Service Prices Question

Fasthotrod · March 15, 2018

I'm at 98k miles, and got a coupon for an oil change for $59.95 from my dealer. Full synthetic Dexos. Good deal, as Mobil 1 0W-20 and Mobil 1 filter just cost me $75.

So I asked about the other items, and here's what they told me:

Trans filter and fluid: $129

Trans filter and complete flush: $415

Differentials - front or rear: $150/each

Transfer case: $70

They recommended a radiator flush, but I passed. They don't recommend the transmission flush, just a pan drop, filter, and fill. They can't get to me for a week or so due to spring break and everyone getting maintenance done... but that's okay. I can do all that for a lot cheaper... except for that oil change.

Then again, Mobil claims it's good for one year or 20k miles... not sure if I want to take that bet.

kevinfranklin · March 15, 2018

10 hours ago, Fasthotrod said:

I'm at 98k miles, and got a coupon for an oil change for $59.95 from my dealer. Full synthetic Dexos. Good deal, as Mobil 1 0W-20 and Mobil 1 filter just cost me $75.

So I asked about the other items, and here's what they told me:

Trans filter and fluid: $129

Trans filter and complete flush: $415

Differentials - front or rear: $150/each

Transfer case: $70

They recommended a radiator flush, but I passed. They don't recommend the transmission flush, just a pan drop, filter, and fill.

When I need my tranny filter/fluid and transfer case changed, I hope MY dealer offers prices that reasonable.....don't think I'll ever flush the tranny, just change it more frequently than suggested.

Any idea if all dealers use the same AC Delco full-synth oil, and AC Delco filters? Are those filters considered pretty good?

papageoff · March 17, 2018

Oil change and tire rotation. Maybe the cabin air filter and wiper blades. The rest can wait awhile.

Lol.. that's exactly what they hit me for this trip. I ordered the filter and wipers from Amazon.

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papageoff · March 17, 2018

On 3/14/2018 at 8:18 AM, dbrobins27 said:

I got the same feedback from the dealer when I went in for a TSB repair. I am at 70k miles and just bought all of the stuff off of amazon to do the trans filter and fluid, front and rear diffs and transfer case. All parts/fluids were AC Delco and cheaper than i could get locally. It was $180 worth of materials and 3 hours of my time. I am going to hold off a bit on the brake flush and do that when I need to change brakes. They wanted $150 just for that service.

On 3/14/2018 at 9:47 AM, tnchevy said:

I know not everyone has the mechanical ability or the know how to do your own work but these are fairly simple things to do. Plan on it taking a good part of your day and getting a little dirty but in the end you will know more about your truck, learn something new, and save quite a bit of money.

Rear diff is easy, I would buy a new gasket though.

Front Diff is more of a pain, I use a hand pump to fill the front diff up with (on previous chevys)

Transfer Case is easy, just don't over tighten the fill plug when your done, it is an aluminum case.

Brake fluid is something I just don't mess with unless it is really dirty or I introduce air in the system like when changing out a caliper or master cylinder. On my motorcycles I use speed bleeders and they are just plain awesome! You replace your oem bleeder with these and then bleeding brakes becomes a one man job. My last two silvys went 10+ years with the original brake fluid and all of the company trucks I have had we never touch the brake fluid.

Oh, I know none of this is difficult. I've done differentials an manual transmissions before. I probably will do those because I don't see the point in paying so much for so little actual work. Also, I want to put a finned diff cover on the rear and I'm sure the dealer will spout some BS about "non-factory" parts.

Now, I won't touch an automatic for anything. There be dragons in there. And as for the brakes, I've done lots of work on them on my bike and older cars. Never messed with anything using ABS. I'm sure I could, but time and frustrations are costs I factor nowadays.