I don't know how many have fallen for the Ford pitch to have a steering damper installed, but my dealer tried it on me. The problem was "bump steering" according to the rep and could easily be cured with this multi $ add-on.

Well, on inspection, my vehicle [E-350] already had it! So I quietly backed away and went to a well established front-end shop. A guy with white hair fixed the problem in half an hour and the vehicle is a pleasure to drive.

Out of the factory [I had bought this thing new] the steering box had no lash at centre, consequently no power steering, so I was stuck with every road slope/rut/bump coming right back to the steering wheel.

BTW when I went to Ford and explained it and showed them my bill, I was told to shove off. S.J.

 

So what exactly was the repair?

 

You act like they were trying to scam you. Of course I don't know your dealer, but it sounds to me like they thought that it would fix the problem. What did the second shop fix?

 

Yeah, what was the fix? Sounds like the lash adjustment was played with possibly? Was the steering stiff and then after the "fix" it was looser and easier to steer? Is the factory dampener still on the steering?