HummBeBe, your the best!

[PARAGON]

Originally Posted by PhilD

Same way any other one does, unfortunately. Just because they are stronger doesn't mean they are indestructible.

I posted this on another thread on the same issue;

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Tie rod ball joints (stock or Fabtech) will wear if the Pitman/idler are worn, as this will allow a lot of free play in the steering and the center link (and tie rods) will be moving back and forth continually, almost vibrating or resonating. Haven't seen it happen very often though, and only on trucks with big tires.

A bad center link location (ie too high on the passenger side) can also lead to issues with the inner tie rod end on the passenger side, as can a center link that gets flexed too much.

Unfortunately, the GM IFS steering setup is not very strong period. The Duramax guys are always mashing it up, way more than H2's, and go to great lengths to beef it up, but something always gives when you abuse it.

As to the tie rods causing damage to other components, I've heard dealers say this before, although they've never been able to exactly explain why.

Seems GM are real keen to deny warranty claims these days and look for any excuse. A local H3 owner was denied a warranty claim on his front diff as there was a dent on the skid plate, so the dealer immediately said the vehicle had been abused and would not do the repair under warranty.

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I would have to "see" what they were talking about when they said it's worn out. I have some wear issues with a ball joint in just one ball joint in mine and it's not enough that I could tell it was coming from the tie-rod without some some analysis.

I'm curious to know if it is the inner or outer ball joint and if they've been properly lubed. I've been paying my dealer to lube my truck and some of my stuff doesn't appear to have been lubed in 2 years.