Good job GM!

[JupiterSunsation]

I figured this could be a "good" thread about an American automaker in contrast to the 08 Ford disaster thread......

History:
03 GMC 2500 Duramax 143K miles. Regular maintenance only for first 100K miles, waterpump at 106K, first brake job at 135K. Thats it other than filters, fluids, tires and one set of batteries. BONE STOCK, NO MODS.

Truck has dumped an oily liquid on the ground a few times in the past year. Size of two dinner plates is a bad episode, usually when it sits overnight. No indicators on dash, no smoke, truck runs fine with no fluid loss indicated under the hood. Did some internet research and PCV has a drain attached to it so if crankcase is overfilled it will dump on the ground. Many diesel sites have bypass tips so you won't get the dump on the ground. The other scenario is bad injectors (01-02's had the issue bad, 03-04.5 less). Local dealer is ok, not great but ok. $120 for diagnosis. An hour later it comes back as bad injectors. GM extended the warranty on the injectors to 200K miles due to the issues they had in the past.
Service writer says 100% covered and all 8 will be changed, includes oil change/filter. The only thing they don't cover and he recommends is a fuel filter change/ valve adjustment. $157 for fuel filter (I do it myself every 10-12K, part is $40, I passed on their offer). $250 for valve adjustment, past my ability I agreed to have it done.

I was waiting for a ride from one of my employees and was scouting the lot for a new one if things didn't work out. Most crew/diesels were MSRP'd from 47-55K (ouch) and were ALL 2009, not one 2010 on the lot. Truck looks very good for age/miles and runs great/cold air etc. I just did a new set of LTX's and new bilstein shocks (like in the last week, 200 miles) so I had no plans for a new truck/payment book. This truck has been paid off since Dec 2007 so I was really enjoying no payments and wasn't really looking to start one now.

I have owned 7 new GMC/Chevy trucks since 1989 and most have gone over 100K for me with no issues. I still own 4 currently so I believe in the brand/manufacturer despite their issues over the last year or two.....

Hopefully with customer service like this all of the American manufacturers can once again become true competitors.

[Perlmudder]

good to hear!

[Perlmudder]

My dad just bought an 09 1500 sierra in September. He use to get a new truck with work every other year, but now they give vehicle allowance. I personally think its a better looking truck then the rams and a f150s.

[insanity]

My dad just bought an 09 1500 sierra in September. He use to get a new truck with work every other year, but now they give vehicle allowance. I personally think its a better looking truck then the rams and a f150s.

The half-tons are good looking trucks, the 3/4 tons in the Chevy not so much, that's why I went with a Sierra 2500.

[RLJ676]

It's nice to see a postive post with GM in the title!:sifone:

Glad you are happy with that truck and they're taking care of you.....but buy a new one haha.:USA:

[JupiterSunsation]

The half-tons are good looking trucks, the 3/4 tons in the Chevy not so much, that's why I went with a Sierra 2500.

Too much chrome in the corners of the Chevy bumpers for me........looks like a ramming plate or something!

[JupiterSunsation]

My dad just bought an 09 1500 sierra in September. He use to get a new truck with work every other year, but now they give vehicle allowance. I personally think its a better looking truck then the rams and a f150s.

The 5.3 motor will burn the tires up the block with the traction control turned off, the 4.8 has a good amount of pep to it as well but the 5.3 is a great motor (325 HP this year I think). :sifone:

[Carguy]

Awesome trucks. Great thread. If there is any thoughts about a new one act on this motor. New diesal prices going north. re: new emission standards.

[Expensive Date]

43868


Love mine towed 300 miles with it last weekend still got 12 mpg.Great truck

[BUIZILLA]

what valve adjustment?

[JupiterSunsation]

what valve adjustment?


Please explain...... Don't tell me a valve adjustment on a Duramax is like muffler bearings, finnigan pins or some other non existent thing.....:dupe:

[BUIZILLA]

Please explain...... Don't tell me a valve adjustment on a Duramax is like muffler bearings, finnigan pins or some other non existent thing.....:dupe: yup......... :icon_bs:

[Bgchuby01]

Jim do they really mean running the rack?

[JupiterSunsation]

yup......... :icon_bs:


Google Duramax valve adjustment and others have gotten it done to quiet the chatter of the diesel motor. Diesel place.com and others have mentioned it, even saying the valve tolerances should be gapped at .012.

