77 Blazer has a bent tie rod. We just bought it, knowing about the tie rod. But, when you drive it and the speed gets to about 30 mph, it wobbles almost uncontrollably. Then, when braking, it REALLY WOBBLES. Needless to say, we didn't drive it home, but to the closest parking lot, in hopes that this is the only problem. We'll be trailering it home, lol.
When I say 'wobbles' I'm not talking about something minor. You need a change of underwear when you get it stopped. Hahaha!
If that's not typical of the way a bent tie rod acts, are there any more ideas of what it could be?
It's a big toy, with 37's and 4 inch lift. The lift was done professionally a couple of years ago. But, the big tires and lift may be what's enhancing the problem.
Could this issue be from a bent tie rod?
The bent rod will contribute to the problem because one front wheel will be working against the other. Big tires with aggressive tread will also amplify the problem - when the edge of the tread is in contact with the road it will push or pull on the bent rod, then, in the gap between the rubber, there will be less pressure.
The bigger cause however will likely be worn tie rod ends. These could have been worn before the rod was bent from normal driving, and/or could have worn due to pressure from the bent rod afterward, again, amplified by the greater stress on them from the oversized tires.
Jacking a tire off the ground (blocking the frame) and wobbling it by hand will show you where the play is.
Could this issue be from a bent tie rod?
Bent tie rod and big tires is the main problem. Also have rotors looked at they be warped.
look at it this way 37's with a lift on a 4x4 and a bent tie rod.... they used the vehicle to offroad and they struck somthing. yes the tie rod could be causing the issue. but also you could be looking at an out of balance wheel, brake issues, upper or lower control arm problems. there are a lot of different things it could be. and the tires and lift will enhance a smaller issue.
make sure the idler arm and pitman arm are tight. also check if has a steering stab shock. it might be bad.
Better get the whole front end checked, it`s more than a bent tie rod causing your wobble, you have more worn parts up there. big tires and the lift kit are brutal on stock front end parts and wheel bearings
Check for a bad ball joint.
check for warped rotor.
check to see if the steering box (underneath, connected to the tie rods) isn't loose or worn.
Also check to see about the wheel bearings and if the steering knuckle (where the wheel bearings roll) aren't worn out.
find a reputable tire shop with a front end tech.lots of things can cause the problem.have them check it out.
