2001 Chevrolet Impala: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Feb 14, 2010 · Steering, Suspension · 47,600 miles · OH

Steering tie rods failing at an alarming rate. $1300 spent on replacing tie rods and other steering parts that could be a safety issue if the wheel or loss of steering occurs.

Filed Nov 11, 2005 · Steering, Suspension · 23,000 miles · MI

I took my 2001 impala to the gm dealer at 23k miles for a noise in the steering column, at that time they said they had to replace an intermediate steering shaft plus other issues non related. At 73k they removed the shaft and lubed it and replaced left outer tie rod for $510+. At 98k my front wheel hubs were replaced and they replaced the intermediate steering shaft again and charged me $125 for the shaft and another $975+ for the rest. When I took the car back two weeks later for yet another steering problem they said it was my rack and pinion this time and charged me $1083. That was today, tonight on my way home with my wife, the car did the same thing while turning right on an exit ramp. I called 1-800-gm and they said they could not do anything for me except offer me a gm loyalty cert good for some $ off a purchase of a new gm product. I have been faithful returning to the gm dealer each time with steering problems (and other issues not related) expecting a fix and over the almost 5 years and almost 100k miles and many dollars spent I have lost my faith in gm.

Filed Jul 6, 2005 · Steering · 1 miles · NJ

While parking at very slow speed, very loud cracking noise from front of car while slightly turning steering wheel. Happening often. Have had front end inspected twice, no problem found with wheel bearings,or tie rods. Previous owner has had steering rack replaced, possibly due to same common problem- which may be poor lubrication of steering shaft as reported in www.impalahq.com/tsb01-02-32-001a.html

Filed Feb 18, 2005 · Steering · TX

While driving and turning left or right the driver heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front. Vehicle jerked and vibrated. Then, vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the tie rods were defective, and needed to be replaced.

Filed Jan 5, 2005 · Steering · 32,000 miles · TN

The consumer was having a problem with the steering. The consumer contacted the dealer and was told that the manufacturer was aware of the steering problem but was not doing anything about it. Provide further details. *jb the steering shaft was taken out an greased. Tie rods went bad on the right side.

Filed Feb 23, 2004 · Steering, Tires · 32,001 miles · CA

We own a 2001 chevrolet impala , VIN # [xxx], that was purchased new. We have been experiencing this clunk noise. The vehicle was taken in for repair, we were then advised it was the tires so we replaced the tires . This did not correct the issue. We took the vehicle back for repair and the left tie rod was replaced, this did not correct the issue. I have found that many other owners with this problem have been told it was their tires and also have had tie rods replaced. I searched the internet and found the subject tsb. I took the vehicle in for the repair called for in the tsb, lubrication of the steering intermediate shaft using lubrication kit # [xxx]. This repair lasted about 30 days. I have been advised that this is normal and since I have 38000 miles on my vehicle no coverage from chevrolet is available. *ak this defect has been known to chevrolet since before july of 2002 when the tsb was issued. I feel that it is a safety issue involving the steering and chevrolet should be responsible for correcting the issue at no cost to me.*ak updated 07/26/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Jan 25, 2004 · Steering · 34,356 miles · NC

2001 chevrolet impala has a recurring incident of clicking noises at right front steering when the vehicle is turned left or right. This is supplemental to the vehicle developing a uneven wear at the right front tire. When taken to the original dealership, I was told that rotating the tires would solve the problem. As the problem grew worse (including a badly shimmying front end at high speeds),I took the vehicle to another dealership to address the problem. The second dealership found that the vehicle had a cracked weld on it chasis and repaired it. When asked about the tires, the dealership said that I would have to purchase new ones at my own expense. A smooth ride with new tires was short lived, as a badly shimmying front end had developed again (within 24 hours). Taking the vehicle back to the second dealership, I was told the problem was a worn tie rod. Once the problem was fixed, I periodically heard light clicking noised from the steering when making turns (right & left). Taking the vehicle back to the second dealership, I was told it was just a matter of lubrication. Once lubricated, the vehicle stopped making clicking noises for about 30 t0 40 days. I noticed that the clicking noises began when the vehicle is driven over uneven areas of a road or parking lot, or when the vehicle negotiates tight left turns (low speeds) and wide/sweeping left curves at high speeds. Never the less, I do not believe that the problem concerns lubrication. Latest maintenance date as incident date 10/16/03 (complaint: f/e snapping when turning. Diagnosis: inadequate lubricants in the steering intermediate shaft. Correction: removed shaft - lubricated and re-installed part# [xxx]. The original dealership: rhodes chevrolet of swansboro, nc (now under new name and management). The dealership making repairs: marine chevrolet cadillac oldsmobile. Initial thumping/ uneven tire wear is within one month of vehicle purchase 01/18/01. Vin [xxx]. *la updated 07/26/2012 *js information redacted pursuant t

Filed Jan 4, 2004 · Steering · VA

Vehicle with 47000 miles failed safety inspection due to right hand tie rod end with excessive wear.

Filed Jan 2, 2003 · Engine, Lights · FL

While driving the vehicle stalled while driving 70 MPH, the passenger side headlamp blew, the roof molding was lifting on both sides, the drivers side window leaks air and the window hits hard in the top of the door jam, when going over bumps the vehicle shakes and there is a clunking noise under the vehicle, the dealer replaced the steering shaft and the tie rod ends yet the problem still exist. Nlm

Filed Jan 23, 2002 · Body, Steering · IL · crash · 1 injury

While making a right turn vehicle lost steering, and consumer hit a light pole. Dealer replaced a broken tie rod and a- frame. Consumer suffered a bruised arm. Please add amount of damage to vehicle.