Now I did hesitate when he mentioned it needed new spark plugs! :26:

[MGReese]

Great seeing you today - even though you scared me!!! LOL

[JupiterSunsation]

Great seeing you today - even though you scared me!!! LOL

Duramax was in stealth mode and chicks at the mall can't even hear it coming!

You looked beat tired, no scare intended.....hope you feel better and see you next weekend.:sifone:

[TMS1155]

Google Duramax valve adjustment and others have gotten it done to quiet the chatter of the diesel motor. Diesel place.com and others have mentioned it, even saying the valve tolerances should be gapped at .012.

Now I did hesitate when he mentioned it needed new spark plugs! :26:

Those spark plugs should be changed at 200k. There special and the diesel fuel keeps them from rusting the gap so they last longer!

[Griswald]

I have an '03 LB7 motor that had the injectors done last year. Other than that, the drive train is rock-solid. My only complaints with the truck are the sterring shaft, slip yoke, and instrument panel/leds. 147k on the original brakes, 4th set of tires.

[DAREDEVIL]

Those spark plugs should be changed at 200k. There special and the diesel fuel keeps them from rusting the gap so they last longer!

SPARK PLUGS??????? in a diesel,,,i thought they are glow plugs !!:rofl:

[JupiterSunsation]

SPARK PLUGS??????? in a diesel,,,i thought they are glow plugs !!:rofl:

DD I was joking and he was being sarcastic.....

[JupiterSunsation]

I have an '03 LB7 motor that had the injectors done last year. Other than that, the drive train is rock-solid. My only complaints with the truck are the sterring shaft, slip yoke, and instrument panel/leds. 147k on the original brakes, 4th set of tires.


There is a newer fix on the steering shaft, mine has about 55K on it without a "bump." They finally got the fix to work right.

[DAREDEVIL]

DD I was joking and he was being sarcastic.....

U never know with u guys....LOL:rofl:

[publius]

i had a '03 1500HD w/187k on it that I had to get rid of last year when i lost my job. Never did anything but change the tires, filters, and battery once. Great truck, hated to see it go, expected it to go 500k easy. they quit making the 1500HD too and I'm ready for a new one. They don't make the 1500 crew with a standard bed though, only a short bed. guess i'm getting a 2500.

[JupiterSunsation]

i had a '03 1500HD w/187k on it that I had to get rid of last year when i lost my job. Never did anything but change the tires, filters, and battery once. Great truck, hated to see it go, expected it to go 500k easy. they quit making the 1500HD too and I'm ready for a new one. They don't make the 1500 crew with a standard bed though, only a short bed. guess i'm getting a 2500.

Never could see a lot of difference between a 1500HD and 2500HD, they were damn near identical right down to the 8 lug wheels.

[Griswald]

There is a newer fix on the steering shaft, mine has about 55K on it without a "bump." They finally got the fix to work right.

Is it another replacement shaft or something else? Don't tell me they're putting thicker grease in it?

[JupiterSunsation]

Is it another replacement shaft or something else? Don't tell me they're putting thicker grease in it?

New design totally.....that grease trick was just a 30K mile patch!

[Magic Medicine]

the intermediate steering shafts are a common problem on alot of gm vehicles

[clayinaustin]

I have a 2004 Silverado Z71. I recently replaced the water pump at 140k miles.

Other than oil changes at 10k mile intervals and tires every 60k miles, I have not had to spend any money on the truck.

[Knot 4 Me]

the intermediate steering shafts are a common problem on alot of gm vehiclesTurns out it is also a problem on some other makes and models. My wife's '05 Avalon developed a similar clunk in the wheel as my '04 2500HD had. I was describing the problem to the tech at the dealership and referenced the GM shaft problem and he smiled and said yup, that is exactly what the problem is on the Toyota. Same fix as with the Chevy too. Remove the shaft, grease it using some syringes, and replace.

[tcuda499]

Turns out it is also a problem on some other makes and models. My wife's '05 Avalon developed a similar clunk in the wheel as my '04 2500HD had. I was describing the problem to the tech at the dealership and referenced the GM shaft problem and he smiled and said yup, that is exactly what the problem is on the Toyota. Same fix as with the Chevy too. Remove the shaft, grease it using some syringes, and replace.

Ha Ha... I'm a toyota tech and fix them steering shafts all the time, But my Dmax has had 2 shafts and still has a clunk and we are also a gmc dealer!!!!!IMHO there is no fix for a gmc steering clunk. change it,lube it , it will be back!

[THEJOKER]

http://www.bigearl.net/business/duramax-diesel.htm I run the Duramax / Isuzu motors in my box trucks. They are a great piece!

