1994 GMC C1500 steering instability

140,000 MILES • 5.0L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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CARHOP
  • MEMBER
  • 21 POSTS
My inner and outer tie rods feel very free in their ball and socket joints, smooth as "glass". Yet they have no actual looseness and there is no play in the steering linkage when moving the wheels at 3 and 9 o'clock with jack stands under control arms. Can this cause steering wander? Should tie rod ends, pitman arm, and idler arm be replaced at the same time? Thank you.
May 31, 2015 at 2:25 AM
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HMAC300
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 48,601 POSTS
take a pair of channel locks and see if the tie rods squeeze down if they do then you need to replace them . causes of wander are idler arm and ball joints usually. you should have a pro check the front end out .
May 31, 2015 at 3:15 AM
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