[Eric]

What color is the oil? Could it be from power steering?

Gerald

[Richard]

I think the power steering cylinder is in the background of the photo and that might be what we used to call a shimmy damper.

There was or is a device that is an aftermarket installation that allows the driver to dial in some steering correction to compensate for a steep crown or crosswinds. I forget the name but is it possible it might be that?

[Bill]

The oil is black that came out of it. It is only attached with a bolt to the frame on one end. There are no hydraulic hoses or electrical wires connected to it. I have no idea what it could be for and don’t see any means to which it would do anything?

[Jim]

My guess is that the free end was once attched to the steering tie rod and acted as a steering damper. Look closely at the tie rod near the free end of the black cylinder for evidence of a prevoius clamp or bracket.

If it is not attached to anything it may be safe to remove it. BUT hard to tell from that one picture.

[Andy]

My guess is what’s left of the Howard Steering assist. Very popular during mid 1990’s and early 2000’s. The system was intended to dampen the sway in high wind conditions.

The company is out of business.

[Archived]

That’s the name I was looking for. thanks BA.

[Bill]

I think you are all correct. I believe I see where a clamp would have fit on the steering tie rod about a foot from the unattached end. I’m not sure it was the Howard system as I see it was adjustable and had a controller near the driver’s seat. There is no indication of a controller and the cyclinder does not look adjustable. I see on line there are hydraulic steering assist that seem similar to this one. I will take it off. Thanks for the feedback; very helpful as always.

[needtocamp]

Yep, had Howard Steering on my 97 Marathon and in high windy condition it worked well. I would just remove it since it’s not functional.

[Archived]

I guess you guys pretty much beat me to it. I was gonna say it’s the rudder trim tab acculator.