes with the kit)
  • clamp (need to be drilled to 1/2″ using a drill and bit)
  • lock washer
  • nut

4. Clamp

Using a pair of Channel Lock pliers, pry the clamp mouth open. Then, slide one clamp over the drag link and the other over the track bar. Clamp it down as close to parallel with the drag link as possible.

5. Carefully Mount the Stabilizer 

Be careful when mounting the steering stabilizer and ensure it clears all moving parts. Do this by tightening it loosely once in place and checking that the hardware is not hitting anything.

Also, ensure the stabilizer housing is not touching the bottom of the track bar mount and the stabilizer itself is not overcompressed. Have a buddy slowly move the steering wheel back and forth (and lock to lock) for you as you ascertain these things.

6. Locate the New Stabilizer

Locate the new steering stabilizer left to right by having the tires fully turned to the right, compressing the stabilizer all the way, drawing the stabilizer out 1/2″, and mounting it in that location.

For a Jeep WJ Rough Country Dual Steering Stabilizer (or even a single one), the stroke is offset 3.5″ to the right and 2-5/8″ to the left. That said, never mount the stabilizer in its dead center, lest you will bottom out when turning left.

7. Check for Clearance

Before tightening everything down, check for clearance once more and ascertain the stabilizer is rotated neither too far upward nor downward. Once done, tighten it down on both ends. Use some Lock-tite or similar product for good measure when securing the steering stabilizer.

8. Move the Steering Wheel

Move your steering wheel in both directions before taking your Jeep for a test drive.

Do step #10 as above.

Installing a Jeep steering stabilizer is relatively easy, as it primarily consists of removing and reattaching bolts. If anything, the aspect you should be most concerned about is the compatibility of your steering stabilizer with your Jeep. Factors such as the suspension lift height, tire size, and use of aftermarket axles would only come second.

Best Steering Stabilizers for Jeep JK Wrangler

Jeep Driving Over Big Boulder

Fox Shox

Fox 2.0 Performance Series ATS Stabilizer (view on Amazon)

Designed for 2007–2018 Jeep Wrangler (includes JK, JKU, and YJ models)

Pros:

  • Installation is quick and can be done in your garage.
  • The kit includes a relocating track bar bolt and tie-rod mounting clamp that lifts the stabilizer away from harmful elements.
  • It features chrome-plated, heat-treated 5/8″ alloy steel, black-anodized, CNC-machined 6061-T6 billet aluminum components, and 24 adjustment settings.
  • Its high-flow piston design uses JM92 Advanced oil, ensuring optimal performance in extreme temperatures.
  • This stabilizer supports its own reservoir, improving fluid capacity and initiating a cooling effect when the vehicle is heavily used.
  • It fits with 33″–35″ tires and 2″–4″ lift kits.

Cons:

  • This option is a lot pricier than most aftermarket stabilizers.

Teraflex

Teraflex 1513001 Steering Stabilizer (view on Amazon)

Designed for 1987–2013 Jeep Wrangler (includes JK, JKU, and YJ models)

Pros:

  • Thanks to its bolt-on design, installation is quick and easy, with no special tools required.
  • Mounting hardware included in the kit attaches to the factory stabilizer location.
  • It features a chrome-plated, induction-hardened 5/8″ rod with premium seals that prevent pressure loss.
  • Integrated dust shield protects internal components from the elements.
  • This Jeep JK steering stabilizer has an oversized 2″ shock body that reduces steering feedback and resistance and offers 24″ of travel.
  • It works well with 33″–35″ tires and 2.5″–5″ lift kits.

Cons:

Bilstein

Blistein 24-158428 Monotube Steering Damper (view on Amazon)

Designed for 2007–2015 Jeep Wrangler (includes JK and JKU models)

Pros:

  • Its bolt-on design makes installation quick and hassle-free.
  • All necessary mounting hardware is included in the kit.
  • It features a zinc-plated, corrosion-resistant 36-mm rod that can withstand harsh elements.
  • Its gas monotube design makes for no rebound, no foam, and reduced boiling point. Plus, it works with a wide array of mods other than stabilizers.
  • This steering damper is backed by a limited warranty and money-back guarantee.
  • It fits 33″–35″ tires and 2.5″–4″ lift kits.

Cons:

  • It does not come with stabilizer boots (aftermarket boots will not fit it).
  • It is only compatible with modified models with up to 35″ tires.

