95 hoe, First couple of days

[joeshark]

Hey Guys,

So I have my new to me 2dr Tahoe in hand.

It's a 95 in pretty decent shape, with 111k. Motor and tranny seem just dandy(knock on wood).

Couple of issues so far...
Steering wheel is at 1oclock position while driving straight. Took it to a mechanic I know with full shop. They told me that wheel alignment couldn't be done, because 1st it needs a pitman arm, and idler arm.
Ok so I bought the parts, and headed to another mechanic which I trust and have been using for 15 yrs, he was to install parts, because his cost is much less.
He told me there was no need for the parts at all, even after I questioned multiple times. He told me that alignment can be done, but that they may need to do something further to adjust steering wheel, don't know exactly what that is. He doesn't do alignments unfortunately.

So assuming he is correct and I do not need parts. I will try another alignment place and get their opinion. Any suggestions?

Secondly brake pedal was pulsating while braking, I assumed it needed rotors and pads, and it did, they were shot. Alas That helped with braking, but pulsing of pedal is still there Any ideas? i'm thinking first to try and do a full bleeding and replacement of fluid? And if that doesn't work, then it must be brake booster or master cylinder?

Thanks,
Joe

 

[SunlitComet]

the steering wheel issue is centering the wheel and then do the alignment all over to accommodate the centering. the one use for our vehicles is a thrust angle alignment. at what speeds were the brakes pulsing?

 

[joeshark]

Thanks. I went to do alignment at another shop, was told now that upper ball joints need to be replaced, had friend with me and we concurred. Hopefully after those get done the alignment will work.

The brake pulsing is happening seems around highest speeds, maybe over 30.

 

[SunlitComet]

maybe turn your drum if you have already done the rotors then if and when the steering system repair and alignment does not work. it kind of sounds like the play in the sytem is doing your wobbling.

 

[joeshark]

Thanks sunlit,

I finally was able to get alignment done. The issue with suspension was the ball joints were non existent, totally shot. Once done alignment was done & now, nice steering

As for the brake pedal pulsing. I guess it could possibly be the rear drums, even though the shoes are plenty meaty? Every thing was pretty rusty on drum & shoes though.
My mechanic mentioned maybe issue with abs system, is that possible even though abs dash light comes on during system pre start system check? Relay? Wouldn't abs dash light come on during driving or brake system light, if there was problem with system?

More than likely the problem is rear drums?

 

[SunlitComet]

would check roundness of drums. the abs can do it but the issue often thought of with it is the pulsing issue that happen ant around 5mph area. a tsb was issued on it regarding dirty front sensors but those trip a code and light.

 

[joeshark]

Thanks, I've gone and just picked up new hardware, should have them in tomorrow, see how it works out.

Can you let me know if my map lights are missing a piece? Is there some holder with the glass piece in which the bulb fits into?

 

[bowtiefreak]

Correct, missing the bulb housing

 

[joeshark]

Figured as much, I'll be in the look out for them. Thanks Bowtie.

 

[joeshark]

Some weird stuff going on.... So I had mechanic install new drums & shoes. Turns out the cylinders were both locked up on one side. I'm guessing this is the real culprit with pulsing brake pedal.
Another issue seems to have arisen he did some bleeding, with me. The pedal is very pretty low seems to me.
Also I did some hard breaking & the car just shut off completely, WTH is that? Seems like it's related?