Steering stabilizer bar

[MattG]

Fox engineers didn't design anything for the Grenadier. And it is also unfair to say there are no risks, because there have been people with the Fox stabilizer experience death wobble (if not posted on here, definitely on the FB groups).

The Fox stabilizers (both versions by Owl as well as the one Agile sells) are parts either designed for a generic application or another vehicle that have been adapted to work on the Grenadier.

Fox did not design the Grenadier kit, thus why it isn't available to purchase from Fox. There are kits put together by other companies using the Fox damper.

Additionally, "out perform" is an interesting phrase to use. The original vehicle is designed to with off-road driving and stability as a forefront; for which the factory damper is phenomenal. Any softer damper (like the Fox units, OME units, etc) will transmit more off road bump through the steering and into the driver's hands through the wheel, that's just basic physics and damper technology.

I'm a bit confused. Regarding the physics, correct me if i'm wrong, but wouldn't a stiffer (less absorbent) damper transmit more off-road bump directly to the steering wheel and a softer one absorb more of the off-road bump, meaning less transmission of said bump to the wheel?? That's my understanding anyway.

 

[anand]

I'm a bit confused. Regarding the physics, correct me if i'm wrong, but wouldn't a stiffer (less absorbent) damper transmit more off-road bump directly to the steering wheel and a softer one absorb more of the off-road bump, meaning less transmission of said bump to the wheel?? That's my understanding anyway.

The steering damper dampens the movement of the steering system (steering angle for simplicity), not directly dampening the impacts (which is how a suspension shock absorber works dampening the impact from the road surface). This is why some people feel the turning radius improves with a softer damper, because the wheel becomes easier to turn

 

[parb]

https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/what-is-a-steering-stabilizer/

 

[MattG]

The steering damper dampens the movement of the steering system (steering angle for simplicity), not directly dampening the impacts (which is how a suspension shock absorber works dampening the impact from the road surface). This is why some people feel the turning radius improves with a softer damper, because the wheel becomes easier to turn

Yep, understood. Cheers

 

[Zenbox]

For those that have had the death wobble with the fox stabilizer, has it been the "standard" one or the adjustable Fox one? I installed the standard un-adjustable one and like it, but do wish it was just a little bit stiffer (somewhere in between the stock and this one). Due to the death wobble issues others have had, I have been contemplating putting the stock one back on. However, now I am thinking I could get the adjustable Fox stabilizer from Agile and just have it a little softer than stock and it might therefore, mitigate some of the potential downsides of the potential death wobble issue. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Thanks!

 

[anand]

However, now I am thinking I could get the adjustable Fox stabilizer from Agile and just have it a little softer than stock and it might therefore, mitigate some of the potential downsides of the potential death wobble issue. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Thanks!

Just remember the maintenance schedule (rebuilding) of the Fox ATS line... Every 50k miles if used exclusively on road, 10k miles if mixed on/off road, and 1k miles of off road use

 

[jcurtin]

For those that have had the death wobble with the fox stabilizer, has it been the "standard" one or the adjustable Fox one? I installed the standard un-adjustable one and like it, but do wish it was just a little bit stiffer (somewhere in between the stock and this one). Due to the death wobble issues others have had, I have been contemplating putting the stock one back on. However, now I am thinking I could get the adjustable Fox stabilizer from Agile and just have it a little softer than stock and it might therefore, mitigate some of the potential downsides of the potential death wobble issue. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Thanks!

I had the wobble w/ fox... the one I had installed was part # AGA1001. For what it's worth, I am very happy to now be back to stock. I'm new to the offroad vehicle game, had no idea a swap over to it would play out this way. Interesting too is that the stance of Ineos was kind of "it's your problem, you changed the vehicle"... which I now get. Also, should wobble had caused accident, insurance picture would likely be a mess for similar reasons. I appreciate all the mods others are doing... admire it... I'm just not versed enough to play that game at moment.

