Front End Trouble?

OUMike · September 19, 2003

Hey Gang,

When I brake with my 94' Silverado I get a vibration in the steering. While back I had same problem, that I fixed by having my rotors turned and pads replaced. Short while ago problem is reoccuring. I'd bet a paycheck that my rotors or ok, so I checked drums. Drums look good. I cleaned all the parts to the rear brakes, but no change. Anyone have any idea about what front end parts could be worn? I got nothing...tie rod end?

EMPIRE231 · September 19, 2003

pitman or idler arm maybe?

have you ever replaced your ball joints?

maybe tires are way off balance?

-those are a couple of ideas

Bish · September 19, 2003

How many miles? In my experience, the Chevy truck rotors cannot handle being turned. You loose too much metal (mass) to handle the heat produced and they warp MUCH faster after turning them. I've seen them warp after one good hard stop (after turning them).

I've got 106K an mine and the front end is still nice and tight. Do you lube the front end regularly?

SBCStang · September 19, 2003

I just recently had my '95 looked at. The mechanic said, and I quote, "You've got that typical Chevy idle arm problem." Apparently they like to wear quickly. I've got 83,900 on mine.

OUMike · September 19, 2003

I've gotta 94' at 161k and unfortunatly I don't lube my front end (like I should).

Wingnut · September 19, 2003

I had an 89 that went through idler arms like candy, and my 92 is on it's 2nd. But those would only add play to the wheel, and only "vibrate" (while stopping) when it was a washboard type road. You also cant have it fully aligned either.

I'm with Bish on this one. The rotors just suck. My 89 didn't take turning them too well either.

Only good news is, I remember the rotors only being like 25-30 per side. That aint bad. My mom had a Olds that the rotors were more in the $250 per side range.

Just my .02

OUMike · September 19, 2003

Hmm...so maybe replace rotors and check idler arm....thanks fellas

Wingnut · September 20, 2003

I your going to replace the idler arm, you may as well do the pittman arm at the same time....While you have the draglink (centerlink, whatever) off.

And like Empire said, check the balljoints.....Pray it aint the ball joints...These are pretty pricey to have done, and aren't the easiest of tasks to do yourself without some special tools.