Hi all,

I have a question in regards to my 2005 Chevrolet Blazer.

Its a 4 wheel drive with 5 speed manual tranny (36000 KMS)and I have noticed that when I go over bumps and cracks in the road that a noise is coming from the drivers side front end. I had my mechanic (not from the dealership) take a look and he has indicatedthat the idler arm is loose or possible bad ball joints. If I place my hand on the left hand side idler arm while my mechanic turns the steering wheel I can see and feel that there is play in the steering component. If I go to the right side it’s the same thing and I can hear a noise that is similar to a tick-ock(for lack of a better term). I have brought the vehicle to a dealership as its still under warranty and they are indicating this is totally normal and they indicated its because of backlash within the steering box and this noise/behaviouris normal for this model and year.

I am concerned in that my warranty expires in February (little over 1 month from now) and that there may be safety issues given these are steering components. As well if something does break there’s a chance the dealership will not repair it for free once the warranty has expired. The dealership has indicated everything is OK and the vehicle is safe to drive. Should I be concerned or does this seem normal to you guys? Any help is appreciated as I'm at my wits end and considering trading it in at a loss just to have the problem resolved and to have peace of mind when driving.

Thanks in advance.

P.

 

If you can feel slop, and hear a noise, it is NOT normal. Go to a different dealer. If there is not one around, talk to the service manager. If HE will not help you, call GM. 1-800-222-1020 in the US.

 

go straight to the top of the company


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don't you have a 60,000 KM factory warranty

 

The warranty is Time, or mileage. Once either runs out, you are on your own. (unless, of course, you have a long DOCUMENTED history of the problem.... then GM may do somethin' for ya.)

 

The vehicle is covered by a 3 yr or 60,000 km warranty. The issue more lies with the dealership in that they seem to think there is no problem when in fact its quite noticeable. I will take all the advice that has been posted into consideration i.e: speak with Service Manager (unfortunatley the Service Advisor has indicated the Service Manager is of the same mindset in that its normal behaviour). Looks as if I'm going to another dealership. Frankly I'm p!ssed off with Chevy as everytime I have an issue they choose to give me the runaround as opposed to providing quality customer service. Needless to say I will NEVER EVER purchase another product from these shystersagain.

 

Don't let a bad dealship experience turn you off. Find a dealer that will work with you, and stick with 'em. The more they see your smiling face, the more they will like you, and go out of their way to take care of you. Especially if you bought the vehicle from them.... Placing a call to GM customer service, and filing a complaint will get their attention, but, will not endear you to them.... It should get your problem solved though.

 

Unfortunately GM specs say that the idler arm play needs to be more than 1/4" (something like that)before it becomesworn enough forreplacement.
It is probably still safe or they would have done something, but it's within "SPECS"
If you replace the front steering components, I always recomment aftermarket parts, such as MOOG because they are tighter tolerences and good quality.

You can always ask at the dealership exactly what the SPECS are for a worn out idler arm or ball joints. Let them know that you're not happy with the noise and your safety concerns.
I had a 2005 Blazer and had a tire noise that took 10 months to resolve. Long story.....the last time I went in to complain the District manager was there and heard me. They put 4 Michelins on the truck and I had no more problems after that.
Keep going in and asking that it gets fixed. "The squeaky wheel gets the grease"

 

Hi all,

Just wanted to give you guys an update. Thanks by the way for all your suggestions.

I spoke with the service manager and according to him they had their front-end guy, (not just a regular technician but a front end specialist with 20 plus years experience), inspect my front end. According to him everything was ok and as far as they were concerned there was nothing to be repaired. The service manager reassured me that my vehicle is totally safe and there is nothing wrong with it.The noises and movement are normal. As far as I'm concerned they are full of ****e.My mechanic (who will not profit by repairing the issue as I do his computer work for him and cannot repair it as its still under warranty) has indicated that there is noflipping way that the noise that’scoming frommy steering is normal considering the vehicle has36000 KMS.I have had nothing but problems when dealing with Chevy dealerships as well as Chevy Canada (they like to pass the buck and say "we are sorry sir but its a dealer issue"). I will bring my Blazer to yet another Chevy dealer in the Ottawa area and hope that they find something wrong. If they don't at least I will have some re-assurance in that its been deemed OK by another dealership and hope that I do not have an accident 'cause my steering has failed. It’s a real shame 'cause I really like my Blazer and up to this point I pondered purchasing another Chevy product. Their loss ultimately.

Thanks again for all your posts.