Steering Tie Rod Assembly problems of the 2001 Chevrolet Impala

Steering tie rods failing at an alarming rate. $1300 spent on replacing tie rods and other steering parts that could be a safety issue if the wheel or loss of steering occurs.

While driving and turning left or right the driver heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front. Vehicle jerked and vibrated. Then, vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the tie rods were defective, and needed to be replaced.

The consumer was having a problem with the steering. The consumer contacted the dealer and was told that the manufacturer was aware of the steering problem but was not doing anything about it. Provide further details. The steering shaft was taken out an greased. Tie rods went bad on the right side.

2001 Chevrolet Impala has a recurring incident of clicking noises at right front steering when the vehicle is turned left or right. This is supplemental to the vehicle developing a uneven wear at the right front tire. When taken to the original dealership, I was told that rotating the tires would solve the problem. As the problem grew worse (including a badly shimmying front end at high speeds),I took the vehicle to another dealership to address the problem. The second dealership found that the vehicle had a cracked weld on it chasis and repaired it. When asked about the tires, the dealership said that I would have to purchase new ones at my own expense. A smooth ride with new tires was short lived, as a badly shimmying front end had developed again (within 24 hours). Taking the vehicle back to the second dealership, I was told the problem was a worn tie rod. Once the problem was fixed, I periodically heard light clicking noised from the steering when making turns (right & left). Taking the vehicle back to the second dealership, I was told it was just a matter of lubrication. Once lubricated, the vehicle stopped making clicking noises for about 30 t0 40 days. I noticed that the clicking noises began when the vehicle is driven over uneven areas of a road or parking lot, or when the vehicle negotiates tight left turns (low speeds) and wide/sweeping left curves at high speeds. Never the less, I do not believe that the problem concerns lubrication. Latest maintenance date as incident date 10/16/03 (complaint: f/e snapping when turning. Diagnosis: inadequate lubricants in the steering intermediate shaft. Correction: removed shaft - lubricated and re-installed part# 26098237). The original dealership: rhodes Chevrolet of swansboro, nc (now under new name and management). The dealership making repairs: marine Chevrolet Cadillac Oldsmobile. Initial thumping/ uneven tire wear is within one month of vehicle purchase 01/18/01. VIN 2g1wh55k219163503.

Vehicle with 47000 miles failed safety inspection due to right hand tie rod end with excessive wear.

While making a right turn vehicle lost steering, and consumer hit a light pole. Dealer replaced a broken tie rod and a- frame. Consumer suffered a bruised arm. Please add amount of damage to vehicle.