Three problems related to steering idler arm have been reported for the 1996 GMC Safari. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Vehicle collasped to the ground without warning. Took vehicle to dealer, and they stated that stablizer bar had broken. Fatigue and stress will cause stabilizer bar to break. Also,, idle arms have been replaced 4 times. Driver felt this was very unsafe when traveling a lot.
Left idle arm has exhibited excessive wear and needed to be replaced in order for vehicle to pass inspection. *note: consumer stated that this was a wide spread problem in these vehicles based on research he has done.
While turning or backing out of a parking space or making a turn steering wheel would make a loud noise. Consumer states he took vehicle to dealership and was advised that both front tie rod ends were loose and the vehicle could not be aligned properly which was causing abnormal tire wear on the front, consumer had the parts replaced and the vehicle was realigned, consumer was advised that idler arms were not buiilt strong enough.