1999 GMC Jimmy: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Oct 25, 2006 · Brakes, Suspension · 73,000 miles · NY

I was just getting ready to leave the car wash. I pressed the brake padal to put the truck in gear, a second later the padal went to the floor, thought it was air in the line. Tried a few more times then got out of the truck to look for the leak, found (steel line) drivers side rusted. Had truck towed to shop, as I could not drive it. They found heavy rust on all brake lines in the front, the control arms also have heavy rust. Thank god I was not in traffic as I am sure I would have crashed. The shop is replacing all front brake lines and are going to inspect all other lines ie: all brake lines to back, all fuel lines. Parking brake failed as well. How did this truck pass nys inspection? Truck was purchased 3/30/2006 from dealer facility #7096646 a&a used car sales inc. 969 sunrise hwy,brightwaters,ny 11706 nys inspected by station 7099758

Filed Jul 7, 2005 · Transmission · 63,676 miles · OH · crash

2/2003 front end collapsed on highway travelling at 65mpg due to ball joint failure. Brakes and sterring would not work. Had to crash into a hill to stop vehicle. Ball joints again failing on 7/2005.

Filed Dec 29, 2004 · Suspension · IN

I was driving when the front end started making a weird noise. I thought it was my breaks so I continued for about 500 feet. I noticed my vehicle was not driving properly as I turned a corner. I got out a saw that the front left tire had fallen off and was leaning against the frame. I had the vehicle towed to my mechanic. He said the upper and lower ball joints had disintegrated. He also noted that the same thing was happening on the other side. As a result, he replaced both sides and fixed some damage to the axle that resulted from the tire falling off. He said the parts had been maintained properly (adequate grease) and that they were probably bad from the factory.

Filed Aug 3, 2004 · Suspension · NE

While pulling out of the garage right wheel separated from the axle. Mechanic indicated that upper and lower ball joints broke previous to the accident, consumer heard a grinding noise, and he thought it was the brakes.

Filed Sep 5, 2003 · Suspension · MT

Lower ball joints wear out prematurely.

Filed Aug 14, 2003 · Steering, Suspension · 50,400 miles · MI

My vehicle is a 1999 gmc jimmy. It has 65000 miles and I am the original owner and primary driver. The front hubs/bearings have both been replaced in the last 9 months, one at 50,600 miles, and nowone at 65,000 miles. The problem was not fixed by replacing the hub/bearings units. I was told yesterday that both of the front lower ball joints and an idler arm need to be replaced in addition to the hub/bearing. The shop working on the vehicle indicated that this was not normal at 65,000 miles, and that the condition of the ball joints made the vehicle unsafe to drive. I called gm and got absolutely no support from the district service representative since all of my repairs were not done at a gm dealership. The reason I stopped going to gm dealerships was poor service, inflated prices and recommendations for work to be done that wasn't necessary.

Filed Aug 5, 2003 · Steering, Suspension · IL

Vehicle was purchased in 02/01 with 32,195 miles. Within 7000 miles right side upper/lower ball joints and idler arm failed and were replaced. Approximately 2 months later, dealer had to replace the left upper/lower ball joints/ right lower ball joints, and the idler arm again due to being prematurely worn. Within an additional 11000 miles, dealer had to replace the lower ball joints on both the right and left sides and the idler arm again.

Filed Aug 4, 2003 · Body, Brakes · 543 miles · CA

I purchased a 1999 gmc jimmy for my daughter. All through the warranty period, there have been problems that still have not been fixed.the brakes have never worked properly, parts inside the vehicle have fallen off, the antenna has fallen off,the electrical system (heating and cooling) has not worked properly,the outside mirrors and windows have not worked properly,the electrical system has buzzed when the radio is on, there has always been a banging noise underneath the vehicle. The left front hub assembly was replaced-didn't correct the probelm-had it replaced again 2 weeks ago-same condition still exists. They finally found the lower and upper ball joints on the passenger side were coming apart-replaced them-but noise (loud sometimes) is still there. Have been taking this vehicle in for repairs since I bought it-have been without the vehicle over 30 days in the warranty perioid. Now-after breaking down twice again in the last 2 months (a condition I've been trying to have them fix since 11/01) due to no power when I press on the gas-it's going in again. It is 2 hours one-way to the dealer (silviera, healdsburg, ca) for me. I believe they have been trying-but I think this vehicle is really now, and has always been a lemon. The vehicle has only 50,000 miles on it, and it is not dependable (never has been). After all these times in for service-taking a day off work every time to get it to them, I've had it. My daughter (college student) who I bought the vehicle for (I wanted her to have something reliable for college), now uses my car-so she won't get stuck all the time. I am ready to put the lemon law into effect with this vehicle.

Filed Feb 24, 2003 · Electrical, Locks · 42,000 miles · IL

Front upper ball joints breakage causing front wheel to come off and improper aligment-steering, battery problems, front passenger seat recliner handle breakage.

Filed Jul 24, 2002 · Engine, Suspension · MI

While driving, consumer heard a loud dragging noise and was later informed that the noise was caused by faulty ball joints, also dealer replaced the front axle shaft to replace the inner tri-pod boot. *slc the passenger front wheel had leaned in at the top, and the engine had an oil leak. The consumer has requested reimbursement for the monies spent on repair.

Filed Oct 9, 2001 · Steering, Suspension · MA

During yearly inspection mechanic noticed both front lower ball joints were broken. Consumer failed state inspection due to this. *ak consumer states that the front right pitman arm was gone when he went back for inspection on the second time, consumer is requesting reimbursement.

Filed Dec 27, 2000 · Suspension · PA

Do not understand why the ball joints wore out so fast ...20,000 miles.