08 Silverado

Deichler · August 16, 2010

Hi Guys! I just hit 36,000 miles on my 08, so, that means no more bumper to bumper warranty. I was wondering what you all have that you keep an eye on. It is an reg cab long box LS, so not too many frills inside, just power locks. And both actuators have been replaced already. It is a 5.3L with 4L60E. I have the 5 year 100,000 powertrain warranty. I know it covers the obvious, trans engine etc. But what else does it cover? Powertrain is sort of vague. To me anything that makes it move is powertrain, axles, engine, transfer case, trans, cv-axles, wheel bearings etc. I know about the brakes, trust me! This thing has been in for brakes so many times it is not funny. But, dealers have just turn't the rotors twice and I have replaced the drums already, they were out of spec and could not get them in spec without going below minimum spec. So, I bought a new set of drums from Advance and so far they are ok.

Any other issues or anything? So far it has been a headache truck, transfer case was shot from the factory, first time I used it I could not pull the lever back. Looong story there. And brakes another issue. Engine oil pan gasket replaced. Door actuators. But I still LOVE this truck. It is the best truck I have had so far! (Despite all the issues). I hope I am getting all of the bugs out of it. I hope they all are out now. Any kind of maintenance you guys would do? In the manual it just says oil change and check things etc. I have not changed oil in the axles, trans or anything. The transfer case was done when it was rebuilt by GM. I put the trailer tow kit on. Trailer receptacle, trans cooler and a class 4 reciever hitch. The tranny cooler is very large and keeps the trans fairly cool towing my 16 foot tandem axle aluminum deck over trailer. More or less a ATV trailer. Weighs 1200 empty.

Well, thats about all I can think of. Let me know what you all think on what to check for and what maintenance items to do. Thanks in advance for any info!

Stevens03 · August 17, 2010

Well, these trucks are known for Rear main seal and transmission seal, so keep an eye on that, along with a leak from the power steering pump lines. Other than that, not to many issues to be worried about.

Deichler · August 17, 2010

Thanks for the reply. I would think those 2 things you talk about should be covered under the powertrain warranty I would think. I too haven't heard of too many issues. Heard of 1 or 2 situations of heater cores going out, but that was early in the trucks life.

Stevens03 · August 17, 2010

There's always random stuff, and your right, they ARE covered items under the power train.

ColoradoSkiCountry · August 17, 2010

If you have not already, time to flush the tranny, replace the front and rear diff fluid, and transfer case fluid. You can also change the plugs if you are like me and don't believe in 100k spark plugs. Maybe consider flushing the brake and power steering fluid while your at it.

saxdogg · August 17, 2010

My '08 has 45k already. I got most everything fixed while under the 36k warranty, not much else wrong by this point...bugs worked out hopefully.

Just drive it and do all the major services at 60k. A tranny flush at 36k is overkill IMO.

JP

Daryl LBZ · August 17, 2010

I wouldn't worry to much your trucks just a baby yet. Id just keep up with the regular and preventive maintenence.

August 17, 2010

I am about at the same mileage, 33k. I read the dexcool thread last week about flushing coolant every couple of years.

When are most people needing to replace their rear brakes/drums? I just had my rotors turned under warranty.

Other than that, anything else to look for? It seems that a lot of people recommend much more rigorous maintenance than is indicated in the owner's manual.

ColoradoSkiCountry · August 17, 2010

If you intend to keep your Truck past 100,000 miles then you can't do enough preventative maintenance.

I am about at the same mileage, 33k. I read the dexcool thread last week about flushing coolant every couple of years.

When are most people needing to replace their rear brakes/drums? I just had my rotors turned under warranty.

Other than that, anything else to look for? It seems that a lot of people recommend much more rigorous maintenance than is indicated in the owner's manual.

Crazy Canuck · August 17, 2010

There's always random stuff, and your right, they ARE covered items under the power train.

I don't beleive the power steering is covered, at least it wasn't on my buddy's '08 Yukon (With about 65,000 km/just over 40,000 miles)

ken1mod · August 17, 2010

What to look for at 36k? About 100,000 miles of troublefree driving. Oh, and remember, these trucks are known for needing wiper blades somewhere around 50k

Ken

August 17, 2010

If you intend to keep your Truck past 100,000 miles then you can't do enough preventative maintenance.

I am about at the same mileage, 33k. I read the dexcool thread last week about flushing coolant every couple of years.

When are most people needing to replace their rear brakes/drums? I just had my rotors turned under warranty.

Other than that, anything else to look for? It seems that a lot of people recommend much more rigorous maintenance than is indicated in the owner's manual.

Yes, I'd like to get as close to ten years as possible out of it, which would put me at about 150k. Anything in particular for the 5.3L or the tranmission?

My last car was notorious for timing belt tensioner failure (interference engine...yikes) and engine sludge so I paid special attn to those items.

quicksilverc5 · August 17, 2010

Beware of the fuel pump if you routinely run to 1/8th of a tank....though the pump is covered under the power train warranty. Then you will be hit and miss on those pesky GM electronics, like power window actuators, switches, navi. Hit an miss, but between my Vette and my truck I have had more issues with electronics than anything else here in the south. (had failures of Door locks, Actuators, Navi on both around 36K...though that is closer to 3 years for me since I don't drive much).

ColoradoSkiCountry · August 17, 2010

What does your owners manual say regarding the flushes for the fluids? (Aside from the deathcool, which I personally would do every 3 years)

Deichler · August 18, 2010

Thanks guys! Wipers at 50,000?????? Try 25,000. Mine were toast. But I do live in WI and we get ice, snow and lots and lots of rain lately. I am thinking of doing the diffs and trans @ 40,000 or 45,000. Otherwise, it sounds like these are decent rigs for a while, I hope! I know my 02 started taking igniton switches out at 50,000 and then every year after that. Which is why I have my 08. No one could tell me why they failed. There has to be a reason. But, I hope this one is good to go for a looooooong time!