2001 Chevy Blazer vehicle sways side to side

Tiny
RYASH9500
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 CHEVROLET BLAZER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 135,000 MILES
I had idler arm replaced due to 'too much play in steering wheel'. Also had new lower ball joints replaced. Seems like since then when going 40mph or greater it's a stuggle to keep vehicle straight. Also replaced shocks, that did not help. Only 1 of 5 mechanics has a 'guess' as to what it could be. "Steering box needs replaced"? People in back seat get car sick as vehicle sways side to side w/o even touching the steering wheel.
Tuesday, January 12th, 2010 AT 7:49 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
MATHIASO
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,209 POSTS
Hello ryash9500

I believe you just need wheel alignment.

The vehicle wander because of inadequate caster setting, or incorrect side-to-side caster setting or excessive front or rear toe out or there is a bent steering/suspension component.
One of these may cause the problem.
Anytime a major suspension work is done on a vehicle, wheel alignment is necessary.
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Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 AT 10:00 AM
Tiny
RYASH9500
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  • 3 POSTS
Thank you for the feedback. The work (idler arm) was done at chevy dealership and they say (and billed) me for an allignment as well.
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Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 AT 10:03 AM
Tiny
MATHIASO
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,209 POSTS
Switch the tires from side to side.
If the pull goes away or pulls to the other side after switching the tires, the problem is with the tires, not the alignment.
The steering will pull to the side with the least positive caster, excessive positive caster on the left front wheel may cause steering pull to the right.
The steering tends to pull to the side with the most positive camber.
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Thursday, January 14th, 2010 AT 12:59 AM
Tiny
RYASH9500
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thank you. I tried it and driving was 10x worse actually. So I put the front tires back the way they were before, however I used proper torque settings on each. Now driving considerably better.

Note. No lugs were loose when I removed them, however several were much harder than others. I wouldnt think it would be causing.

I'm even more confused now.
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Thursday, January 14th, 2010 AT 9:29 AM
Tiny
MATHIASO
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,209 POSTS
Hello ryash9500

raise the wheels off the ground and start the engine. If the steering wheel starts to turn all by itself, power steering work is what is needed here, not an alignment.
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Thursday, January 14th, 2010 AT 10:10 AM

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