[JupiterSunsation]

Ha Ha... I'm a toyota tech and fix them steering shafts all the time, But my Dmax has had 2 shafts and still has a clunk and we are also a gmc dealer!!!!!IMHO there is no fix for a gmc steering clunk. change it,lube it , it will be back!

GM has a new part/fix and it has been holding up 60K miles so far (usually they start clunking after 30K). A mechanic explained the difference in the design but I was only half listening since I thought he was BS'ing me!

[BUIZILLA]

GM has a new part/fix and it has been holding up 60K miles so far (usually they start clunking after 30K). A mechanic explained the difference in the design but I was only half listening since I thought he was BS'ing me! the last one shaft I had installed on my 06 has held up perfect since Aug 08, 64k now the previous grease injection didn't work out for them at all...

[4mulafastech]

Good story! I plan to keep my 2500 HD Duramax a loooong time too.

I had my intermediate shaft replaced (see link) at the dealer no charge and no problems so far.

http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/Bluegorilla/2009-01-11_230548_Steering_shaft.pdf

[Wobble]

100k miles on my 06 Duramax, what an awesome machine. Two egr motor codes that reset themselves and thats it. It is hell on the rear tires though:smash:

[Knot 4 Me]

100k miles on my 06 Duramax, what an awesome machine. Two egr motor codes that reset themselves and thats it. It is hell on the rear tires though:smash:My 2004.5 LLY 2500 HD Crew Cab DMax was one I really regret letting go of. Especially now that the new ones are listing around $59K! I would go through a set of BFG AT KO's in about 22K miles. It would just eat the right rear tire.

[Wobble]

My 2004.5 LLY 2500 HD Crew Cab DMax was one I really regret letting go of. Especially now that the new ones are listing around $59K! I would go through a set of BFG AT KO's in about 22K miles. It would just eat the right rear tire.

The posi works well enough that they wear about the same:sifone:

[BDARCHER]

Sorry but i wont buy a OBUMER made product. Plus I realy like my smooth steering, riding other truck. Steering problem clunking are not something I would drive period.

[Knot 4 Me]

The posi works well enough that they wear about the same:sifone:Ha! I only ever did that once. I towed a lot and even with constant rotation the right rear wore significantly faster than any other tire. Which is to be expected.

[MarylandMark]

Mini hi-jack:

I've been meaning to ask about brakes. I have 70K on a 06 F350 SRW 6.0 diesel. Tow 9K LBS about 100 miles a year, other than that just normal driving, little stop/go on the 18 mile drive to work, etc. I know it varies but what is normal time to have the brakes done? I always thought it was like 60K miles or some thing but never had a vehicle this long so really don't know. It drives fine, just don't want to press my luck and every time I've had the local lube joint check them, they say they are fine. New tires at 60K, other than that 0 issues.

[JupiterSunsation]

Mini hi-jack:

I've been meaning to ask about brakes. I have 70K on a 06 F350 SRW 6.0 diesel. Tow 9K LBS about 100 miles a year, other than that just normal driving, little stop/go on the 18 mile drive to work, etc. I know it varies but what is normal time to have the brakes done? I always thought it was like 60K miles or some thing but never had a vehicle this long so really don't know. It drives fine, just don't want to press my luck and every time I've had the local lube joint check them, they say they are fine. New tires at 60K, other than that 0 issues.

My 03 2500 GMC got its first brake job at 135K miles....pads and turned rotors. They were still ok but I was changing a wheel bearing anyway so why not do the brakes while it was all apart. The 135K miles probably had 10,000 miles of towing, the rest was a mix of mostly city/light on hwy miles.

[Wobble]

Mini hi-jack:

I've been meaning to ask about brakes. I have 70K on a 06 F350 SRW 6.0 diesel. Tow 9K LBS about 100 miles a year, other than that just normal driving, little stop/go on the 18 mile drive to work, etc. I know it varies but what is normal time to have the brakes done? I always thought it was like 60K miles or some thing but never had a vehicle this long so really don't know. It drives fine, just don't want to press my luck and every time I've had the local lube joint check them, they say they are fine. New tires at 60K, other than that 0 issues.

I just had my brakes checked at 100k miles, it's likely that I will get another 40-50k miles out of the original pads.

Whenever I have my tires rotated I take a quick look at all the pads, if there is less than 3/16 material. I would be looking to get them replaced

[tcuda499]

out here in the snow and salt pads will out last rotors 3 to 1.front and rear rotors at 40K!!!!Pads where like new but still had to change them from rust.