Teraflex

TeraFlex Falcon Nexus Fast Adjust EF Stabilizer (view on Amazon)

Designed for 2007–2018 Jeep Wrangler (includes JK, JKU, and YJ models)

Pros:

  • Installation is seamless and should take only an hour.
  • It features a chrome-plated, induction-hardened 5/8″ shaft that is both corrosion and rock-damage-resistant.
  • This stabilizer comes with a three-mode knob that lets you choose from a soft, medium, or firm setting.
  • The use of this option ensures well-weighted steering and balanced bi-directional turning.
  • It fits with 33″–35+″ tires and 0″–6″ lift kits.

Cons:

  • This option is more expensive than other aftermarket stabilizers.

Rough Country

Rough Country N3 Dual Steering Stabilizer (view on Amazon)

Designed for 2007–2018 Jeep Wrangler (4WD edition and Unlimited JK models)

Pros:

  • It offers 100% bolt-on installation and comes with a 3-year warranty.
  • It features a chrome-hardened 9/16″ piston rod with a corrosion-resistant finish.
  • It works well with 35″ tires and 2″–6″ lift kits.

Cons:

  • It is only compatible with modified Jeep Wrangler models fitted with at least a 2″ lift kit.
  • The dual steering stabilizer is also incompatible with Jeeps equipped with aftermarket axles with a 3″ tube diameter.

Top Picks for Your Next Jeep TJ Steering Upgrade

Rough Country

Rough Country 8731730 N3 Steering Stabilizer (view on Amazon)

Designed for 1987–2006 Jeep Wrangler, Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee (TJ, YJ, XJ, and ZJ models)

Pros:

  • Bolt-on installation is quick and easy and can be done in your own garage.
  • It features a chrome-hardened 18-mm piston rod and includes mounting hardware.
  • Unlike its counterparts, this stabilizer mounts right at the tie rod or factory stabilizer location.
  • The stabilizer’s design reduces wear not only of tie rods but also of ball joints and other steering components.
  • It is affordable, with a limited warranty to boot.
  • It fits with 33″–35+″ tires and 4″–6″ lift kits.

Cons:

  • It may not be compatible with stock Jeep models.

Monroe

Monroe Shocks & Struts Magnum SC2928 Steering Damper (view on Amazon)

Designed for 1997–2006 Jeep Wrangler (TJ models)

Pros:

  • Thanks to its bolt-on design, installation is quick and easy, with no special tools required.
  • It features a nitrocarburized 1/2″ sintered iron piston rod and a micro-cellular gas design.
  • All-weather fluid contains special modifiers that reduce friction and ensure a comfortable, smooth ride. Plus, its self-lubricating fluid seal helps effectively retain gas.
  • Price is fair – if not one of the most affordable in the market – for its quality.

Cons:

  • It is prone to corrosion since it is made primarily of metal.

Whichever you choose from these recommendations, opt for a Jeep steering stabilizer made from materials built to withstand road interference (especially on unpaved pathways) and heavy use.

You would also want a stabilizer with added protection, like a stabilizer boot, a built-in dust shield, and a corrosion-resistant coating. A professional can also assess your current stabilizer setup and provide recommendations.

Word to the Wise:

After installing a new bumper, winch, lift kit, or larger tires, reevaluation of your steering stabilizer setup is highly recommended. These new components increase your Jeep’s weight when added, causing increased strain and a probable change in the angle of your suspension.

Your stock or current stabilizer may no longer be up to the task after these mods. Hence, you will need a stronger aftermarket steering stabilizer to further dampen steering vibrations resulting from a heavier four-wheeler.

Conclusion – What Is a Jeep Steering Stabilizer?

Your Jeep steering stabilizer is a valuable component of your vehicle. It is designed to reduce driver fatigue and give you better steering control (among other benefits). However, it is not a solution for all handling/steering issues — more so of the infamous death wobble.

No matter how advanced, a stabilizer merely dampens the symptoms of a potential steering or suspension problem. So to get the most out of a steering stabilizer upgrade, the rest of your steering and suspension components should be healthy and in check.

The information shared in today’s article should equip you with the right knowledge and tools about steering stabilizers. Ultimately, knowing their function, when they become worn, and when and how to replace them should help save you from costlier consequences down the road.