Vibration issue

[Jeremiah Parks]

So I've browsed through the forum a bit and found quite a bit about this issue, but I haven't seen any that has to do with the steering linkage? I just bought an '02 Tahoe and when I bought it the owner told me it had a bad shake over 60. Turns out, he lost a wheel weight on the front right. But now, I still have a slight shake over 60. My tire guy told me my outer tie rods look worn, and while I was inspecting that I found another loose part that I believe is either the pitman arm or idler arm. This is my first time messing with steering components, so a little help would be nice. The arm I'm looking at is on the passenger side. Logically I think it's the idler arm, cause that makes sense, but we all know how that goes. Any help is much appreciated.

 

[drakon543]

Some vibrations can be caused by bad steering and suspension components. Other vibrations can be caused by driveline issues. You are correct as to the steering arm term. Passenger is idler driver side is pitman. Check your wheel bearings, all drive shafts and cv shafts(cv shaft on 4wd) for any play also.

 

[ISU-152]

So did you get new tires then?

 

[drakon543]

^forgot about that
If you drive it for a while out of balance/alignment or just bad steering components its possible to wear the tire so it may still have a vibration after the problem has been fixed.

 

[Jeremiah Parks]

The tires on it are completely screwed. I know for a fact I need new inner and outer tie rods on the passenger side as well as the idler arm. I'm planning on purchasing my parts from 1AAuto.com, does anyone have any experience with them? I found a set there that includes the inner & outer tie rods, upper and lower ball joints, pitman arm, and idler arm.
After I get the new parts installed I'm getting an alignment and new tires.

Side note, I'm seeing a lot about a "four groove pitman arm". How do I know if mine has that? I have a '02 Tahoe LT 4x4