New Guy Here, Are These Problems Normal?

[Jim GMC]

Hey everyone,

 

I recently purchased a 99 NBS Sierra 4X4 and its been giving me just a few problems. I bought the truck knowing it needed few small things (idler pulley, belt, tuneup, power window switch, blower motor resistor) but from there its been a huge supprise.

 

 

I only put maybe 20 miles on the truck when the brake line poped. Had to get it towed and $2,000 later I got all new lines and hoses and all the small things above fixed. Go to pick it up and the battery dies, add another $80.

 

About 150 miles later I notice something hanging down at the bottom of the truck. The gas tank strap had broken and the other one keeping it up wasn't looking that good either. While the shop was doing that job they noticed that the loose gas tank ruined the emmissions equiptment above the tank and that had to be replaced too. $700 later the job is done and sure enough before I pick it up something else brakes. The fuel pump decided to stop working (its inside the tank which was just taken down). Luckily the shop replaced it free of charge since they know how much trouble I have been having with the truck.

 

Now that I just got the truck back the ABS seems to be acting up. Whenever I slow down to about 10mph or less the ABS kicks in for no reason just about every single time. And I need tires too, I was going to get them first, but I had to keep the truck running first.

 

Does anyone else have the same problems with thier truck? I put almost $3,000 into a truck and its still not 100%. I gotta sell my Bronco (which runs 100%) just to pay for the parts into my "new(er)" truck.

[Zembonez]

NO, they aren't normal. These are highly unusual problems.

 

I've never even heard of anybody having either problem... ever. Used vehicles are a black hole sometimes. You rarely know what they have been through. Sorry for your issues, but I bet once they are a distant memory, you'll love the truck. (hopefully)

 

EDIT: No offense, JIM but this is exactly why you always want to get a good mechanic to look over a used vehicle. (especially a 10 year old one) A good mechanical inspection would have likely exposed the problems you list. Vehicles are too complex these days for most "non mechanics" to drive around the block and decide whether to buy or not.

[asilverblazer]

The ABS and fuel pump are pretty common.

[jrrod2004]

brake lines are one of the most over engineered items on any vehicle, they are usually made to last the life of the vehicle - popping one is not good, that would be the first that I have heard of a brake line popping. Same with the fuel tank strap - most companies will not skimp on these for fear of a lawsuit down the road.

[Jim GMC]

The ABS and fuel pump are pretty common.

 

 

What is the fix for the abs? Is it usually a computer or the pump?

[jrrod2004]

usually the ABS sensors and sometimes the computer itself.

[Jim GMC]

brake lines are one of the most over engineered items on any vehicle, they are usually made to last the life of the vehicle - popping one is not good, that would be the first that I have heard of a brake line popping. Same with the fuel tank strap - most companies will not skimp on these for fear of a lawsuit down the road.

 

Ironically it poped in more then one spot. Brake fluid was coming out in a few places. As far as the tank strap, there is a very small part at the top of the strap that isn't coated with a rust resistant material and thats where it came loose.

[msonido]

Jim sorry for all the problems with your Sierra. I see that you are from CT, I relocated to NC from there 2 years ago and from my 14 years driving experience up there can say that some of the problems you've experienced are normal but some are beyond normal. The ABS sensor probably needs replacing from the 9+ years of CT winters/salted roads, so I'd say that's normal, my 01 Denali had the same issue after 100K in 6 years. The fuel pump I would also find normal depending on mileage, I had the pump in my 98 replaced at least once. What I would find abnormal is the gas tank issues, since you bought the truck used would you happen to know if it was used to tow a boat? Possibly to the LI sound? Salt water could also speed up the corrosion in the brake lines and your gas tank strap issue. I agree with Zembonez, used trucks can sometimes be a money pit especially if you do not know what the truck has been through previously. Best of luck!

[Zembonez]

Ironically it poped in more then one spot. Brake fluid was coming out in a few places. As far as the tank strap, there is a very small part at the top of the strap that isn't coated with a rust resistant material and thats where it came loose.

Jim, are these mainly rust through issues? Not coming from an area that even gets snow, that is something I didn't even consider.

 

BTW... Welcome to the site.

[Jim GMC]

Jim sorry for all the problems with your Sierra. I see that you are from CT, I relocated to NC from there 2 years ago and from my 14 years driving experience up there can say that some of the problems you've experienced are normal but some are beyond normal. The ABS sensor probably needs replacing from the 9+ years of CT winters/salted roads, so I'd say that's normal, my 01 Denali had the same issue after 100K in 6 years. The fuel pump I would also find normal depending on mileage, I had the pump in my 98 replaced at least once. What I would find abnormal is the gas tank issues, since you bought the truck used would you happen to know if it was used to tow a boat? Possibly to the LI sound? Salt water could also speed up the corrosion in the brake lines and your gas tank strap issue. I agree with Zembonez, used trucks can sometimes be a money pit especially if you do not know what the truck has been through previously. Best of luck!

 

Yes towing a boat to salt water is what me and my mechanic were assuming. The previous owner said he never towed anything with it, but that could be just be .

[DofD]

Hi there Jim and welcome to the site!

 

Good gravy, what a load of issues! Like the other folks said, some of the things are normal, but things like the tank straps and brake lines are really abnormal. If it's rust and corrosion that caused the brake lines and tank straps to fail, I'd be getting a corrosion inspection on all the undercarriage. I suggest this as my uncle once bought a used but fairly new Jaguar, encountered some steering problems took it into a shop and found that the frame, cross members and most suspension parts were nearly rusted through, all due to corrosion.

 

Good luck in getting all these issues sorted out and that no more appear!

[Dmas]

welcome to the site, those trucks are pretty strong, some stuff is normal wear but most of the stuff you describe it looks that was a really beat up truck with little or no maintenance by the previous owner/s