I drive a 1999 Chevy Blazer, it's 4.3L V6, 2W Drive four door. It's got 177k miles on it, so it's been through a good bit.

I've been having some problems for a while where it does not want to stay put in the road, you have to keep turning the wheel while driving to help keep it in the lane. There is also 2 inches of play in the wheel.

I had a friend whom has gone to college for being just an all around mechanic, he has also worked at several dealerships including Hyundai for about 5 years and GM for around 6-7 doing routine maintenance and stuff like that. He says that the problems seems to be the steering gear, that it is loose and popping.

Since he is a friend of my Step Dad and mom he is willing to fix it himself for $50 and the price of the part. I think that's a pretty good deal, especially since if you go to some other shop they are going to charge you by the hour and rip you a new one.

My real dad on the other hand seems to think that it's the tie rod ends. I really don't see how it could be this first off because I have not been getting excessive wear on my tires.

Can I get some opinions on from some people on what they think the problem could be? I really don't want to be driving a death trap for a long time. If you need any more information about it just let me know and I'll get back with it soon.

Thank you ahead of time

 

Sounds like pitman, idler, tie rod ends, ball joints, and probably the rag joint are all in order. Chances are if its never been freshened up and you only replace one piece it will be back to crap again in a very short time. Might as well do it all at once and be done with it!

 

I'm in the same boat with my 2000 ZR2. I'm thinking I'm gonna have the work done, but I would like to know what parts I would need. I know it may sound dumb, but steering (and suspension) work scares me, and confuses me, almost as much as transmission work would. Anyway, If I've got the same problem, is it really the best idea to do everything, ie: pitman arm, idler arm, tie rod ends, ball joints, and rag joint (<< what is a rag joint, never heard of it.) I've got 157k miles, and I'm guessing the steering has never been touched. As stupid as it may sound, there is only one of each of the affore mentioned parts correct? I mean, there is only one pitman arm and idler arm right? And there would only be two tie rod ends, and two ball joints as well correct?

 

I just bought a 99 Blazer and actually joined in hopes of finding an answer to this - I'm having the exact same problem. The truck just had a safety so def nothing loose in the front end I.e. tie rods or ball joints...

But yeah my symptoms are the same...it's swimming all over and you're chasing it with the steering wheel which has a huge dead zone of a about 2-3 inches.

Replacing everything isn't practical nor necessary IMO...hopefully one of the vets on this site will have some insight! Please help!!

 

Hi again...did some looking around and looks like the pitman arm will cause the steering wheel play. For the road wondering I'm not sure...could it be bad shocks? I again have the same and am leaning toward that conclusion.

https://blazerforum.com/forum/2nd-generation-s-series-1995-2005-tech-41/steering-loose-adjusted-gear-box-checked-linkages-box-need-replacing-42372/

 

Man there's nothing in a pitman to wear out. Now if its missing thats another story.

 

If its got 177k miles on the original parts, then yes the parts that rexmburns listed are the culprits. If you replace one part, you'll need to replace the others in the near future, because they are all worn down. Make sure to get a good alignment afterwards.

 

try adding a steering stabilizer, cheap simple solution.

 

Poor guy has been waiting eight years for an answer. Hopefully, he can get it fixed now.