After slamming my RF wheel into a parking block my steering wheel is pointing at 12:30. Took it in for a $69 alignment and guy said he could not do it because a bushing on the UCA was shot. I don't see what that has to do with a 12:30 steering wheel. Should I be looking elsewhere? I'm thinking a tie rod is bent but not sure how to tell if it/they are.

I have llooked for a DIY to replace the control arm and found several but none for a left side 2WD 2002 Blazer Xtreme. One problem seems to be the clearance to get the bolts off. Any advice?
putts

 

Don't know how the 2wd is set up, but I rebuilt the front end on my 95 4wd, and the only trouble we had was getting the old bushings out, and new bushings in, the control arm. Some creative uses of a vice and press were involved.

I don't remember having any trouble actually removing the control arm.

Now, those alignment shops are shady. After we rebuilt the front end, we put two brand new tires on. Drove right to a shop, try to get an alignment. They tell me they can't do it, cause my rag joint is bad, and my power steering hoses are leaking. Wasn't sure how that would affect my alignment, though.

Argued with them, and they finally agreed to do it, but they wouldn't warranty it. Whatever. I just needed my tires pointed the right direction.

 

On my '02 4wd I did have to remove the small bolt/bracket that holds the brake line in order to get the forward UCA bolt out. Required an open end wrench to get under the inner fender liner...but only took a few minutes. Just be sure to put it back before putting the wheel/tire back on.
I cleaned and reused the bolts however if really rusted you may need to replace all of them.
Also an alignment will be needed right away.

I got new UCA with ball joints and bushings from MOOG; read later that the ball joints will probably not last a long time; no grease nipple. So I kept the OEM UCAs, have cleaned them and ready for new bushings and ball joints should I need them.

Good luck.

 

Not sure I believe the alignment guy about the UCA bushing either since I have never had trouble with it that I know of. I probably need to replace if but I think I'll see if a DIY alignment will help the situation.