This might be rude or not what I should do, so feel free to call me stupid if I am, it's been a long time since I've been in a forum (I think I was 12 last time)

I bought a 2000 Blazer LS 4x4 in February 2025, and its served me decently so far. Never had a problem that's kept me from driving it, although its had its share of issues. I have 5 rock auto magnets since I bought it and I had 0 before.

It has a pretty good service history, dealer serviced for a long time and then seemingly full carfax service records afterwards. It has 162,500 miles (ish) and I love it except for when I hate it. It has some problems though, and I have no idea how to fix most of them. Im mechanically inclined but im used to hybrid Toyotas and my other car, a 2015 Grand Caravan that doesn't have issues yet. I know its 25 years old, decently high mileage, not worth a lot but I'd like to keep it for a while and have something i can be proud of (this is my first car that's actually mine)

I have quite a few things that I dont know what the cause is or I dont know what the fix is or I just generally dont know what to do. Biggest problem is probably at least one bad wheel bearing. Constant scuffing sounds (i dont know the right word. Like scratching but it sounds dry at the same time, if that makes sense) and when I spin the passenger front wheel by hand it makes the noise, although I didnt check the back ones. And could be related, when I come to a stop, especially when its cold outside, the brake pedal shudders and sometimes kicks and you can feel an almost grinding feeling, but its not the brakes. Rotors are straight and true, pads have plenty of life and the calipers are fine.

Next, seemingly all the bushings are shot. Dry rotted as can be, I can pull off pieces of them, pretty sure it just needs a full suspension refresh/rebuild.

There's a wierd issue with the throttle body thats been the main nagging point. It started with an IAC valve code, I replaced the valve (it was cheap so even if it wasnt the fix, I was like why not) and the EGR valve after and the code is still kinda persistent but it runs fine now. It also has 2 open holes in the throttle body (middle and right side) which is different from my friends (only middle is open), and when I got it, it had like this 3M double sided sticky stuff over them. Took that off, idled way too high and ended up putting bolts and nuts to cover the holes... probably a terrible idea but it works? I think? Hopefully someone has insight there. It's the cable driven throttle, if that helps.

There's also an oil leak, although I have no idea where its coming from and im not sure how to tell. It doesn't seem to be leaking a lot, its just staining the road and I dont need my parents dealing with fines over it. Using kitty litter to clean it up but its persistent.

And last but not least, what im assuming is either wiring issues or just old car problems. The drivers door speaker works in other doors but very intermittently when in the drivers door. It's worked before, but it usually doesn't. It's a little weird. Also, the backlights for the door switches seem to be going out. I have the front window switches lighting up, but the lock switch and back window switches don't, and they used to. I REALLY want to fix that, but I dont know if I can. Hopefully one of you do.

Thank you in advance, any and all insight is great.

- Snap

 

Yeah, our Blazers will need parts.

The only problem you mentioned that I cannot help with is the throttle body. Perhaps someone else can help with that.

The other issues are very solvable.

For the speaker, I would do a continuity check on the wires to the driver's side front door. I wouldn't be surprised if one of the wires to it has cracked or been damaged where it passes from the body to the door.

The oil leak is likely the remote oil filter lines. linee are notorious For leaking by 100k miles. This is a common repair we all have done.

These suspensions will all need one rebuild by 150k if not 100k miles. This job is not so bad.

I've replaced both my front wheel bearings once. The only difficulty was getting the hub nut off.

The light bulbs for the window switches are small incandescent bulbs. Specialty bulb and electronics parts vendors probably have replacements. It will take a bit od sleuthing to find the specs. Or you may find some working ones in window switches in a Blazer at a wrecking yard. If it is a U-Pull yard, bring multi-meter to test them.

Good luck and be sure to ask questions!

 

Thank you so much! This is extremely helpful. I really should have come here first 😂 I'll definitely be coming back

 

Oil cooler and filter

What im guessing is the cooling side, but wierdly has some oil on only one of the hoses?

Overall underside behind subframe

Definitely seems like this could be the cause of the leak? Seems to be more wet than the rest although its kind of everywhere.

Some pictures for the oil leak question...

 

Yep! And to be thorough, replace the gasket and o-ring at the adapter at the block. I had the o-ring break on my 92 Blazer. But first I'd spray everything down with degreaser parts cleaner to help identify the location of the leak.

Something you have likely already learned is that space is limited and access can be limited to reach these parts. I think I used a 30 inch extension to get at the hose mounting bolt where the hoses attached to the block adapter.