How to Install a Steering Stabilizer on a 1999 GMC Yukon

The steering damper, which some people refer to as a steering stabilizer, on the 1999 GMC Yukon acts like the shock absorber of the steering system. Just like the shock absorbers, this converts jarring impacts into nearly unnoticeable twitches. This is particularly important if you take your Yukon off-road or drive on roads in disrepair. Oftentimes, when the stabilizer fails, it loses all of its lubricant and makes turning the vehicle difficult, which can also damage the power steering system. Replacing the steering damper in the 1999 GMC Yukon is a straightforward task that most do-it-yourself mechanics can complete.

Instructions

Removal

1

Wedge wheel chocks under the rear wheels and lift the front of the Yukon with a floor jack. Slide jack stands under the SUVs frame rails and lower the Yukon onto the jack stands.

2

Position yourself under the vehicle and find the steering damper, the shock-like component that spans the drivers side of the frame and the center of the relay rod.

3

Pull the cotter pin from the steering dampers ball stud on the relay rod end of the damper, using needle-nose pliers, and remove the nut from the dampers stud, using a ratchet and socket.

4

Trace the damper toward the drivers side until you reach its mounting bracket on the Yukons frame. Remove the nut and bolt from the frame end of the damper, using a ratchet, socket and box-end wrench.

5

Pull the damper from its bracket in the frame and from the relay rod. Remove the damper from the vehicle.

Installation

6

Guide the new dampers ball stud through its hole in the relay rod and thread its retaining nut by hand. Pivot the damper and guide the other end into its frame bracket. Slide the bolt through the frame bracket and the dampers mount, and hand-thread the nut onto the bolt.

7

Tighten the ball stud nut to 30 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench and socket. If a valley in the castellated top of the ball stud nut does not align with the hole through the ball stud, slightly tighten the nut, using a combination wrench, until a valley aligns with the hole.

8

Slide a new cotter pin, which comes with the new damper, through the ball stud hole and bend its legs in opposite directions, using needle-nose pliers, to lock the pin in place.

9

Torque the other damper nut to 46 foot-pounds, while holding the bolt still with a combination wrench.

10

Raise the SUV off the jack stands and remove the stands. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Remove the wheel chocks from under the rear wheels.