98 Tahoe loose front end

My Tahoe is getting up there in miles, and despite lubing the front end every oil change, there is obviously going to be wear after more than 200K mi.... I have had increasingly more play in the steering wheel, and it is wandering more over the road now. I am surprised I don't see any significant tire wear, but I do rotate every 5-7K mi. Last alignment was done at about 45K mi.

When I jack up the front end and turn the steering wheel or wiggle the tires back and forth I do see the tie-rod ends and the center link move up and down quite a bit. Is it fairly easy to replace those 3 components yourself, and would it be a pretty safe bet to say start there? I know it could be the idler arm as well, but I don't see as much play up there.

Any special tools needed? I'm thinking there is some kind of fork tool or a puller type tool to separate the joints isn't there? If I buy the parts at Auto Zone I believe they would probably have free rental of the required tools...

Anyone who has done this DIY job, or any insite on how to pinpoint the play would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Don't jack up the truck. It's called the dry park test. With the engine off, lay under so you can see the steering parts. Have someone move the steering wheel back and forth. Watch for play in the steering linkage. There should be none. No up and down in idler.

Hi Dave: The tools you're talking about are called "pickle forks". They are available for tie rod ends and ball joints. Thing is they need a heavy hammer (small sledge) and the hammer end on the cheaper ones will crack.

I'd say that where ever you see movement in the steering system is where you need to start replacing parts.

I've done all that stuff myself on the old Vandura and '78 Blazer. I can tell you that it ain't fun but it's do-able. Just don't miss with the hammer!!!

Steve

taillight has a good hint. The idler arms take a real beating, and are often a cause of slop.

If you're worried about a hammer on a separator (pickle) fork, try one in an air hammer:

http://72.19.213.157/files/KD2287Separators.jpg

Thanks for the input and suggestions guys. I'll slide under there tonight and see if I can figure out any more.

Yes Steve, that little slip/miss with the hammer might bite! It reminded me of the time I put a tire iron into my chin when I was young and stupid trying to pry a rear coil spring into position on my '69 Pontiac! Damn, that smarts! :)

Blue Bowtie... The impact gun is the way to go I'm sure. I really need to get one for all the wrenching I do. Can't believe I have lived without one this long.

Also, I'll take and extra close look at the idler arm this time. I think a lot of people miss the grease fitting on that one, as it is kind of hidden up there under that hinged cover plate on mine.