I just replaced mine and took some pictures to share. I know it isn't rocket science but thought someone might like to see what it is about before they get under the car, and I just like taking pictures
I ordered my stabilizer from joetlc and it took about a week to get it. I literelly drove on the lift, replaced it and backed off the lift in 15 minutes, would have been less if I hadn't been messing around taking pictures.
As some others have stated my old one didn't appear to be leaking or worn out but my car does have 51,000 on it and figured it was time.
It isn't time for it to be out on the roads around here yet so I only have a 2 mile test drive to judge it with but I do feel I will be noticing a definate "tightening" of the steering feel, can't wait to give it a real test.
I also included a picture of why my front tire went flat about a month after I parked it for the winter. Don't know for sure why it waited til it was in hibernation to show up but I am glad it was in the garage when it decided to go flat, and not half way to Texas or something

 

UPDATE:
With a few good days of driving I can say that the pulling has gone away on those rutted roads.
My old one looked OK to but the new one has made a difference.
Also an easy install for anyone.

 

I am GREEN with garage envy!!

Damn, Rick. That is one fine garage.

 

It's not that far away if you want to use it
Did you ever get your manifolds on?

 

Thanks! I'm still planning to make a trip up to see you. My manifolds came just after I had to put the car in storage for the winter. Since I take the insurance off of it, I won't be able to drive it up until March 15. While it's stored I'll get the ECU sent out to be tuned. Then we'll be all set in March to put those manifolds on.

 

At 19,000 miles I replaced mine along with an oil change. After my daily commute of 115 miles I can say it was well worth the twenty bucks. It did not completely eliminate the trammeling or truckers rut but it is a big improvement. The over all general feel is just much better. Driving over small imperfections on the road transfers much less vibration to the wheel. Guessing the install took less than 15 min. Before climbing under, give the wheel a half turn to to left, this will allow the bolt closest to the steering box to slip out.
Bill,

 

Just replaced mine with 56k miles on it haha what a difference it makes
Wish i read your post before i replaced it that bolt took me sometime to figure out!
but still less than an hour lol

 

Replaced fri. Susan and i went for ride today and what a change in how the car drove no pulling on two line roads , i thinking about every 15000 to 20000 miles or every time you change tires ,replace a must

 

I've put almost 7k on the new damper... from JoelTLC... and it's already shot and now makes a horrible grinding noise every time I turn the wheel at low speeds. So needless to say it needs to be replaced... so does anyone recommend or know of a different brand with a little longer life span? I know it's only $30 but gees.

Chrysler's Part #: 68032068aa (price range from $430-$600)

 

Apparently I suck with solutions for this part.. but couldn't a regular shock with the same body diameter, length and similar bump and rebound charicteristics be used?

 

Hard to believe the Chrysler part price and the JoeTLC price.
Any other "long term" tests on the Chrysler vs JoeTLC part?

I'm just figuring $30/7k miles vs $430-$600/15-20k miles

 

I went with one off of Amazon but bought the (what I thought was the better quality) Mercedes "made in Germany" stabilizer. I think it may have been $40. Works great but I only have a few thousand miles on it. It looked better made than the original.

Steve

 

Steve, would you happen to have a part number? Makes me wish I had stashed the original one in the corner some where just in case?
Thanks
Bill,

 

I am sorry, I do not have the PN. I wish I did but I was leary of the cheaper ones. As I said, I really could see that this was better quality than the original so I don't feel it was the same grade as OEM. Do a search on Amazon and maybe you will see the one I am talking about. I would steer clear of the $20.

 

Could you tell us what search terms you used?

Thanks!

 

"steering damper for mercedes slk32" (See the only result)

1.

2002-2004 Mercedes Benz SLK32 AMG Stabilus Steering Damper
Buy new: $72.11 $42.50
In Stock

 

Thanks! I guess I should have not used the "Chrysler Crossfire" bit.

You are a patient man...

 

Been planning on reolacing mine for a while, but I'm still under warranty. Took it ti two dealers and of course they could find nothing wrong. hen I checked the price, $615 less 25% or $461, I thought here has to be a better way. JLC(?) phone was not in service so checked Amazon. Part was $28.80 incl tax and shpg, so ordered one. Order got messed up and I tried to cancel but couldn't, however I can returnit no charge. I went to Autozone and ordered on for $35 + and it is a Stabilus. The new one and the original were made in Koblenz, I have yet to check Amazon's which I think I will probably keep as a backup.
Changing the damper would have been easy enough if Dupa had turned the wheel the correct way. Still managed to fight through it.
Haven't driven it yet, still waiting for the rest of my Spectre order to come in, but will put it on the road tomorrow if not raining downpour like today.
original Chrysler P/N CH5097971-AA has been replaced by P/N 68032068-AA list $615.
JoeTLC P/N1244630432 fits more than 100 Mercedes models. Lists $19.95 + $10 shipping
Same part number mfg SACHS from Amazon was $28.40 incl no tax and free shipping.
P/N SG203004 from Autozone was $34.99, manu Stabilllus, Koblenz Germany.

John P
FTroopChief

 

Yep, good research.
I think you hit the nail on the head...same part, different prices.

 

Thank god for this thread! My arrived today and it took longer to get the tools out and put them away than it did to replace the part! My cars has 60K miles and the old one was soaked in its own oil and worthless. What a difference! BTW, when I bought the car it had the stock Conti's on it and wanted to pull the wheel out of my hand as it wanted to follow the groves in the road. I just thought the tires where junk and replaced them. after getting rid of the Conti's I never had the provlem again but now my steering feels tight and like a brand new car.