DIY Oil Change

[WyoRock]

Apologies if this has already been covered, but I couldn't find it in my search of forum topics:

 

I see a shield bolted in 4 or 6 places under the oil pan on the 5.3L engine of my 2015 Sierra. When I do my own oil change (after the 4 provided by GMC), must I first remove that shield, or is there another way to access the drain bolt and oil filter? (Sorta seems like a pain to remove the shield.)

 

Bonus question: When the dealership changes the oil, do they typically lube the two zerk fittings on the outer tie-rod ends? I've not seen any mention of this in forum topics on dealer oil changes.

 

Thanks!

[fondupot]

Cant comment on the skid plate removal, but I doubt they grease the zerks when they change the oil.

[newdude]

No need to remove the shield as the filter and drain plug are behind the shield and that crossmember right under the oil pan. If they know the fittings are there, they might get grease, otherwise, its a 50/50 shot they do.

[WyoRock]

That IS a long ways to the back of the engine, but found it! Thanks, 15H. Saved me from removing that shield just for yucks.

 

Per the OM: "1500 Series vehicles, at least every other oil change lubricate the outer tie rod ends."

 

So I'll be sure to mention the zerks to the dealership when I do get that 2nd free oil change, even though the warranty never mentions more than furnishing up to 4 oil/filter changes. No mention of free lube.

[Black02Silverado]

I would make sure that the fittings are getting greased. Just a simple pump from the grease gun at each oil change wouldn't hurt a thing. You don't want to overgrease as this will possibly blowout the seal around the bottom of the tie-rod ends.

[redwngr]

"Less grease, more often"

[J-man67]

Son-of-a. The shield doesn't have to come off? I'm pretty angry with myself bc I assumed I couldn't access without removal. I've done all of my oil changes and removed that annoying shield every time!

[thewhitestallion]

I do two squirts of grease in the zirt fittings every oil change, never had a seal blow out on me and when the dealer did my free oil changes they never greased them.

[RyanbabZ71]

Son-of-a. The shield doesn't have to come off? I'm pretty angry with myself bc I assumed I couldn't access without removal. I've done all of my oil changes and removed that annoying shield every time!

Good thing yours isn't one of these. Would be a good workout

 

 

 

Ryan

[J-man67]

Yea, good thing it's just flimsy plastic haha.

[Ryan698]

Okay what are you guys greasing can some take a picture to show me.. New with trucks

 

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[07Softail]

Okay what are you guys greasing can some take a picture to show me.. New with trucks

 

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Outer tie rod ends.

 

RT