Chevy TrailBlazer, TrailBlazer SS and GMC Envoy Forum banner

Uneven ride height

3.2K views 8 replies 4 participants last post by  Ravalli Surfer  
#1 ·
My wife and son commented the other day that the driver's side of our 2006 Trailblazer LS 4x4 was noticably higher than the right.

About a week ago I measured against my knee and it seemed to be a two-inch difference.
Tonight, I used a yardstick and measured 0.5 inches difference.
The rear measured the same 0.5 inches difference.

Putting it up on jack stands with both fronts off the ground, I can see nothing obvious and nothing is loose.

There is no rust on the vehicle and the vehicle has never been hit. We've had it since 2007. Also, it drives straight.

Tire pressures are equal. The only difference I can see on the fronts is the left front is Bridgestone Ecopia 422 HL and the right (and the other three) are Bridgestone Alenza. The one odd tire was about 2,000 miles after install as its partner was destroyed by a piece of metal injested during a dark and stormy night. Tread depth looks similar.

Any ideas on what to look for?
Seems odd it only affects the right side.
 
#2 ·
I would look at three things. Front struts, rear shocks and the coil springs. Those components might have "aged and settled in" a little differently on the driver's side than on the passenger side.

My 2004 TrailBlazer LT did the same thing and when I took it into the dealership they said all the body and frame measurements were within factory spec, and that perhaps the shocks/struts might be beginning to wear out. A few years later when I had new struts and shocks installed the difference between the two sides was less than it had been. Sometime I just might change the rear coil springs to see it that finally evens things up completely, but if not, I can live with it.

Good Luck!
 
  • Like
Reactions: sw904
#3 ·
Check the ball joints as well along with the control arm bushings. Look for play and listen for clunking. My 2002 had the EXACT same issue you are describing. I initially thought it was the unlevel parking space where I live. Turned out to be a bad ball joint and control arm combo. Replaced them and the ride height and alignment have never been better. Check the inside wear on the tire on that side. Mine looked like a racing slick.
 
#4 ·
Did another inspection in the bright sunshine and noticed the inside left front beginning to show wear.
Haven't been able to get anything to "clunk" or be loose yet.
Probably going to have to hire a second opinion.
Thanks for the tip!