What is wrong?

[caszkl]

I got my blazer back a few months ago, it has had the ball joints replaced, but since I have gotten it many things are wrong. My main concern is that I was told by one shop the ball joint on the right side needs to be replaced, when I said it was replaced just before I got the truck he said it had a lot of slack, but not to worry cause it won't be a problem when I am driving, and that nothing will go wrong. Ok so I was not sure by what this person had said to me so I went to another shop and they said it was the cv half shaft. So here is what it doing, when I had gotten it when I would back up it would make a thunk sound, then it started to sway from side to side and now it feels like the tire is going to fall off and makes a lound whompping noise like the tire is flate. Not sure if this means any thing but one of the lugs broke off while driving the other day on the right side. Any one who can help me with some insight as to what I need to look at then please let me know. Thank you
Carrie

[jsledge]

I had a similar problem in the past...it ended up being the belts in the tire broke and the tire warped.

[caszkl]

Could that be all it is? I don't to much about cars, but I had replaced my tire on the right just last week. It was not new though it was one from when the truck was bought by the old owner. It is on a different rim then the rest, well I will check it out and see if it works. I just don't know why I had two shops tell me different things, that is one reason I never replaced any thing yet. I just think they were trying to pull one over on me cause, I am a female. If any one can think of any thing else it could be please let me know I want to take it in and have fixed this weekend, but not till I know what to look for.

[jsledge]

History tells us that unfortunatly, repair shops tend to take advantage of women, get you dad, boyfriend, male firend to take it to a couple of places and see what they say.

[caszkl]

Yeah that is what I was doing but thought that just i case I would see if any one would have any ideas here too. I have a friend who owns a shop not sure about driving it to them, like I said it drives bad now and really don't want to drive it much and have something go wrong then, it just mean more money.

[caszkl]

Something else that is wrong with my blazer is the rear wiper has not worked since I owed it. The front was fine but it would stop while I was using them now the driver side stop working all together is this just the wiper motors going out? Oh my blazer is a 98 and these have never changed. I was going to change them out but people keep saying its not the motors so I have not, the fuses are all good though so it has to be the motors right?

[jsledge]

put the spare tire on and see if it drives any better. easy way to rule out a tire issue... will only take 20 minutes

[caszkl]

Last week I had put the spare tire on, and it was fine up till 2 days ago then it was back and riding worse then before I changed the tire, but like I said this is an old tire though I have 3 more I will try those and see what happens. Thank you

[muddog321]

Stop everything! Is this 98 a 4wd. If so you need four matched tires in size and tread and rims or you will destroy your drivetrain. Have another shop look at the front end and see if its ball joints or steeering components. It is not worth crashing into someone or something. If a 2wd steering also look up front. All Blazers also have front hubs that are sealed 1 piece units that usually fail around 100k miles. Find a shop you can trust - watch the work and ask questions - most will take you out and show you what they found and ask more questions. Any posts please state the year and 2 or 4wd so we can help you better.

[caszkl]

Sorry it is a 98 4wd.
I have found the problem while one shop said it was the hub that needed to be replaced I went to one that I use to have work done and he said it was just that who ever put the spare on, didn't tighten it down. So that was why it got worse after I had the tire changed, I swear I have to do the work my self some times. On the other hand he told me the cv half shaft is good, but my ball joints are loose but nothing to worry about. I like it when they will be sraight with me, to think I almost spent 300+ on a new hub assembly. Only had to pay 50 still seems like a lot for 2 new lugs and the tire to be tight but at least it is one right now.But thank you so much for your help I am sure I will back when I need help again.
Carrie

[muzzy1maniac]

I love it when a garage tells you the somthing is loose but don't worry about it. I always get such a warm fuzzy feeling. Keep a close eye on the ball joinst and lube them regularly!

[caszkl]

Ok now this might be stupid for me to ask but to lube up ball joints, how do I do it? Do I have to take it to a shop? I only ask cause I was told I can't do it.

[muddog321]

A simple grease gun from any auto store, Walmart, etc for $10 and look under the front tire, inside, and theres the lower fitting, wipe clean, atttach grease gun, pump 5-8 times till it feels full or usually you see grease coming out somewhere around it unless brand new ball joints. Upper above tire. Then there are 6 more on the steering linkage and the pass side idler arm that all need greasing. If you get your oil changed they should be doing this too!

[caszkl]

Ok that sounds simple enough I will get out and do here next week end, thanks for the help.