wondering olds

[1molaker]

Help me please, My son bought a 99 olds bravada with 130xxx miles the car wonders all over the road following every bump in the road we put new shocks r/l ball joint, idler arm and two different frt end shops still the same problem I'm thinking maybe steering gear box?? [is there an adjustment?] i'm tired of throwing $ at this car thanks in advance to any and all replies

[old_master]

Any one or more of several things can cause what you're describing: Idler arm, any one or more of 4 tie rod ends, center link, pitman arm, all 4 ball joints, control arm bushings, sway bar links, steering gearbox, wheel bearing/hub assemblies, intermediate steering shaft joint, (rag joint) weak shock absorbers and even a poor alignment could cause it. The gearbox is adjustable but it must be removed from the vehicle to do it and it's a complicated procedure, best left to a pro. The other items can be inspected/replaced with a minimal amount of tools and effort. Ball joint and hub assemblies can get involved, but definitely a DIY project too.

[1molaker]

somone told me the gearbox was a common problem on bravada and s-10 that was one of the reason's I posted to see if anybody else had a the same problem. Everything on the frt has been changed or inspected by two different frt end shops and like I said I replaced shocks, Idler Arm, and 1 ball joint so far

[old_master]

That gearbox is made by Saginaw and is/was used on many, many different makes and models, not just GM. It's been around since the late 60's I think, with very few modifications. They're just about bulletproof but like anything mechanical, they do wear and need adjustment from time to time. The way things usually go, about the time you remove the gearbox, adjust it, and reinstall it, a seal will start leaking and you have to take it out again. For what's involved, you're better off just to replace it with a remanufactured one with new seals and bearings....cheap peace of mind.