1999 Chevrolet Blazer: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed May 9, 2013 · Brakes, Suspension · 100,000 miles · CO

I am shocked to find out that there are so many other people having problems with the ABS brakes and the front end ball joints. I am actually afraid to drive my blazer after reading about the problems. I live in a small town in the mountains and have to drive mountain roads and along a river to get to a bigger city. I average about once a month this trip and if I my blazer was to have a wheel fall off because of a bad ball joint system I and maybe others would be dead or seriously hurt. I have over the years replaced my ball joints several times as they keep going bad, much more than just normal wear it appears. I also have for the last 6 months or so have had the ABS light come on and the ABS brakes come into play when slowing down or coming to a stop on dry roads. There are times the light is on when I first start my blazer and haven't even moved yet. A mechanic that looked at it said that it appeared that the sensor would need replacing. I did not have it done as it was going to be several hundred dollars for the repair. What does it take to have a recall? How can people tell you of the problems they too are having, when these problems are not publicly announced and they have no idea that it is not just their vehicle. Like me, I had no idea there were these problems going on for other people too. Like I said I now am afraid about having a major accident because of the ball joint/suspension problem that is talked about on this website. I can not afford to buy a new vehicle. Can't we get help before someone has to be hurt or killed?

Filed Sep 13, 2011 · Suspension · 35,000 miles · RI

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet blazer. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic for an unrelated issue when the contact was advised that the ball joints would need replacing. The ball joints were replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000 and the current mileage 55,000.

Filed Mar 21, 2006 · Suspension · 90,000 miles · FL

While driving (at about 5 MPH) the driver's side front lower ball joint failed. The car dropped to that side, and steering control was lost. Luckily this happened as I was slowing to a stop before entering a highway. It appeared as though the wheel had been separated from the front suspension. After towing to a mechanic, I found that it was the lower ball joint that had failed, and the brake line had also been severed. As a result the shocks on that side were bent out of shape, and the shocks on the other side were stretched out (as it was pulled by the weight of the dropped side). Had I been on the highway or traveling at a higher speed, I have no doubt that a serious accident would have occurred with possible injury or death.

Filed Dec 19, 2005 · Fuel system, Suspension · 87,500 miles · NJ

Dt: the contact complained about multiple problems. While driving at 40 MPH on a damp road the driver's side wheel came off. He was able to steer the vehicle safely to the curb. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic, who replaced the upper ball joint on the driver's side and realigned the wheels. Later, he heard a grinding noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The mechanic determined that the other ball joints needed to be replaced. However, they have not been replaced. Also, the windshield fogged up. The mechanic stated the heater core broke and the coolant was leaking. The heater core was replaced. N addition, the vehicle had problems starting. The mechanic had to replace the fuel pump and fuel injector. The starting problem has not returned.

Filed Oct 25, 2005 · Suspension · 45,794 miles · WA

Suspension front control arm broke and needed to be welded back together

Filed Sep 16, 2005 · Suspension · 93,800 miles · OH

While driving approximately 25 MPH lower right front ball joint failed causing wheel to collapse. There was no noise at failure, only the feeling that a tire might have gone flat. Vehicle was towed to independent repair facility where mechanic determined that the remaining 3 ball joints were all "loose" and in need of replacement. All 4 ball joints were replaced. Vehicle had approximately 93000 miles at time of incident. *jb

Filed Jun 14, 2005 · Steering · 8,100 miles · MO

While getting off the highdway about six months ago I hear a pop and my truck started to slide to the right almost striking the driver next to me. I manange to get to the side of the road and got out,to find out that my left front wheel was half off.tow to the shop and found out it was tie rod failure. Since that time I have hsd to have the short shaft replaced,the tie rod replaced again on the right side. Also when it first failed they also had to replace the part that control the ABS on the left side. And it still wont stay in alignment.I would also like to note that the truck at this time has less than 90.000 miles on it ,when I purchase it had 40.000. The truck is a 1999 chevy blazer, in the past I have have good luck with chevy cars, but I have never had the problems ith any car I have ever had over the past 27 years. I am very disappointed. I have the work papers in my house as well as being able to obtain them again from the shop,so the date is an estimate. I am writing the now as I past another blazer on the side of the highway with it left wheel in the same conditon. I guess it may be best to stay off the highways. I was just lucky I had just gotten off when my wheel failed

Filed Mar 21, 2005 · Engine, Steering · PA

While going done the road at 45 MPH, suddenly the front passenger wheel came off. Tie rods and rims were destroyed. The ball joints were found to be defective. Also, engine was defective, and the vehicle was not running, effectively on 3-20-05.

Filed Feb 17, 2005 · Suspension · 78,000 miles · PA

While pulling out of a parking lot the upper ball joints failed. As a result front driver side wheel fell off. The cause has yet to be determined. Please provide additional information.

Filed Jan 26, 2005 · Body, Suspension · 50,000 miles · NJ

Consumer complained about a ball joint problem. It was discovered that the ball joints were defective. The consumer contacted the dealership, who was asking for $1200.00 to repair the defective ball joints. *ak the hinges on the drivers door have rusted extensively causing the door to sag when opened. *sc

Filed Dec 20, 2004 · Suspension · 96,000 miles · WV

While driving 20-25 MPH front end vibrated. Vehicle was taken to a repair shop, and mechanic determined that both front lower ball joints needed to be replaced.

Filed Oct 4, 2004 · Engine · 54,000 miles · NY

In 2003, the engine light came on, the air pump, breather, hose and fuse kit needed to be replaced, I paid out of my own pocket for this repair. In 2004, the service engine light came on, the same items needed to replaced and again the dealership wanted me to pay over $600 for service when last year it was over $300. I have replaced both upper and lower ball joints because of cracking noise, everytime I turned left. I replaced the hubs, because a cracking noise. Chevrolet and the dealership were no help, other than they agreed to pay half for air pump repair. Both didn't care for my situation. I was told by the representative from chevrolet that my next purchase on a gm product get the extended warranty, because gm makes "junk", so protect yourself! Nice attitude!