12 problems related to front suspension lower ball joint have been reported for the 1997 GMC Jimmy. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Dt:the contact stated the upper and lower ball joints on both sides broke while driving in a parking lot. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership, where the ball joints and the anti lock brake sensors were replaced. Contacted the manufacturer, there were NHTSA recalls 01i018000 and 01v200000, but this vehicle was not included in the recalls due to VIN. In addition, this vehicle experienced several other problems as well. The left door broke off while in the driveway, the male joint of the door broke when shutting the door. Also, the transmission and anti lock brakes were replaced. The anti lock brake sensor was replaced twice.
Transmission failure / replaced transmission - upper & lower ball joint failure / replaced upper & lower ball joints - rear window wiper failure / inoperable at this point - extremely expensive replacements with no old parts available at this point. Events leading up to failure I can only attribute to severely poor manufacturing of products, there was no operating misuse or abuse. Also other parts that have failed and have since been replaced are the: alternator, fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator and cooling system failures.
While driving at any speed the vehicle would pull to the right. The vehicle was taken to an independent shop, and the mechanic determined that ball joints needed to be replaced.
While traveling on highway and without prior warning consumer lost control of vehicle due to ball joint failure. Also, there was noise coming from underneath the vehicle.
Upper & lower ball joint snapped while driving had to replace both along with idler arm pitman arm & tie rod ends , had received notice about possible failure on these when I called GMC they reported my car was not included in this possible recall. Cost of 1500. 00 also fuel pump failed cost of 700. 00 now driver side door is defected will not close , probems with electrical system locks ,windows, lights interior & exterior,wipers will only work occasionally, fuel gauge sticks.
Ball joint snapped while driving on ramp to get on highway, replace two upper and two lower ball joints anti lock sensor shield, and weakened wall inside tire, resulting in lost of steering.
While driving the lower ball joint separated without warning, vehicle was towed to a sevice station and consumer was informed that both ball joints were defective and needed to be replaced, however on September 5,2001 consumer received a recall notification for the failure he experienced, consumer was then informed that he would not be able to receive reimbursement because the service station confirmed that they did not use gm parts.
Vehicle had no defective ball joints until after vehicle was taken to dealership. Consumer was informed that the upper/lower ball joints needed to be replaced as well as the idler arm to pass inspection, consumer could not understand why a vehicle with only 39,532 would need such parts, consumer was later informed that GMC would replace the parts at no charge due to their goodwill program, however consumer still had to pay for the labor charge, consumer was then informed by a friend that there was a recall for upper ball joints, but when consumer contacted GMC she was told that her vehicle was not included in the recall.
Prior to the recall notice, NHTSA campaign id 01v200000, while driving vehicle had a loud grinding noise. Dealer replaced the upper and lower ball joints. Consumer is seeking further reimbursement.
Lower ball joints replaced in order to try and remedy noise, noise is still occuring. Mjs.
Front end components were worn causing front end vibration, these include the upper and lower ball joints, idler arm and pitman arm, this may have caused the tires to fail prematurely. Nlm.
Consumer called complaining about problems with the lower ball joints and pitman arm. Dealer was contacted and stated that there is different problems with the lower ball joints separating and the pitman arm needed to be replaced. Manufacture was contacted and stated that her VIN number was not included.