1999 Tahoe steering/front end

[Tombigbee]

1999 Tahoe, 5.7, 4WD, 250,000 miles

Tire shop says they can't align front end due to worn out parts. Front end is original, never replaced anything. I'm also getting an occasional but only momentary "wobble" in the steering.

Do I need to replace everything up there...ball joints, tie rod ends, adjusting sleeves, Pitman, idler, etc.? If so, is it all bolt-on? Trying to make sure there are no pressed-in pieces requiring a tool I don't have.

Any suggestions as to where I can find a kit that has all those parts?

Thanks for any and all advice and help.

 

[longstand]

1999 Tahoe, 5.7, 4WD, 250,000 miles

Tire shop says they can't align front end due to worn out parts. Front end is original, never replaced anything. I'm also getting an occasional but only momentary "wobble" in the steering.

Do I need to replace everything up there...ball joints, tie rod ends, adjusting sleeves, Pitman, idler, etc.? If so, is it all bolt-on? Trying to make sure there are no pressed-in pieces requiring a tool I don't have.

Any suggestions as to where I can find a kit that has all those parts?

Thanks for any and all advice and help.

Ebay. will give you all the parts in one ORDER. or try autozone. you could by it one by one..

I have the same car you have. and yes i had to change pitman, idle arm. gearbox.

why do you need a Wheel alighment?

does your car sway side to side when you hit a DIP??

 

[SunlitComet]

First, you should check your alignment at least once a year.

Second, idler arm, pitman and upper balljoints seems to be the common issue.

Mine needs a needs the same plus upper control arm bushings and I was quoted about $980 from big-o to do the work using MOOG parts to ball park it for you.

If you have the resources to do it on your own then go for it. Ther are a few specialty tool needed but are not really expensive.

If your upperball joints are riveted to the control arms you just drill out the rivets to get it out. Replacements come with bolts or you could buy a whole arm with joint and bushings already in for about $200 each side.

Also if not already done at the factory you could get a camber/caster kit ($30 per side) that allow camber and caster settings in adittion to the toe adjustment.

It should all be bolt on except if you need bushings pressed by a local shop but if you can have a mechanic show you in person the wear he sees before you just replace anything.

Last thing if you do take you arms of it may drive weird on the way to the shop for an alignment.

 

[Tombigbee]

Ebay. will give you all the parts in one ORDER. or try autozone. you could by it one by one..

I have the same car you have. and yes i had to change pitman, idle arm. gearbox.

why do you need a Wheel alighment?

does your car sway side to side when you hit a DIP??

I don't really notice any pronounced swaying, but front tires are wearing very unevenly, and it slightly "wanders" back and forth at highway speeds. Steering has noticeable slack in it also.

Why did you have to change the gearbox?

Thanks

 

[longstand]

I don't really notice any pronounced swaying, but front tires are wearing very unevenly, and it slightly "wanders" back and forth at highway speeds. Steering has noticeable slack in it also.

Why did you have to change the gearbox?

Thanks

the reason i change the Gear Box. because i had about 2-3 INCH play or more on the steering.. Thats Really Really Scary even for me to drive around on..

so i decided to just Replace the GearBox, Pitman, idle arm, and some other parts..

 

[SunlitComet]

the reason i change the Gear Box. because i had about 2-3 INCH play or more on the steering.. Thats Really Really Scary even for me to drive around on..

so i decided to just Replace the GearBox, Pitman, idle arm, and some other parts..

Same here accept my gearbox is fine.

 

[Tombigbee]

Any way to test or check the gearbox?

 

[SunlitComet]

The simplelest way is fluid level and quality, and as you move the steering wheel the pitman should move at the same time and vice versa you shouldn't see movement on one without the other. And noise free. If you see no problems or feel no binding or other sorts in the steering wheel you should be fine.

 

[ncdrtyhoe]

My lower balls were pressed fit with those the idler pitman with align ran me $550

 

[SunlitComet]

My lower balls were pressed fit with those the idler pitman with align ran me $550

I am curious as to what your symptoms were for for your balls