1996 Chev S-10 Blazer Other - Drive Train & Driveline

Question: I installed new ball joints (upper and lower), a new idler arm, and new shocks. Now the car "pitches and rolls" when it hits a bump in the road.

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Technican: What you describe is what is called"bump steer". When you replaced the parts, did you check your tie rods, wheel bearings, wheel alignment, control arm bushings, steering column connecting collar or steering gear? Unless the vehicle has been in a collision before, and the frame was not properly set to specs, these are the last factors that come into the equation to me. You don't state if the seering gear is a rack and pinion or a conventional box. Either way, you can check for these symptoms by raising the front end. With the steering wheel locked(make sure it is in a complete lock) and parking brake set, grab the top and bottom of the tire and pull in and out. If you have excessive movement(more than an1/8th of an inch), wheel bearing time. Now grab the outer edges of the tire and do the same while looking at the steering gear(you'll probably need some extra eyes for this one). If it is a convetional box, there is a rubber conecting collar going into the box (it may have a plastic cover over it that you need to slide back). Look for movement there and at the pitman arm coming out of the box. If little to none there but at the wheel you're shaking, tie rod time. If it has a rack system, the column should be a solid mount into the rack but watch for play at the inner and outer tie rods connecting to the spindle as well. Too much play than you may need the tie rods and or a new rack. The lower control arm bushings are usually the last to go but a quick visual check for any unusual cracking or splits may indicate they have seen their time. If you do any of this and find your self replacing any of the above mentioned parts, a total 4 wheel thrust alignment is a must. Thrust angl determines where your rear tires sit in conjuction with the front. Wheither it be a rear wheel drive or front, the rear wheels always determine which way the vehicle is going to go. Paul

Owner: What are the chances that poor workmanship with the work I had done is causing this?

Technican: If you're talking about the parts you had replaced, theres a remote chance that ball joint was seated incorrectly or damaged when doing so, or a part being left loose. Now, if you're talking about collision damage, thats a whole new ballpark.

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1996 Chev S-10 Blazer Other - Drive Train & Driveline

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