2001 Chevrolet Blazer LX from North America - Comments

My Blazer eats ball joints and wheel bearings. I have been through a set every year. I do mostly highway driving, I take good care of my Blazer. But every year I am replacing the ball joints and/or wheel bearings. I am sick of this. It's cost me a ton of money. Anybody got a suggestion?

Eating ball joints and bearings. If you bought it used you have no idea where its been or who has used it... young kids renting it and bajaing around in it. Daddy's little girl lets boyfriend drive it. Point being a hard hit or curb jumping could do this damage and not repaired correctly. The cheap way just replace parts and send it out of the shop. Someone you let use it may have done some damage and not told you. If you live in a smaller town this may not work for you. Take it to a frame shop and have them do some measurements. See if they can find something bent. Some places may not know or just want to see you and your money again soon. A larger city may more shops of quality, honesty and more experience. What a shame they have turned you away from a vehicle that may not be that bad.

2001 Chevrolet blazer also, gave me trouble 6 months after purchase. Already replaced transmission, now the wheelbearing are causing me some trouble. I do agree, never, ever, buy a Blazer, especially a used one>

The guy says he continuously replace joints and bearings. Whatever was done to damage these components before he took ownership is largely irrelevant.

If your vehicle is 4WD, one of the most overlooked and most common causes of wheel bearing failure is incorrect torque of the axle shaft nut. If you have a 2WD vehicle, then this is irrelevant. We are ASE techs who own a repair shop and we have also noticed that GM has changed some of the torques specs since factory. This has resulted in us concluding that GM may have realized the factory torque specs may have been incorrect or they have dialed them in closer to a more reliable setting. Most do-it-yourselfers do not have access to these updated specs or many time install them with an impact gun and this is a big no-no. Also you would be surprised how many techs actually install these with an impact gun and disregard the torque completely. Anyway I hope this helps reduce the number of hub bearings you replace. Other factors include oversize wheels and tires; other worn parts like ball joints can put excessive stress on bearings and other components, and improper maintenance. Thanks again and I hope this helps.

Joelman198@cfl.rr.com.