2nd Generation S-series (1995-2005) Tech Discuss 2nd generation S-series (1995-2005) general tech topics here.

Play In The Steering?

  #1  
Old 12-27-2010, 08:12 PM
Alex98Blazer's Avatar
Beginning Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 16
Alex98Blazer is on a distinguished road
Default Play In The Steering?

I have a 98 Blazer and I have alot of play in the steering wheel. I can rotate about 90* without having any directional change. I had a 99 S10 and had the same problem. My sister's ex-bf had a blazer and she said it did the same thing also. What is the common problem here? And how do I fix it?
 
  #2  
Old 12-27-2010, 10:31 PM
NVANZEE's Avatar
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Posts: 1,631
NVANZEE will become famous soon enough
Default

Will it could possibly be the pitman arm, idler arm, gear box, of very worn tie rod ends. You will have to get under it while someone turns the wheel and see what it is.
 
  #3  
Old 12-29-2010, 12:34 AM
Alex98Blazer's Avatar
Beginning Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 16
Alex98Blazer is on a distinguished road
Default

I replaced the idler arm a few months ago to resolve an issue that I thought was my tie rods. I was informed that the tie rods appear to be ok but the idler arm was gnarly. My S10 had steering problems as well but didnt make a noise that sounded like tie rods like my blazer does. IDK!!! I'm thinking it might be the gear box. Do you know how or where I can learn how to fix this?
 
  #4  
Old 12-29-2010, 01:13 PM
blazinloud's Avatar
BF Veteran
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Saskatoon, Canada
Posts: 3,333
blazinloud is an unknown quantity at this point
Default

my vote goes to gear box. thats ALOT of play. tie rods are cheap insurance also. ask and ye shall recieve

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofMIdbV2zjo
 
  #5  
Old 12-29-2010, 09:48 PM
Alex98Blazer's Avatar
Beginning Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 16
Alex98Blazer is on a distinguished road
Default

I was leaning towards gear box but I dont know where it is or how to replace or fix it. Any thoughts?
 
  #6  
Old 12-29-2010, 10:37 PM
blazinloud's Avatar
BF Veteran
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Saskatoon, Canada
Posts: 3,333
blazinloud is an unknown quantity at this point
Default

guess i posted that video for nothing. or you could try watching it :S
 
  #7  
Old 12-29-2010, 11:21 PM
hillwilliam2's Avatar
Beginning Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Illinois
Posts: 32
hillwilliam2 is on a distinguished road
Default

I didn't have quite that much play on mine, but I had the power steering pump replaced at 170,000 miles. That solved my steering problems.
 
  #8  
Old 12-29-2010, 11:26 PM
blazinloud's Avatar
BF Veteran
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Saskatoon, Canada
Posts: 3,333
blazinloud is an unknown quantity at this point
Default

he said he can rotate it 90* which is alot!
 
  #9  
Old 12-30-2010, 07:41 AM
Camaro98's Avatar
Beginning Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 29
Camaro98 is on a distinguished road
Default

Yeah, it's got to be the gearbox. Not that bad of a job as long as the mounting bolts aren't badly rusted.

Nice video, blazinloud. I wish the frame on my Blazer was that clean!
 

Last edited by Camaro98; 12-30-2010 at 07:48 AM.
  #10  
Old 12-30-2010, 08:21 AM
blazer_ed's Avatar
New Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Ohio
Posts: 5
blazer_ed is on a distinguished road
Default

Nice video - even got the rain in the middle of the job right.
I need to replace my 01 Blazer LT steering gear too - 2" play on S.Wheel
How much should I expect to pay for a S.Box? - saw rebuilt for $300 (echh!)
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: Play In The Steering?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:46 AM.