1998 Oldsmobile Bravada: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Aug 11, 2009 · Suspension · 91,656 miles · NJ

Complaint number description of the complaint: I own a 1998 oldsmobile bravada. After purchasing the vehicle in february 20008, a year and 3 months later my husband reported a whistling in the front right wheel. Now when I was driving it I heard a whistling in the left back wheel. The vehicle was driven to the mechanic and stated that the wheel bearing assembly was coming loose and needed to be replaced. There is also a general recall on this car for suspension and lower ball joints and the control arm. Between this mechanical problem and this safety recall (although my VIN# was not in it. I was told by my local mechanic that this car should not be driven on the highway because the wheel could come loose and cause a crash. This is a safety issue. I just took the car today to gmc dealer in hazlet. They are going to do a diagnostic test costing me 48 - 90 dollars which I do not believe I should have to pay because this is a complete safety issue complaint and all 1998 oldmobile bravada's should be recalled to check but of these items out.

Filed Nov 14, 2008 · Suspension · 104,000 miles · NC

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 oldsmobile bravada. Immediately after purchasing the vehicle in may of 2007, the contact heard a noise coming from the front passenger side wheel. The vehicle was driven to the dealer and they stated that the wheel bearing assembly was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. A few months later, while driving approximately 55 MPH, she heard a grinding sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The following day, the vehicle was driven to a local repair shop and the mechanic stated that the front axles were defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In july of 2008, while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle shifted from left to right and the wheels were unstable. The vehicle was driven to a local repair shop for an alignment and the mechanic stated that the upper and lower ball joints and the control arm were defective. The vehicle has not been repaired since the last failure. The manufacturer has not been notified. The current mileage was 147,000 and failure mileage was 104,000.

Filed Jan 31, 2006 · Engine, Fuel system · 71,000 miles · OH

Transmission problems, windshield wipers not working, headlights not working, awd problems, cooling system problems, fuel pump, control arm & ball joint problems are just some of the major safety issues on 96-99 gm blazers, bravada's, & jimmys. These problems should really be looked into and recalled. Most problems starting right after warranty expired. Can't believe gm is getting away with this. Transmission went bad at 71000 miles and dealer says that they know there was a defect with the transmissions also problem (code 1870) but they will not cover the repair.

Filed Apr 27, 2005 · Steering, Suspension · 57,000 miles · OK

Consumer had front steering components on oldsmobile bravada replaced. *mr three ball joints, idler arm, and pitman arm were all replaced. The tires had to be replaced. The consumer requested reimbursement. *sc

Filed Nov 4, 2003 · Suspension · 82,000 miles · IL

I purchased my 1998 bravada 4/02 and since then have had nothing but problems. The upper and lower ball joints have been replaced twice (they were replaced and approx 2 weeks later I was having the same problems again and I was told the parts were "faulty"). I had the same problems with the brakes--had them fixed , then had problems again,took it back and again it was blamed on "faulty" parts. The brakes still squeak badly, so I'm sure I will hear again that I had "faulty" parts. The tread on the front tires wore unevenly (they were pro-rated 80,000 mile tires and after less than 3,000 miles the inner edges were completly bald). So of course, the tires were supposedly "faulty". The ignition module goes out every 6 months with out fail. The ignition will stick in the lock position and the key cannot be removed unless you force it which results in the bravada being able to be started without the key. I was told there was a memo put out on this part, but no recall. These are only the repairs that have had to be repeatedly done. I am really begining to wonder if maybe the truck is "faulty" and not the parts. Also, I refuse to take the truck to the olds dealership. I think there moto is "it isn't our problem", and if it isn't, maybe it should be because they say it enough. And lets be honest--yes oldsmobile, it is your problem. You maufactured these vehicles and now many, many people are paying for them. Maybe they should stand up and actaully start taking responsibility for it. Anyone else agree?

Filed May 14, 2003 · Steering, Suspension · 91,000 miles · MI

The upper and lower ball joints on my 1998 oldsmobile bravada with awd smartrack wear at a very accelerated rate. They, along with the tie rods were replaced soon after I purchased the vehicle at approx 86000 miles with all gm parts, and now at 93000 miles need replacing again. They have been properly lubricated, and the front end has been aligned several times, all by a gm dealer. The vehicle is not used off road or for plowing. Having spoke to several other bravada owners, I am finding this to be a rather common problem. These components are critical, and should last much longer than they have, especially on an all wheel drive vehicle that never goes off road. No recall is noted, however front suspension components directly related to these have been investigated by the federal safety agency. The vehicle is fitted with quality name brand standard size tires in good condition.

Filed Jul 9, 2002 · Fuel system, Suspension · NH

The left and right front wheel bearing assemblies were making noise and were replaced by the dealer. Also, the idler arm was worn out and the front lower ball joints failed causing the front end to become loose. The vehicle had four new tires.

Filed Sep 20, 2000 · Steering, Suspension · IL

While driving into the setting sun in a parking lot I struck a3 inch curbing at approximately 10 MPH. A large flag pole was slightly scraped with the left fender causing some minor damage. The left front ball joint separated from the lower control arm causing the tie rod end to snap and left front wheel to collapse. The car traveled approximately 1 1/2 car lengths before stopping without use of the brakes. The only skid marks were from the now sideways tire and from the dragging undercarrige bolts. There is no reason that this minor impact should have cuased this type of damage. The rivets connecting the ball joints had sheared off. This car has never been driven off road or abused in any way. If this had occured at highway speed after hitting a pot hole I would likely have lost complete control of the car. Our olds dealer told me that it was "not their problem".