1998 Chevrolet Blazer: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Aug 12, 2008 · Suspension · 121,000 miles · CO

There is a recall on the 98 blazer for right-hand lower control arms saying that the bolt could break. That happened to mine but it was the left-hand upper control arm bolt and the repairs cost me $1000

Filed Jun 5, 2006 · Electrical, Steering · 118,000 miles · NY

Suspension - rides rough: replaced shocks electrical - interior/exterior problems with the horn, headlights, directional, windshield wipers, and caution lights. Replaced: electrical unit inside steering column and oxgen sensor. Steering - replaced: wheels, tires, rotors, ball joints, and several attempts to balance tires and front end alignments with no real difference. Idles - rough.

Filed Nov 24, 2004 · Suspension · 84,445 miles · NV

1. Two days ago, at 50 MPH, I started having steering problems (quickly steering from left to right to stay on road). It is in the shop (only 84k miles) to the tune of $600 to replace both ball joints.

Filed Oct 1, 2004 · Electrical, Lights · PA

Consumer stated that at one point headlights and flashers were not working properly. Consumer took vehicle to dealer and found that the wait was too long. Then, consumer decided to take vehicle to a private certified mechanic, and was told by him that multi-function switch was defective. Had this replaced, but hazard lights did not work half the time. Also, something was draining battery because vehicle will not start. Went to the web, and found that there had been a recall on vehicle. Consumer called the manufacturer, and was told that this vehicle was not in the recall. *ak the vehicle ball joints were also replaced.

Filed Aug 12, 2004 · Seats, Steering · 29,000 miles · DE

I recently had to replace the ball joints and idler arm on my 1998 chevrolet blazer. I was advised by the dealership that this is a constant problem. I do not understand that if the manufacturer knows that there is a problem with the steering components becoming defective, then why don't they solve the problem. This is the third set of balljoints that have needed to be instaledl on the vehicle. The first set along with the pitman arm went defective at 29,000 miles and the dealership replaced them under the manufactures warranty.

Filed Aug 4, 2004 · Body · 63,000 miles · IN

Vehicle pulls to the right with violent vibration when going over 45 MPH. Have replaced the ball joints, new tires and had vehicle aligned 2 times. Two shops stated that there was nothing more they could do. Both found that the wheel base was off. The right side of my vehicle is 1/4" shorter than the left. Had vehicle inspected to see if it had been wrecked. Two body shops stated that there was no visual signs of a wreck. The carfax report came back that there had been no wrecks. Body shops also stated that putting the vehicle on a frame puller would not help because after taking it off the frame would most likely go back to the way it was. Went ahead and tried and the were both right. Have spent too much money trying to fix this problem and am in the process of speaking with chevrolet headquarters. Any idea on what to do? Thinking of contacting my lawyer.

Filed May 26, 2004 · Electrical, Suspension · CA

The consumer purchased new tires and went to the dealer to have them put on. The dealer told her that they could not align her vehicle until she have the idle arm, the ball joints and the lower axle replace. She states they told her it could cost approx $500.00. She states she is also having a problem with her electrical system. The interior light does not come on any more.

Filed Jan 12, 2004 · Suspension · 46,000 miles · IN

When turning the steering wheel, there is a vibration and a loud groaning sound. This began in march 01, and continues. At this point it is almost constant. A gm service manager said it was the ball joint and that he was surprised that there was not a recall. We have tried to keep up with the recalls, but there haven't been any regarding this matter. We are concerned that it might be a safety hazard, but at this point we have no other option than to drive this vehicle.

Filed Aug 15, 2003 · Steering, Suspension · 85,000 miles · MN

Right front ball joint collapsed at highway speed, causing loss of steering/tire damage, and near collision.

Filed Mar 7, 2003 · Suspension · 63,000 miles · MN

Had to replace lower ball joints for second time within 20,000 miles.

Filed Feb 12, 2003 · Suspension · 85,000 miles · VT

Upper and lower ball joint failure. If the upper or lower ball joint fail on a 1997 prior to 8 years or 100,000 miles they will be replaced according to your system. This would lead me to believe that they should not fail within 100,000 miles. My chevrolet blazer has failed at aproxamately 87,000 miles.

Filed Jan 6, 2003 · Brakes, Suspension · WI

Wiper stopped working intermediately. Replaced upper and lower ball joints, idler arm, cap, rotor and coil wire. Ph