99 Blazer Steering Loose - problem?
 

I'm a new blazer owner as of last week, coming from an old Honda Accord.

The first thing I've noticed is the steering has a LOT of play in it - to the tune of about 35-40 degrees of rotation before I feel the vehicle begin to turn. This seems to me like an excessive amount of play and I'm wondering if I might have a mechanical problem?

on the steering shaft under the hood there is a rag joint, check that first for play. right below the filter box

There should be a plastic shield, kind of shaped like half a small soda bottle (but black). Your rag joint is in there. I changed mine on a '94 Blazer a couple of years ago. I could see it was pretty worn when turning the wheel.

If I remember correctly, I think the rag-joint was riveted in place (4 rivets) and I had to cut or drill out the rivets. I do remember removing the intermediate shaft (connected under the orange rubber tube you'll see). I just replaced the rivets with 4 bolts. I used red Loc-tite and I think a lock washer also to insure the bolts would not loosen. Might have been over-kill, but gave me piece of mind. You can find the rag-joint in the "Help!" section (that's the brand name) of most auto stores.

Replacing the joint seemed to help some. But still didn't completely fix that loosey-goosey feeling in the steering wheel that seems to plague any used Blazer I have ever owned. Take a look around the forum, someone may have the problem nailed, as far as what exactly causes the slop and how to fix.

Forgot about the cover. If it is bad you could replace it with this if you want to spend the money

Flaming River FR1746DD Billet Universal Joint S10 Blazer ZR2

The first diagnosos takes two people. One under and one turning the wheel. Next lift the front end off the ground have your friend hold the steering and you yank the tire back and forth both in the vertical plane and and horizontal plane. Last adjust the box but be very careful cause its easy to over do it (if it wont self center you'r too tight). If you have 100k just change the idler anyway as it wont change alignment.

Thanks for the tips! I'll let you know what I discover...that is, when I find the time!

Didja ever find the cause and the cure?

no, I really haven't found the time. I'm beginning to think it's just a Chevy thing - loose engineering and sub-par design.