Two problems related to steering idler arm have been reported for the 1997 GMC Safari. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Idler arms that position steering tie rod were extremely loose. This allowed loss of steering control when applying brakes rapidly. Also resulted in violent side-to-side shimmy when applying brakes or when driving on grooved highway surfaces. Close inspection of idler arms revealed that bushings were extremely worn. Idler arms (gm part number 26018165) had been regularly lubricated, yet appeared dry and dirty around bushing. Replacement part procured from gm dealer (part number 12471302) was a different design, with grease fitting on side of arm, with an extended bushing surface. This type of part should normally last the life of the vehicle if properly maintained. My failure occurred at about 40,000 miles. Dealer states that a service bulletin had been issued, yet no recall or owner notification of problem, despite obvious safety hazard inherent in a loss of control.
Idler arms should not go bad at 36k miles. The dealer where we purchased has been sold. The problem was discovered when we took the vehicle for PA state inspection (annual). Obviously the idler arms did not go bad from mile 36000 to 36900. We are still within the three years and only over the mileage by 900 miles. But the dealer we took it to would not cover the problem, and charged $525. 44 to replace front brakes and idler arms.