2000 Suburban Steering Loose

[jgl38017]

I have a 2000 Suburban with about 180k miles on it. I recently realized that the steering feels somewhat loose. I think I've diagnosed it to be the Idler Arm put wanted to get others opinions. When I jack the passenger side so the wheel is off the ground, there appears to be excess play when I push the wheel from front to back (one hand on front and one on back of wheel) almost like I'm trying to turn the wheels. Assuming it is the Idler Arm, how big of a job is it to replace? Also, I had the tires replaced recently and the guy replacing them mentioned that the passenger side tie rod seemed to be getting worn. Could this be the problem and not the Idler Arm? Appreciate any input.

[gmtech1]

At 180k it's a safe bet the idler is shot, probably the pitman arm also, tie rods and ball joints should be checked also. Idler arm and tie rods are pretty easy jobs. Be sure to get alignment done after repairs.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by jgl38017

I have a 2000 Suburban with about 180k miles on it. I recently realized that the steering feels somewhat loose. I think I've diagnosed it to be the Idler Arm put wanted to get others opinions. When I jack the passenger side so the wheel is off the ground, there appears to be excess play when I push the wheel from front to back (one hand on front and one on back of wheel) almost like I'm trying to turn the wheels. Assuming it is the Idler Arm, how big of a job is it to replace? Also, I had the tires replaced recently and the guy replacing them mentioned that the passenger side tie rod seemed to be getting worn. Could this be the problem and not the Idler Arm? Appreciate any input.

the idler arms worn will cause sloppy steering . the tie rods worn is going to add lots of added steering effort to keep going in the direction desired. 180,ooomi on these components if these are the original is going to have some wear.

proper greasing will help reduce wear for a very long time. I have had some components in the steering go the 380,ooo mi.

Idlerarms and tie rods do get damaged easy when the rubber grease seals break. the use of a power grease gun usually damages these if not properly set up. the use of a litium based grease and being carefull not to blow out these seals with excessive grease is important. greasing before the winter and after the winter is what I do .

when replacing these components you can do a coarse alignment using some fishing line . with the line fastened to the rear wheel at the mid point run to the front wheel forward mid point. with the vehicle on the ground the line should be about 1/4 inch space on the forward tire side wall. steering wheel centered .

you will be quite surpised how well this works.this will set the toe.

the forum members have had steering box wear issues. I would suck out the power steering fluid and replace with some prestone GM fluid with seal conditioner.

if the idle arm moves vertical more than 1/8in when you move the wheel this would be the test.

[jtmarten]

At 180K I'd replace the 2 tie rod assy (tie rods and adjusting sleeve, makes it real easy to match the lengths) and the idler arm. Easy job requiring minimal tools.

[DeltaP]

At 180k everything should be inspected for excessive wear. Idler,pittman,tie rod ends,ball joints,control arms,wheel bearings... everything has probably given its all. When changing the tie rod ends I always count the exposed threads and assemble the new ones with that many threads showing again. This will get very near spec until the vehicle gets aligned.