Steering Idler Arm Problems of GMC Safari

The contact owns a 2002 GMC Safari. While driving 5 or 6 mph, it took 40-50 feet before the contact could stop the vehicle. A mechanic stated that both the passenger and driver side wheel bearings and idler arms needed to be replaced. The local mechanic performed the repairs. GMC denied him reimbursement because they did not make the repair. The consumer had the repairs made a an independent shop the current mileage was 28,550 and failure mileage was 28,530. Updated 5/5/08 updated.

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The contact owns a 1999 GMC Safari. Since the vehicle was purchased in may of 2005, the steering idler arm has been replaced four times. As a result, the vehicle has lost steering ability. The contact has put 30,000 miles on the vehicle in two years. The mechanic stated that the idler arms have failed and need to be replaced. The mechanic also stated that this is a common failure due to a design flaw. She has not contacted a local authorized dealer or the manufacturer. The VIN and engine size were unknown. The current mileage is 99,000 and failure mileage was 70,000.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

Tire wear, outside edge right front. Idler arms worn out at 18,000 miles, pulling wheel out of alignment, causing excessive wear to tires. Full set of tires and brakes replaced at 18,000 miles.

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Idler arm replaced at 20,000 miles and again at 40,000 due to excessive wear.