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Steering Attenuator Popping

2K views 17 replies 10 participants last post by  SteedGun 
#1 ·
I hesitate to post this but I think the forum needs to know. SteerSmart makes a great product but I just happened to get one that had a defect. Mine started popping after about 12,000 miles. I contacted SteerSmart and they shipped me a new one the next day. This product did NOT fail it just started to make a noise. I guess I am the second one they have had do this popping. I am a big fan of this product but others need to know this could happen and if you hear a popping noise while turning your wheels it could be the attenuator.

My only complaint is that SteerSmart shipped the new attenuator UPS ground so it took a full week to get to me. I would think the extra cost to get it to me either overnight or two day would have been worth it. In business a happy customer talks to five folks and an unhappy customer talks to over twenty five folks.

Sorry Ron but you folks should have shipped this one with faster shipping.

That's it. New part is in and the old part sent back. I can tell you after installing two of these that the method of jacking up the front and removing the attenuator is the best method. Make sure you use good jack stands. Forget the removing the right wheel and drag bar arm from the knuckle. You don't need to go through that grief. I was able to start both ends of the drag link at the same time and get the new part right on in less than 30 minutes.
 
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#2 ·
Question, I have been contemplating changing out the stock for the Steering Attenuator. I have a 15 JKUR.on a 2.5 lift on 35" x 13.5 x 20 tires. What was the biggest difference you experienced going from the stock to this product? Was the difference enough to justify the cost of the product and in my case the labor cost? I use my jeep as a DD and I am looking to improve the steering handling traveling on the highway at higher speeds. Its not about wheel balancing or alignment. After the lift the steering became a little "flimsy" . I added the Fox SS when vehicle was lifted. I'm looking to get back to as close to the "stock" feel I had in the steering prior to the lift. My wife does not feel safe when she gets on the highway at high speed and feels she is constantly steering left to right to keep the jeep in line. Some would not mind having their wives not wanting to drive their jeeps but on long road trips that 2nd driver comes in handy......Any info on the performance of the Steering Attenuator would be appreciated. Anyone else that wants to chime in please do. I know there is a thread dedicated to Steering Attenuator but I am trying to reach out to those who have had one in their jeep for a while.
 
#3 ·
Thanks for the heads up OP! First time I hear this about the attenuator, guessing not common. Glad to hear they replaced it for you.



The attenuator will not help with that "flimsy" feel you're getting. Sounds like you need something to address your caster. Control arm drop brackets or adjustable control arms. KJEEPER10 is an expert in that area, Read through this thread and post what suspension you are running on there. http://www.wranglerforum.com/f202/jeep-jk-caster-and-lifting-502001.html I'm sure someone will guide you.
 
#4 ·
For me the attenuator takes out the harsh feel of the steering and is most noticeable when you either make a fast lane change, driving in wind, or hit bumps. I also noticed that it really helped when towing my watercraft. I don't think it will fix some of your lift issues like the "flimsy" feel. I agree with TheNoob I think that is a caster issue. However, I still believe this to be a must have Jeep part. That's my .02.
 
#8 ·
I hesitate to post this but I think the forum needs to know. SteerSmart makes a great product but I just happened to get one that had a defect. Mine started popping after about 12,000 miles. I contacted SteerSmart and they shipped me a new one the next day. This product did NOT fail it just started to make a noise. I guess I am the second one they have had do ethis popping. I am a big fan of this product but others need to know this could happen and if you hear a popping noise while turning your wheels it could be the attenuator.

My only complaint is that SteerSmart shipped the new attenuator UPS ground so it took a full week to get to me. I would think the extra cost to get it to me either overnight or two day would have been worth it. In business a happy customer talks to five folks and an unhappy customer talks to over twenty five folks.

Sorry Ron but you folks should have shipped this one with faster shipping.

That's it. New part is in and the old part sent back. I can tell you after installing two of these that the method of jacking up the front and removing the attenuator is the best method. Make sure you use good jack stands. Forget the removing the right wheel and drag bar arm from the knuckle. You don't need to go through that grief. I was able to start both ends of the drag link at the same time and get the new part right on in less than 30 minutes.
Sorry we didnt do a better job getting you one sooner, I only hope that the performance of the Attenuator helps make up for the delayed shipping and you become another happy customer once again. We have shipped hundreds and had 3 come back that made noises. Sorry it had the be yours.
Overall, how do you like the performance of the product besides the popping noise.
Ron
 
#11 ·
Sorry we didnt do a better job getting you one sooner, I only hope that the performance of the Attenuator helps make up for the delayed shipping and you become another happy customer once again. We have shipped hundreds and had 3 come back that made noises. Sorry it had the be yours.
Overall, how do you like the performance of the product besides the popping noise.
Ron
No worries. I am a big fan of this product. It worked great before the popping noise and I did get some driving in with the new part and it feels great. I am on the road for a few weeks but I will be running my Jeep hard later in Dec.

Thanks.
 
#12 ·
Honestly, SteerSmart makes a great product... I have one and love it, and they have almost zero negative comments. Heck, they even sent me updated decals post purchase for simple branding changes. From what I can see here they treated you extremely well... personally, I think you should be ashamed to come here and rant on the boards in public about them for something so minor as they didn't rush order mail it. Boo on you!
 
#17 ·
Dogpile on SteedGun! ;)
I think the OP was intending to help anyone in the future that may have been looking to diagnose a steering noise, not necessarily bash SS.

I've had mine on for about 10,000 miles now and couldn't be happier. These back country Texas roads are all torn up and it takes the jackhammer out of the steering wheel.
 
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