 

[Shopkeep]

Just remember the maintenance schedule (rebuilding) of the Fox ATS line... Every 50k miles if used exclusively on road, 10k miles if mixed on/off road, and 1k miles of off road use

For the brave there is an adjustable damper 'round here from Tough Dog that may not require regular rebuilding, but the mounting method may require fettling as it is currently setup to suit Landcruisers.
Click for link

 

[Maskinut]

Welp, my stabilizer fell off and I didn't even notice while towing a 3k trailer on highway and then across the desert.

 

[Bluesurf]

Welp, my stabilizer fell off and I didn't even notice while towing a 3k trailer on highway and then across the desert.

Was this a factory untouched stabilizer?

 

[Karearea]

Interesting
When walking towards my vehicle a few days ago the steering stabiliser is the most obviously front end item exposed to striking and it really made me wonder … why?

 

[LeeroyJ]

My son's 2015 Jeep Rubicon used to get death wobble frequently. We tried many "fixes" but could never find one that lasted. We eventually traded it in for a Four Runner. When I was driving and experienced death wobble, I found that lightly gripping the wheel (ie. keeping it from turning far, but not trying to stop the intermediate steering shifts) and letting off the gas, was the best way to recover. I did not try hard breaking (or any breaking). I felt like trying to fight it (by trying to overpower the steering to hold it still) felt like it made the death wobble last longer and potentially increased the amplification.

That's my own experience in a jeep, I'm not sure what the general consensus is on how best to respond to death wobble while driving?

 

[Maskinut]

Was this a factory untouched stabilizer?

Factory- Looks like the threaded end popped out. Caveat, I did a few k offroad miles

 

[parb]

has anyone tried the new king steering stabilizer? i saw that owl carries it.

 

[CrazyOldMan]

Are we allowed to post virtual sightings? Just got off a flight to Asia - watched the mind-numbing “Conan O’Brian Must Go” - the Ireland episode. At the beginning of the episode, he’s driving a LHD Grenadier through Ireland. No mention, no discussion - just a quick exterior and interior shot. Must have been shot right after launch I guess?

 

[Bluesurf]

I just came across this. Its very interesting comment on the steering. I hope this problem is solved at the factory and not at our garages.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOQyc58Ix2Q

 

[anand]

I just came across this. Its very interesting comment on the steering. I hope this problem is solved at the factory and not at our garages.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOQyc58Ix2Q

I'm still not sure where the "problem" is in this... If so many lock nuts were coming loose, there would be much more talk about it...

I'm just shy of 15k miles in 5 months; everything from deep rutted dirt/mud tracks, miles of bumpy gravel, and 6,000+ miles of 80+ mph pavement time over the course of a long weekend and still can't find the issue. It's very happy at 85mph with 1 finger on the steering wheel, negotiating tight/curvy roads at speed is perfectly stable/planted, etc.

 

[parb]

I'm still not sure where the "problem" is in this... If so many lock nuts were coming loose, there would be much more talk about it...

I'm just shy of 15k miles in 5 months; everything from deep rutted dirt/mud tracks, miles of bumpy gravel, and 6,000+ miles of 80+ mph pavement time over the course of a long weekend and still can't find the issue. It's very happy at 85mph with 1 finger on the steering wheel, negotiating tight/curvy roads at speed is perfectly stable/planted, etc.

I tend to agree. The fellows in UK/EU and Australia would have seen this very quickly if its a real problem.

 

[CrazyOldMan]

I'm still not sure where the "problem" is in this... If so many lock nuts were coming loose, there would be much more talk about it...

I'm just shy of 15k miles in 5 months; everything from deep rutted dirt/mud tracks, miles of bumpy gravel, and 6,000+ miles of 80+ mph pavement time over the course of a long weekend and still can't find the issue. It's very happy at 85mph with 1 finger on the steering wheel, negotiating tight/curvy roads at speed is perfectly stable/planted, etc.

I agree - I saw the video when it came out and wondered why none of us had encountered any issue - kinda not buying it

 

[rovie]

I tend to agree. The fellows in UK/EU and Australia would have seen this very quickly if its a real problem.

I regularly take a look at my vehicle on the lift. So far, I haven't noticed anything in this respect.