14 problems related to front suspension lower ball joint have been reported for the 1999 Chevrolet Blazer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving (at about 5 mph) the driver's side front lower ball joint failed. The car dropped to that side, and steering control was lost. Luckily this happened as I was slowing to a stop before entering a highway. It appeared as though the wheel had been separated from the front suspension. After towing to a mechanic, I found that it was the lower ball joint that had failed, and the brake line had also been severed. As a result the shocks on that side were bent out of shape, and the shocks on the other side were stretched out (as it was pulled by the weight of the dropped side). Had I been on the highway or traveling at a higher speed, I have no doubt that a serious accident would have occurred with possible injury or death.
While driving approximately 25 mph lower right front ball joint failed causing wheel to collapse. There was no noise at failure, only the feeling that a tire might have gone flat. Vehicle was towed to independent repair facility where mechanic determined that the remaining 3 ball joints were all "loose" and in need of replacement. All 4 ball joints were replaced. Vehicle had approximately 93000 miles at time of incident.
While driving 20-25 mph front end vibrated. Vehicle was taken to a repair shop, and mechanic determined that both front lower ball joints needed to be replaced.
Suspension failure all before 60,000 miles.
Lower ball joints worn only after 55,000 miles.
I turned the corner at an intersection and began accelerating. It felt like the vehicle had a flat tire so I pulled into a parking lot. Just as I stopped, the wheel fell under the vehicle. The ball joints broke on the front right wheel causing the whell to fall off the vehicle. There were no injuries due to how slow I was driving at the time. There was almost no warning before the wheel fell off. The dealer replaced the ball joints, bent control arm, broken tie rod, bent brake hose, axle, and sway bar links. There are a number of recalls for other chevy vehicles related to manufacturing issues with ball joints.
Rq 02 012/front control arm ball joints: while driving 35 mph, a humming noise would come from the front of the vehicle. Vehicle was taken to a repair shop and they informed the consumer that all upper and lower ball joints needed to be replace on both side of the vehicle. Manufacturer was notified and informed the consumer that the vehicle VIN # was not cover under that recall. Please provide any further information.
Right wheel assembly slipped at highway speed, causing my vehicle to lurch to the right without warning. Only by my firm grip on the steering wheel, did I avoid a loss of control which almost caused a crash. Premature wear of this component is noted in other general motors SUV's (specifically durangos). The cost of replacement (1500) the costs of rental cars while my vehicle was under repair ( 400) are part of my claim. . . . . . Luckily no crash resulted from this failure.
While driving at 10 mph front passenger's side tire blew out without warning. Dealer stated ball joints collapsed.
Consumer stated that ball joint snapped, causing the front wheel to come off. Dealer notified.
Lower ball joints and idler arm failure. Vehicle failed state safety inspection. Same components previously replaced by dealer at 36,414. Chevrolet not assuming any responsibility for repeated failure. Dt.
Consumer states when to get alignment, was told alignment could not be performed unless the ball joints were replaced, the dealer noted that the lower ball joints wore out due to lack of lubrication which may have caused the vehicle to pulling th the left, the dealer replaced upper and lower ball joints on both sides, replaced idler and pitman arm and perform alignment, dealer stated never heard of any recall. However there is a recall campaign 01v200000 involving replacing upper and lower ball joints. Consumer wants to be reimbursed for repairs.
Took truck in for new tires/ excessive wear on front tires/ told both lower ball joints were bad. Mechanic stated he personally worked on 7 or 8 4x4 Blazers in the last 2 months, with bad lower ball joints. The yrs on these vehicles ranged from 1997 to 1999. Major safety concerns!!!.
Consumer stated the upper and lower ball joints had worn at low mileage. Took to dealer for tire work and dealer indicated ball joints needed replacing.