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2001 Chevrolet Blazer Steering Stability and Suspension
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.
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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Thanks