wandering 95 GM

[dapopes]

I have a 95 that still wanders goin down the road even after replacing all the tie rods, idler arm, pitman arm, and had it alligned! The boots on the ball joints are worn, however I tested the joints by trying to move the front wheels up and down. There was no movement to speak of. What should I check for next? When the car wanders, and I try to correct it, it seems like it overcorrects itself. I find myself constantly moving the steering wheel. Thanks for any input.

[way2old]

There is a little "U"joint in the steering shaft. Take the lower part of the shaft off and see if you can lubricate the joint and work it around to get it freed up. Just be sure the steering wheel is locked so you do not damage the wiring in the steering column. It is sort of difficult to get to, but with a little patience, you can do it.

[dapopes]

Thank ya sir! Yeah, I took that steering "shaft" off and lubed up the actual shaft where it telescopes, but didn't see where I could get any lube into the u-joint. Just spray some lube into it? Thanks for the come-back.

[way2old]

Sorry I am late in getting back to ya. Yes, you have to spray the u-joint and work it by have a few times to get it freed up. It is not an easy place to get to tho.

[dapopes]

I lubed up the u-joint again, and the shaft, checked all the front end parts. All looks tight, except it still makes the squeeking noise when wheels are turning left or right. It still wanders too. Would bad ball joints make it wander?

[way2old]

Ball joints could. If it squeaks on turns, you need to determine if it is ball joints, tie rods, idler arm or pitman arm. You also need to work the little u joint while you have the shaft off. It needs to be completely freed up. If not, it will give you a binding feel in the steering.

[dapopes]

Thanks "Way2old" for the info. I ended up putting the jack under the lower control arm and being able to test the ball joint effectively (prying upward with 2 by 4). I put new upper/lower ball joints on both sides, new shocks, and new rotors. Wow what a difference! The wandering WAS the ball joints, cause everything else had been replaced already. Thanks again...you da man.

[way2old]

Glad you got it repaired. That makes you da man.