I bought a blazer 2001 its 2WD/Rear Wheel Drive

When I first got it at high speeds pushing the brakes would cause the front end to shake violently, the slower I was going the less noticeable the symptoms.

So i figured the culprit was brakes and rotors as I inspected the rotors in the front and they were worn, after putting on brand new rotors and pads, the shake when braking was still there.

Went ahead and replaced Idler Arm, Center Link, Inner & Outer Tie Rods, Sway Bar Links.

Shaking is still there.
When I have the vehicle jacked up on both sides and i grab the tire at 3 and 9 o clock positions shake it back and forth there is a quarter inch of play, but it is not isolated to the one side, either side when i shake the tire side to side there is play and the play transfers(if I shake one side the other tire moves just as much) Also when shaking the tire side to side I can see the steering wheel move side to side as well. I was thinking of replacing the pitman arm, but parts stores don't even carry it for the 2wd and from what I read online the arms aren't suppose to go bad.

Any opinions out there I'm running out of options. Could the steering gear box be the culprit?

 

Hello trippymg,

I had something similar happening, it was not a violent shake as you may have.

Turned out to be my control arm bushings. Seems like you have changed quite
a bit and are pretty handy. I am sure somebody with some knowledge/experience
will pitch in. How many miles on your vehicle?

Mark K

 

That's where I would start .. UCA will certainly cause it. Had the same problem in Tbird.

https://www.google.com/search?q=uppe...se+brake+shake

PS: Make sure to jack up the LCA / spring before tightening tcontrol arm bushing bolts so that bushings arent under constant stress.

 

How do I check the control arms for play?

 

Also sometimes turning left I will hear a thunk kind of noise, doesn't seem to happen turning right, also on a hard left turn it seems like the car is rocking like the tire is popping or something.

 

@marksoftball it has 130,000 miles runs fantastic besides this issue, I see your in Wheeling, IL nice to see a fellow from Chicago as so am I

I only paid 1200 for the vehicle so I expected some repairs, even replacing all the control arms I still believe I would be in the "green"

 

do you feel the shake in the steering wheel or in the butt? does it only happen when braking? also to properly check the front end for play you need to jack up the front end grab the wheel at 12 & 6 and wiggle, than you need to place a jack stand under the lower control arm and lower the vehicle down on it and check again grabbing the wheel @ 12 & 6.