Oldsmobile Cutlass ball joint problems

Filed Jul 10, 2014 · Suspension · 69,600 miles · MN

While driving my fiances oldsmobile, I noticed a bad shudder under light to moderate braking. Upon investigation, I found that the front left control arm had rusted so badly that it had cracked in several places. The structural integrity had been so badly compromised I am sure that had I needed to brake suddenly the control arm would have failed causing the right wheel to come of the vehicle. I was able to flex part of the control arm by hand upon removal from the vehicle. It seems to me that this is a very excessive amount of decay on such a critical part on a car with less than 100,000 miles. The right control arm was rusty, but it seemed structurally sound. This leads me to suspect the left one may have been defective and that there could be more defective control arms out there. I replaced the control arm but kept the old one in case gm or the federal safety agency wishes it to be shipped to them for analysis. I also have detailed pictures of the part to provide upon request. I live in mn which is a state where road salt is used in the winter.

Filed Sep 6, 2005 · Suspension, Transmission · GA

Dt: contact owns a 1997 oldsmobile cutlass supreme. The contact stated while driving the front wheels turned outward. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop, and they informed him that the lower left ball joint/constant velocity joint, and the control arm were either broke or damaged. To repair the vehicle the above mentioned components would have to be replaced. The consumer has contacted the manufacturer.

Filed Jun 12, 2004 · Steering · 120,000 miles · MA · crash · 1 injury

On june 10th, two days ago, I totaled my 93 oldsmobile cutlass supreme on I-93 in new hampshire. While my year (93) has not been recalled, 88 -91 were all recalled for separation of the steering intermediate shaft from the steering gear as a result of corrosion of 2 bolts where road salt use is high, including in massachusetts. I have been commuting from boston to hanover nh to teach for the past 10 weeks. A couple weeks ago I started worrying about steering. Had two rear tires replaced last week and on the day of the crash a ball joint and a tie rod replaced and an alignment. But on 93 south in londonderry I started to move into the passing lane, saw a car that had been in my blind spot so swerved a bit to the right. But I could not straighten my car out - it just kept going right, then it swerved to the left, I crashed into the guard rail, bounced backwards and stopped horizontally to the traffic blocking both lines of traffic. At first I assumed I was at fault for losing control of the car. Then on the way to the tow lot, the driver asked me if a tie rod had snapped. I said I didn't know but had just had one replaced. At the tow yard, he and a car dealer (both inspectors) checked - the work I had done looked fine but upon further investigation, the steering wheel shaft had separated from the steering wheel gear which they said should never happen - they should be bolted together. Given my description of loss of control and the bizarre skid marks, they are quite sure this caused the accident. And now I'm thinking this may have had something to do with the first skid-out but I talked myself into thinking it was tires and rain and alignment, not steering. On the recommendation of the tow guys mentioned above, I left a phone message with the federal safety agency but havent heard. The tow lot owner needs to know if any parts should be saved before crushing it. This was a harrowing experience I would not want anyone else to experience.

Filed Apr 29, 2004 · Steering, Suspension · NV

Steering wheel unexpectedly locked. Consumer stated steering wheel would not turn to the left. *ak power steering pump, pulley and pressure hose were replaced. Also, noise on front end of vehicle, dealer replaced both lower control arm and performed alignment.

Filed Jul 5, 2002 · Body · MI

While driving, the consumer heard a strange noise. Then suddenly the steering wheel would not turn. The rear of the cradel fell down. Replaced and removed the left rear upper/lower cradle mounts, replaced steering intermeated shaft, power steering pressure switch, left rear control link, and the left outer tie rod loose. (recall# 00v189) consumer hopes to recieve reimbursement. *ak

Filed Sep 27, 2001 · Steering · CT

Tie rod end is popping while driving. Dealer notified. Feel free to provide any further information on this matter.

Filed Sep 27, 2001 · Suspension · CT

Both frontal upper ball joints ar molding out, and causing wheels to rub while driving;. Dealer notified. Feel free to provide any further information on this matter.

Filed Jul 2, 2001 · Suspension, Transmission · CT

While driving 20 MPH there was a loud noise, front right dropped, lost control of vehicle, but was able to stop safely. Dealer informed consumer that right lower ball joint had broken. This caused axle to break according to dealer.

Filed Nov 14, 1999 · Lights, Steering · WI

Description of problems- drivers side rear window replaced at delivery due to large scratch. Tail light cover replaced due to moisture build up. Drivers and passengers window motors replaced due to malfunction. Ball joints replaced at 2000 miles, cv joints replaced at 1000 miles, control arms replaced once at 5800 miles and again at 10000 miles. Steering rack replaced at 12400 miles, by this time the complete front end had been replaced from the factory original. And at 19000 miles it is making noise again.

Filed Jan 29, 1999 · Suspension · PA

While driving at 4 MPH on boulevard vehicle went out of control. Off road the steal plate control arm broke in half. Dealer contacted , and cannot remedy the problem. Ordered rear axle trailing arm assembly. Problem still exists. Provide further information.