This rubber shock absorber mounts between the front axle and the chassis frame of the host tractor. It dampens vertical oscillations transmitted from the axle to the frame, reducing the peak loads that reach the steering linkage and cab mounts. A degraded absorber allows uncontrolled axle movement, which can cause steering wander and accelerated wear of the kingpin bushings. The original rubber compound and bonded-metal geometry match the stiffness the axle pivot was designed around; a mismatched durometer alters the ride height and changes the caster angle. On replacement, ensure the mounting bolts are torqued to the specification for the axle bracket.