GMC Repair: GMC Jimmy steering problems, genuine gm parts, fly by night

Question
Thanks for the info...one last thing.

I did take it back to Firestone and they re-checked everything and said everything was tight and ok.  Could the replaced parts cause the issue, or could the bearings, struts, etc be a possible cause.  I know it is tough to determine if you have not seen the vehicle.  At this point, I plan on bringing it back to my GMC dealer -- just wanted to be a bit educated so they don't replace the entire front end.

This is a great service, and I thank you for your time.

Chris



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Followup To
Question -
I had this work done at Firestone, and they were not genuine GM parts.  They were most likely after market parts.  Can this cause this boat feeling or float feeling in the front end of my JImmy?  Should I have these parts replaced by a GMC dealer?  What do you suggest?

thanks a lot

Chris



Question -
I own a 1999 GMC Jimmy 4X4.  I just got the idler arm and pitman arm replaced this week -- said they were worn.  Now, when I drive the vehicle and hit a bump, I get a wobble or float feeling from the front ent.  Kind of like a boat, side to side motion.  It does seem to start on the passenger side of the vehicle. Do you have any idea what may cause this problem -- and why it happened once I replaced the two parts?

I have never had any problems with suspension or steering prior to this issue.  
Answer -
This is a very common problem with GM vehicles. First I need to know if the parts that were installed were GENUINE GM PARTS or if they were aftermarket parts made by a different manufacturer such as FLY-BY-NIGHT auto parts or something similar.

Look on the box that the parts came in and at what repair facility did you have the work performed at.?.


autohelp
Answer -
OEM GM parts for the most are excellent parts, But as to idler arms and steering parts I prefer to use MOOG or other top quality after market part.

I would take the vehicle back to firestone and talk CALMLY with the service manager about your vehicle as I can't possibly see and or road test your vehicle myself.


autohelp

Answer
Did you talk to the service manager at Firestone and ask him to drive your truck so he/she could experience what your problem is. Most likely NOT.

I would take it back again and ask that it be driven. As far as taking it to the GM dealer this could be GOOD or this could be BAD as I do not know the reputation of the GM dealer's service Department.

ALWAYS, get receipts where ever you take the vehicle so that you have written proof of where and when you had your vehicle looked at.

I really don't have an answer for you without actaully driving the truck myself, I wish I did, But I honestly don't.


Let me know the outcome.

I do not have a staff of people helping me answer your questions, I do it all by my self, Therefore, Due to being retired and a 15 year old computer on a dial-up connection, I do my best to respond to questions within 3 to 4 hours due to the volume of questions I receive on a daily basis. If you require a faster response you can e-mail me directly at the below e-mail address as I check it more frequently.:

meperganfortis@msn.com

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Retired in New Mexico
autohelp