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2001 Chevrolet Blazer Steering Stability and Suspension

cj4258cj4258 Member Posts: 4
edited March 2014 in Chevrolet
2001 4x4 Blazer, about 85k miles.

Overall it hasn't been that expensive to me, but I fear I have some front end problems coming.

About 6 months ago it developed a low howl after going over speed bumps in my apartment complex. Seems to be only the front left, but could be both front wheels. Wheel bearings I expect?

Shortly later, the front wheels developed a "quiver" while turning sometimes. Its never been a chronic problem, seems to come and go. I barely use 4x4, and the wheels definitely aren't skipping like they would in 4hi or 4lo so I doubt a transfer case problem is this culprit. It just seems like the steering is struggling to maintain the wheels while in a turn. This isn't a huge problem but it does pop up from time to time and I always get strange looks when I talk about it with others. Meh?

Lastly, and a little more alarming at times, is a sudden thud from the right front wheel when in a tight turn. I suspect this is a ball joint.

Despite all this weirdness, it still drives fine. Just little things that probably mean big repairs ahead, I fear. Can someone confirm or correct my suspicions and then give me an estimate of what parts and labor can cost to replace the wheel bearings and to possibly rectify a ball joint problem? I am in no position to do this work myself.

Thanks much.
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Comments

  • 12b3012b30 Member Posts: 1
    Has anybody had experience adding a lift kit to a S10 Blazer? I'm thinking of adding a 2" suspension lift, making my 4dr. look like the ZR-2 model. I hope. If anyone has a photo of a lifted blazer or jimmy I'd sure like to see it.
  • repairdogrepairdog Member Posts: 948
    Performance makes the 2" body lift that will handle up to 31" tires, thats all. Next is a 6" suspension kit that looks pretty unstable and the front frame susp mounts may crack the welds with it. Google for pics.
  • fire_dawgfire_dawg Member Posts: 1
    I just got a 1985 blazer with a new tranny and new 350 crate motor. I want at least a 10 inch lift but do not know what kind of kit I need. I want to put 40in. tires on it. Any help would be great. Fire_Dawg
  • stryker3stryker3 Member Posts: 2
    As I look at my 1999 Blazer from the front I noticed that the right front passenger wheel is not perpendicular to the ground like the other three. It appears the top of the wheel/tire is angled or tilted slightly inward towards the engine and the bottom is kicked out. I haven't noticed any steering problems and the tires have shown no signs of uneven wear, maybe because I caught the problem (if any) soon enough? Any suggestions on the problem?
    Thanks
  • jlflemmonsjlflemmons Member Posts: 2,242
    Are there any unusual noises when traversing bumps? Could be control arm bushings, could be alignment spacers have fallen out. A quick alignment check and front suspension inspection should find the problem. These are not complex suspension systems on Blazers, so it should be easy to find and remedy.
  • waterggoowaterggoo Member Posts: 2
    I have a 1998 S10 Blazer 4x4 the past six mouths or so the steering wheel is off center and getting worse fast the steering wheel should be 9 & 3 o'clock now it is about 7 & 1 o'clock. The right front tire is wearing on the outside edge. The pitman arm and idler arm is new tie-rods ands seem to be in good shape. I will check the shocks and the control arm bushings. The ball joints seemed to be good I will check them again. any ideas?? what could cause this.
  • jlflemmonsjlflemmons Member Posts: 2,242
    Check the alignment. There is always the possibility something got bent/whacked out of true. Even the 2WD can get wanked on speed bumps if hit too fast. Just ask my son. :mad:
  • richk28richk28 Member Posts: 3
    I have a 1999 and I have replaced the front wheel bearings and pitman arm 1x. And the upper ball joints, idler arm 2x. I have 164k on mine. The first ball joint was around 40k. Everything else started around 90K.
  • dunrightdunright Member Posts: 2
    Sorry if this is a double post, i am new to forums. do i have to lift/raise the engine to change the ptiman arm on a 98 S-10 blazer. i am in costa rica and i think they are trying to soak me for cash. thanks in advance.
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