1997 Oldsmobile Bravada: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Feb 27, 2013 · Brakes, Fuel system · 160,000 miles · CA

While driving I would hear like a motor running sound that would last approx 5/10 sec. And during this time the brake pedal would rise and get hard and I would have to apply lots of pressure in order for vehicle to stop which does so with grind. I replaced both rotors,calipers,brake pads,mastercylinder and brake booster.ABS light would come on when hit bump and go off after awhile .finally I removed fuse from ABS and problem ceased.in processes of diognosing problem.discovered suspension in front falling apart replaced inner/outer tierods,pitman arm,both upper/lower ball joints,passenger upper control arm and wheel hub.rear windsheild wiper no longer works and windshield wiper freezes during rain which has caused wiper motor to be replaced.driver side door hinges replaced numerous times causing door not to shut properly and doesnt sit level,fuel gauge doesnt read properly when full it reads 1/2 tank and when reads empty its unknown how much gas is really in tank have to rely on miles counter and carry extra gallon of gas.

Filed Aug 7, 2007 · Suspension · 125,000 miles · MI

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 oldsmobile bravada. He stated that the right front end of the vehicle collapsed. The mechanic stated that the control arm could have caused the failure. There is a recall for the upper ball joints (the federal safety agency campaign #01v200000) however, the VIN was not included as part of the recall. The current and failure mileages were 125,000. Updated 02/08/08.

Filed Jun 7, 2005 · Suspension · 135,105 miles · OH

Dt: recalls 01i018000 and 01v200000 was issued but not on caller's car. Upper ball joint broke without warning and while driving. Dealer and manufacturer said callers vehicle was not included in recalls due to VIN. Manufacturer said if there was injury or death they would have done something.

Filed Nov 3, 2004 · Suspension · 80,100 miles · WI

I had been experiencing excessive vibration on the front end of my 1997 old's bravada. I took it in and was told it required ball joints but apparently there is a the federal safety agency campaign id # of 01i018000 in reference to it and that gm had decided to conduct a customer satisfaction campaign to replace them for a peiod of 8yr's or 100,000 miles whichever comes first from the date the vehicle was placed in service. Well, I did that and was told after a total run around as well as the service garage going thru the run around as well calling on it, that it does not affect my 97' old's bravada. So here I am with a truck that is under the stated time of repair by gm with front end work that will cost me over $800.00 to fix and gm does not care. So what was the purpose of having a campaign on the vehicle if gm had not intention of doing anything about it? The service guy at the garage even asked the rep. From gm, "so am I supposed to let the guy drive off with the bad balljoints so his wheels fall off and possibly creating an accident?" she did not respond and said there is nothing they will do. So in the meantime I have a truck that I can not drive much for fear of the wheels falling off, unless I pay for the work to do so. So what was the point of the compaint when gm intended on doing nothing about it? I have had nothing but problem after problem since I bought this car from the dealer a couple of months back and will never buy a gm product as long as I live again. I should have just stayed with my toyota.

Filed Apr 19, 2004 · Suspension · 83,000 miles · MI

At 80,000 miles I had to have the trasmission replaced. At the time I inquired about the ball joints recall. Dealership told me there was no such recall. 6 months later I took it in because of a clunking sound under the car. They told me I need a new drive shaft, transfer case and ball joints for a total of $3747.00! It's not safe to drive and I don't have that kind of money to fix it. Has been a lemon from the start.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine, Fuel system · PA

Ac compressor replaced twice. Flush cooling system (dexcool). Idler arm replaced 48222. Lower ball joints.48222 recalled left rear axle leak.48222 oil cooler lines replaced,48222. Charging system failer replaced alternater 47577 replaced battery 47577 frnt brakes and rotors 45631 fuel sender unit39434 driver side door pin 39434 ses light on oxygen sensor replace AC compressor 35338 clean egr valve 35338 AC compressor 33196 51000 lower ball joints are worn again (dealer replaced original because of recall) put junk back on vehicle.

Filed Aug 25, 2003 · Suspension · 85,000 miles · GA

Passenger side control arm, upper ball joint broke while going down driveway at low speed. Wheel was then completely unstable, vehicle immediately parked in driveway as it was too risky to attempt to return to residence.

Filed Apr 17, 2003 · Suspension · 59,598 miles · MT

While getting the tires rotated and aligned the dealer diagnosed that the upper ball joint was loose in the control arms. The technician also found indicated that the lower ball joints wore out. The consumer felt that the failure of the upper ball joint, recall number 01v-200000, should also cover the wear of the lower ball joints. *nlm

Filed Mar 12, 2003 · Suspension · 60,000 miles · NY

The vehicle was difficult to steer, the dealer determined the front ball joints had separated and the front axle was ready to fall off. (both sides).*jb

Filed Feb 1, 2003 · Suspension · 57,698 miles · PA

My vehicle was purchased as used with 33,000 miles, I purchased an extended warranty which has paid for many repairs to date,march of 2002 my vehicle had the lower ball joints replaced under this warranty. I had vehicle inspected private garage and they noted lower ball joint wear, I contacted oldsmobile because the parts were replaced at an olds dealer the manufacturer of my vehicle incident number 1-65943454 they noted contacting dealer and would repair vehicle,and since it was covered under the warranty I purchased would not compensate other repairs,I wanted to file complaint because replacement ball joints only lasted a year and that these were also defective parts. Ts

Filed Jan 19, 2003 · PA

1997 oldsmobile bravada list of repairs and complaints since purchase in 2000 purchased used from local dealer with 30,000 miles. 1)35,120 miles,complained of shimmy in front steering. Service performed,balance tires,drain and refill transfer case. 2)33196 miles, AC not blowing cold air,service tedt system,found leak on back of compresor, replace compressor. 3)35338 milesses light on, scanned for codes, bank 1 sensor 2 oxygen sensor, replace bank 1 sensor 2. 4) 35,338 miles,check AC, test for leaks,leaking out seal back of compressor,replace AC compressor second time.replace orfice tube. 5)engine running rough, service scan for codes, pull and clean egr valve. 6)39,434 miles, fuel system work, fuel gage erratic, fuel sender bad, replaced 7)39,434 miles, door hinge loose,missing retainer clip, installed retainer clip. 8)45,361 mmiles check AC, compressor kicks off and on rapidly, AC system is low needed charge. 9)45,361 miles, service cooling system (dexcool) changed coolant. 10)45,361 miles, brake squeel, replaced front rotors and shoes. 11)47,577 miles,electrical engine work,engine stopped,alternator test good, replaced battery. 12)47,577 miles, check charging system,charging light on, test the system, alternator failed load test, replaced alternator. Note service above ! 13)48,222 miles check front end wander, replaced both lower ball joints,left rear axle seal leaking, replace seal.oil leak, replaced oil cooler lines. 14)48,222 miles, check front end wander, replace idler arm 15)49,322 miles service cooling system , no heat, flushed cooling system flush heater core, replaced coolant again. (dexcool) 16)57,010 miles had vehicle inspected, lower baalljoints worn again 1 year later after dealer replaced.

Filed Jul 18, 2002 · Suspension · PA

While driving at 35-40 MPH upper ball joint broke, and consumer could not control vehicle. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything.