Mercedes W201 190E Steering Damper

Replace The Steering Damper Yourself and save!
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Steering Damper: amzn.to/3gmas0M
3/8" Socket Set: amzn.to/3g8qb2B
Safety Glasses: amzn.to/322xdB2
Nitrile Gloves: amzn.to/3aAi5Pi

[@giancarlosherman3094]

I just completed this tonight. My old steering damper was very rusted and offered no resistance. I tried torquing them but passenger side nut just kept wrenching even with the top head of the bolt clasped. It’s snug but saw another video suggesting to use Locktite blue to secure it further. So tomorrow I’ll unscrew it and try adding some of this stuff before tightening it all back up again if it doesn’t respond to torquing again. Even the other nut on the driver side gave me an issue torquing it. Maybe I didn’t clean and wire brush everything enough. Thanks so much for providing this tutorial I had fun accomplishing this maintenance procedure and learning about the 1984 190e.

[@FlashDriveFilms]

Yes, I do recommend the blue liquid thread-locker. There is s o much vibration in suspension parts, even correctly torqued bolts can work loose. The new steering damper will make a great improvement. It is one of those items that goes bad so slowly you don't notice it until the jolt of having a brand new one installed. Also: sorry I don't have any footage of fuel filter change for the 190E (yet) I only have some B-roll from the R129, shot years ago for an abandoned video.

[@giancarlosherman3094]

@@FlashDriveFilms Thanks so much.

[@markpicotti2610]

Sir, you are a gentleman and a great help with my 190e 2.6. knowledgeable and easy to follow. Thank you.

[@FlashDriveFilms]

I appreciate that! These are really terrific cars that respond to care. I'm lucky to be able to help keep them on the road!

[@matthewoliver2335]

Brilliant video, really helpful! Would love more videos on servicing the W201, as I may have purchased one after how easy you made working on them look!

[@FlashDriveFilms]

Thank you! I do have some more service videos for the W201 in the pipeline, just takes time to edit & upload. I like that these sedans are infinitely rebuildable, and that parts are readily available and affordable. They are a straight-forward design that responds to care. Alden

[@lelisortiz8557]

As always, an excellent video. I did not know it was so easy. Thanks!

[@FlashDriveFilms]

Thank you ! Yes, super-easy, the part is relatively inexpensive, and it really does make a big difference in the steering feel. Alden

[@VITOSGARAGE]

Very nice! I love old school cars! I save classic cars😊

[@FlashDriveFilms]

Thank you ! I've seen your channel before as well. Very good old Mercedes stuff! Alden

[@VITOSGARAGE]

@@FlashDriveFilms I appreciate your feedback, Alden! I post new videos every week. Take care

[@user-gu7dn9gr8f]

Another great video. What happens if I over torque it, the reason why I'm asking I only have standard tools? As for the steering damper brand I see your using bilstein what do you think about Stabilus damper, should I just spend the extra $13 and get the bilstein?

[@FlashDriveFilms]

Thanks! The only real issue with over-torquing these fasteners is that you may snap them off or strip the threads. 37 ft/lbs is not a super-high figure so use your best judgement to tighten these if you don't have a torque wrench. I am unfamiliar with the Stabilus brand, and so I can't give any advice on them. The Bilstein version is an OEM part which means it will be as good as the one from the factory. (Aftermarket parts can often be a good value , but I would always wonder where they saved the $13. Seals? Oil? Steel? Labor? Quality Control? Or maybe just not having a name-brand mark-up?)

[@user-gu7dn9gr8f]

@@FlashDriveFilms ​ @FlashDriveFilms very detailed video thank you again, most people making videos wouldn't take the time going through the owners manual to figure out the details of torque. Your awesome dude. Feel free to ask me any marketing advise and I'll gladly give it to you for free :)

[@bobdefalco]

Great as always! Miss the Fiat!

[@FlashDriveFilms]

Thanks! I've been using the 190E so much, that I hardly put miles on the Fiat these days. I generally need either something to break, or a regular service interval in order to post something. Maybe I'll do an informational piece on the Fiat.

[@williamneigum7002]

my 190e at 80km shakes badly then at 90km it stops but still shakes very littly so hopefully this fixes mine

[@FlashDriveFilms]

It should help, but the real fix is going to be related to wheel/tire balance. Also, when you are under the car for the steering damper, take a look at the ball joints and control arm bushings as well. A bad shake could be related to any of the front end parts. Good luck!

[@bille199]

Do u have a video on how to replace transmission fluid and filter???

[@FlashDriveFilms]

Not yet. It is on my list. (the service interval is some still some miles away.)

[@bille199]

Thanks. I'm interested doing complete flush on my 190 (coolant, transmission, gear oil and the rest) so any tips and video would be very helpful. I'm not a mechanic but willing to learn and do the work.

[@FlashDriveFilms]

A commendable ambition. You will be able to save money and learn more about your car at the same time. I do have videos about the differential gear oil change, oil change and power steering fluid change. I hope you find them helpful.

[@2008davidvieira]

Was it fixed? (the tremble)

[@FlashDriveFilms]

The tremble is gone, but I suspect it was the intersection of three things. The damper, the lower balljoints, and before that I had the summer tires rebalanced.

[@Takumo1]

This part is not resposible for shakes on asphalt roads. Steering system without it will be like in other cheaper and less luxurious cars. In my opinion there is not much difference with or without steering damper.

[@FlashDriveFilms]

The steering damper performs a function. Please don't remove it in order to achieve that "less luxurious" driving experience. Instead: Always replace any worn or damaged steering or suspension parts that are discovered. (and see my W201 ball joint video for another example)