Important 100k mile maintenance and dealer quotes

BulletBourbonLTZ · May 30, 2017

Hi guys, I recently took the suburban in for an issue with right axel seal leaking which was covered under our extended warranty. They however came back with a bunch of things that should be done I wanted to run the list by you guys and see if A) The maintenance is important and B) if the quote is a good price or if I should shop around. Normally I used to do all of my own maintenance and work but I no longer have time to do it (unless its super easy and not involved). Also it seems this truck has lots of electrical issues. Air compressor was replaced, door lock mechanisms, factory nav., the list goes on, all prior to my purchase. Since I have owned it, I have had seat heater stop working, 2 door locks stop working, and air bag sensor (listed below). are there general grounding issues with these trucks I wonder?

Recommended maintenance from dealer:

Plugs and wires: $533
Replace forward airback sensor (currently there is a service airbag light on): $450
replace both rear airride shocks because they are leaking: $1220
Flush for Cooling system: $135
Flush for transfer case: $190
transfer case service: $93
3 part fuel service $133
front diff / rear diff service: $106/$155

007matman · May 30, 2017

Hi guys, I recently took the suburban in for an issue with right axel seal leaking which was covered under our extended warranty. They however came back with a bunch of things that should be done I wanted to run the list by you guys and see if A) The maintenance is important and B) if the quote is a good price or if I should shop around. Normally I used to do all of my own maintenance and work but I no longer have time to do it (unless its super easy and not involved). Also it seems this truck has lots of electrical issues. Air compressor was replaced, door lock mechanisms, factory nav., the list goes on, all prior to my purchase. Since I have owned it, I have had seat heater stop working, 2 door locks stop working, and air bag sensor (listed below). are there general grounding issues with these trucks I wonder?

Recommended maintenance from dealer:

Plugs and wires: $533

Replace forward airback sensor (currently there is a service airbag light on): $450

replace both rear airride shocks because they are leaking: $1220

Flush for Cooling system: $135

Flush for transfer case: $190

transfer case service: $93

3 part fuel service $133

front diff / rear diff service: $106/$155

Seems a little high. I just had the plugs and wires done at my dealership (Escalade) and I think it was around $350. The fluids are easy for a DIY guy. Can you do any of that yourself? Transfer case took me maybe 30 min going slow. I probably could've done it in 15.

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007matman · May 30, 2017

Rear shocks are less than 500 from Amazon (for my Esky with Magnaride). Two bolts and a could of clips is all that is to it.

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dasimmon · May 30, 2017

would def recommend doing a good bit of that on your own if able to...ur wallet will thank u

dsr611 · May 30, 2017

1..Do the plugs and wires yourself...spend a couple hours max and $150 tops

2..Replace airbag sensor yourself...sensor costs $65 (Dorman brand) or $180 (GM brand) at Rock Auto

4..Flush cooling system yourself

7..snake oil...all they'll do is add the GM fuel system cleaner to the fuel tank and send you on your way. Get a can of seafoam and pour it in the fuel tank and save $120

8..drain fluid and refill yourself for less than $50 for each

Or, find a reputable local mechanic and let him do it and save a few $$$

BulletBourbonLTZ · May 30, 2017

Awesome, thanks guys for the feedback. I will look into do this myself as much as possible then.

DareDog · May 30, 2017

plugs and wires are $80 for AC Delco ones, maybe 25 mins tops to change them.

fluids in transfer case and front diff have drain plug so that easy to do, just changed front, rear diff and transfer case, the oil was $100.

had to replace air bag sensor on front of the truck and that was 10 mins to change.

if you look on ebay you can get parts cheap on there and with free shipping.

Colossus · May 31, 2017

No need to take it to the dealership. Just find an independent repair facility that knows GM trucks, you'll get treated better and probably save a bit of $$$ too.

BOSS324 · May 31, 2017

I am certified YouTube mechanic...lol but seriously I was the same boat as you. Invest in tools YouTube the job in most cases that is all I needed. Tools and a visual of the job I've been able to do:

Install endlinks and sway bar bushings

Bump stop

Plugs and wires

Tie rods

Belts

4WD switch

Swap gauge cluster stepper motor

Steering stabilizer

Lube suspension

More I am sure but along the way bought tools to for each job over time.

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BulletBourbonLTZ · June 19, 2017

Hi all, thanks again for all the info and such. I am finally getting around to this and was wondering if you guys had any recommendations from where to buy parts? What about easiest way to find out which fluids to get for things like coolant system, transfer case, differentials, etc?

Thanks again!

mj0528 · June 19, 2017

Google will do most of what you ask. I knew nothing but Ive fixed/upgraded all but one thing that I had to get help with. That was on the travel trailer brakes so maybe that doesn't count lol

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KARNUT · June 19, 2017

The first 100K mile plug change recommended vehicle I had, I ask my mechanic friend about it. It was an 04 Z71, he said wait for check engine light. At 180K I traded it in running great same plugs. I now weigh my high dollar dealer recommendation against how long I'm going to keep it. Once I get past warranty. They're in the business of getting as much money from you as possible.

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kstruckcountry · June 19, 2017

Recommended maintenance from dealer:

Plugs and wires: ~~$533~~ around $100

Replace forward airback sensor (currently there is a service airbag light on): ~~$450~~ around $80 if I recall

replace both rear airride shocks because they are leaking: ~~$1220~~ well under $1000, depending on the route you go

Flush for Cooling system: ~~$135~~ under $80, if a shop does it

Flush for transfer case: ~~$190~~ under $100, if you buy a pump and use expensive oil

transfer case service: ~~$93~~

3 part fuel service ~~$133~~ $30 for a few bottles of cleaner

front diff / rear diff service: ~~$106/$155~~ around $100 for both

1. I would do the plugs and wires yourself. I'd use the recommended ACDelco, preferably purchase online. Should be very easy for you, about a 2 hour job tops. Make sure each plug gets anti-seize and torqued to spec. Dielectric grease inside the boots won't hurt anything.

2. There should be 2 front airbag sensors, I would check which one is the problem and replace it. In my experience, even an independent shop will overcharge for this. If you lay down under the nose of the vehicle, you'll see them. If you unhook the battery for this it's about a 10 minute job. VERY easy.

3. The airride is a tough decision. You can replace them with the same shocks from online, which as mentioned is very easy. Or, if you aren't attached to having airride, eliminate the system. Should be plenty on google about that.

4. I think a cooling system flush is a great idea, but that quote is steep. It can be messy; I've had an independent shop do mine in the past.

5. I don't think a flush is necessary for the transfer case. I would change the fluid, then do it again in a few months or a year. Might be easier to have a shop handle it, can get messy.

6. No idea what's in their "service", but I'd skip it. If you need more than fresh fluid, you need more than a service, IMO.

7. I would skip their fuel service. There's definitely nothing wrong with running some fuel system cleaner or injector cleaner through, but you can grab a couple bottles and do it at the pump.

8. Once again, I don't know what's part of their "service", but I think changing the gear oil in both diffs is a good idea.

+9. I think it's a good idea to drop the transmission pan, swap in a new filter, and fill it back up with trans fluid. This is easier with a shop lift.