[s-cars] Steering Damper gone?

[tr0910]

I am replacing some suspension parts, and noticed some oily gunk on the
steering damper.  It could either be a damper leak, or residue from a
previous steering hose leak.  Replacement part is about $100 from
GermanAutoParts.

I pulled one end of the steering damper free, and it feels like a normal
shock absorber with no play, just a little easier to extend than to compress
(opposite from a normal shock).  Has anyone replaced this part.  What is it
supposed to feel like.

I am suspecting that this is just residue from a hose leak, not a leak with
the damper.

Tim
93 S4 200K