I have a 97 Blazer with 59K miles. It sat for a long time. When I got it, there was a bad problem with steering wander. I have replaced the idler arm, pitman arm, steering box and I replaced the rag joint with a Flaming River U joint. I have improved the wander quite a bit but it still has an issue. I can't find anymore steering parts that are bad but when I lift up the wheels to check the ball joints, I do get a little play on both front wheels. The problem is that I don't know if it is the ball joints or the hubs. I can feel the play when I wiggle the wheel but I cannot see anything moving in the steering knuckle. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

It is most likely your bearings. To verify, have someone shake the wheel and watch/feel the rotor. If you see or feel movement, it is the bearing.

To check the upper and lower ball joints, you must load the suspension. Support the lower control arm while the truck is in the air, lower the truck until the suspension begins to compress, and shake it down.

 

Thanks. I had my wife wiggle the wheel while I watched. I couldn't see the rotor too well because the rotor shield is in the way, however, I could see the axle move when the wheel was being rocked up and down. I hope this is the last repair I have to do to the steering. It's getting expensive to replace these worn parts.