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Weird Steering Problem

288 Views 18 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  Dsport5
I have a strange problem with my steering. This only happens when I hit the brakes. 2004 Trailblazer North face 4x4 4.2L.
When I hit the brakes the wheel turns about 10 degrees to the right and the truck pulls to the left. So these are the parts that have been replaced fairly recently. Upper and lower ball joints, inner and outer tie rod ends, brakes, tires, rear control arms, front hubs. Can anyone diagnose what's happening here?

Thanks.
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Year, Make, Model, Engine, Trim Level are needed.
2004 Trailblazer
Year, Make, Model, Engine, Trim Level are needed.
Thanks... Edited my post
The first thing that comes to my mind is brakes. I would check to make sure the front pads on each side are not contaminated with grease or brake fluid, and that the calipers are not frozen in place along with making sure the caliper pistons are moving freely.

Also, have you checked the air pressure in your tires and have you inspected your tires to make sure they are in good shape?
2004 Trailblazer 4x4
Year, Make, Model, Engine, Trim Level are needed.
[/QU
I have a strange problem with my steering. This only happens when I hit the brakes. 2004 Trailblazer North face 4x4 4.2L.
When I hit the brakes the wheel turns about 10 degrees to the right and the truck pulls to the left. So these are the parts that have been replaced fairly recently. Upper and lower ball joints, inner and outer tie rod ends, brakes, tires, rear control arms, front hubs. I was not experiencing this problem until last week when I took a 400 mile trip, some of which was on a very windy road. Can anyone diagnose what's happening here?

Thanks.
2004 Trailblazer 4x4
Tire pressure is correct, tires look good front have about 10k on them and rear are very new with about 500 miles. Brakes were installed last year. Truck tracks straight, if I let go of the wheel on the highway when it's straight it stays straight.
OK on the above. However, a caliper could have sprung a leak or a CV boot could have a break in it and grease could be slinging out all over everything. Hence, the need to inspect the brakes, even if they are only a year old. Age does not matter in the case of contaminated surfaces.
I mean, you kind of diagnosed the problem (I think) when you said it only occurs when you are braking. May take some peaking to figure out what exactly it is within the brakes.

Sounds like one side is not braking as well as the other side. Maybe check for uneven wear on your brake pads. Maybe you need to grease up the caliper pins like chem man said
I mean, you kind of diagnosed the problem (I think) when you said it only occurs when you are braking. May take some peaking to figure out what exactly it is within the brakes.

Sounds like one side is not braking as well as the other side. Maybe check for uneven wear on your brake pads. Maybe you need to grease up the caliper pins like chem man said
Ok , so when I did the brakes last year, I did remove the pins, clean them and give them a good coating of silicone grease. Brake pads were either Wagner or Brembo. I looked at the rotors and calipers from underneath today and don't see any sign of leaking brak fluid or any other fluids on the brakes. Calipers are original with 140k on them. I will remove the wheels this week to do a better inspection. Could worn control arm bushings cause this problem?
Pulls to the left? I'm gonna go with the passenger side calliper is hanging-up.
I would think that worn control arm bushings would effect steering all the time.
Generally with brakes if it's pulling one way then it's the other side that's the issue. Pulling left? Look to the right. Pulling right, look to the left. Not pulling at all? Look for a soft shoulder and aim for the bushes.
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Generally with brakes if it's pulling one way then it's the other side that's the issue. Pulling left? Look to the right. Pulling right, look to the left. Not pulling at all? Look for a soft shoulder and aim for the bushes.
Would the steering wheel move in the opposite direction of the pull though?
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Would the steering wheel move in the opposite direction of the pull though?
Wait. When you step on the brakes, the vehicle pulls one way and the wheel points another? Are you sure you're not compensating for the pull? Possible alignment issue along with a sticking caliper?
Wait. When you step on the brakes, the vehicle pulls one way and the wheel points another? Are you sure you're not compensating for the pull? Possible alignment issue along with a sticking caliper?
Yes that is what is weird. If I let go of the wheel on a straight road, the vehicle stays straight. If I hit the brakes while I'm doing this, the steering wheel turns about 10-15 degrees right and the truck pulls left.
Sounds like something in the front end got installed upsidedown and/or backwards... if that's even possible.
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I'm leaning on this being the problem. Parts on order.

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Yeah so the uppers were bad, but they when I disconnected the upper I found that the bottom left bushing was also blown out completely.

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When you say bottom left bushing... on the lower control arm or.. not sure.

Also, bushings shouldnt stick out I dont think

Let us know if new UCA's fix your steering problem!
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