Gm Extended Warranty Checkup - Common Problems?

det07 · April 26, 2009

2005 Chevy Silverado Z71 W/ 44,000 miles purchased used Feb 2009.. purchased GM 2yr extended warranty. I just purchased this truck and am not sure what work was performed by the previous owner. So far I have done the following...

Change trans fluid/filter

change front/rear differential fluid

change transfer case fluid

Change spark plugs & wires

Greased front end

Dealer service so far...

Replace drivers side upper control arm (ball joint seal busted)

I plan to take it in to the dealer again so they can look everything over while it is still under warranty.. What should I have them look at while it is in the shop?

Zembonez · April 26, 2009

With 44K on the clock, pretty much all you need to look over is maintenance stuff... and it looks like you have that covered. Spark plugs and wires aren't normally required until about 100K on these trucks so you are ahead there. The only issue others seem to be bringing regularly up on that year model are steering shaft replacements. Pretty darn solid trucks.

Not really much the dealer can do unless you have specific complaints. I'm sure they will give it a courtesy look over for you though.

ScottyBoy · April 29, 2009

At that mileage, I'd also change the radiator coolant and maybe even flush it out. I'd definitely change the fuel filter also. I usually change mine about every 24-25k miles. I also write the date and mileage on the new filter with a permanant marker. Also, if you havent't already done so, change the engine oil & filter and the air filter. You may also want to inspect and clean the throttle body. I know when I first bought my truck, I had 52k miles and the throttle body was black and gunked up to the point that the acceletor pedal would stick sometimes. I searched and found this is a common issue. Also, the steering shaft like Zembonez said. I'm now on my 4th steering shaft, (Actually 3rd, it was re-greased once, then replaced with the "new style" twice now.) and finally the clunk is gone.

Stylous · May 15, 2009

I would also replace/flush the power steering fluid in place of synthetic. This is NOT on the required maintenance but a FOAF who is a Chevy Tech says they see 1 PS pump or hydroboost unit go bad a week. His recommendation is a fluid flush every 50,000.

I had to replace my PS unit at 35,000 ($175) and my hydroboost unit ($250) at 70,000. The PS unit would have been a $500 bill and the HB unit would have been a $1000 bill had the dealer done it. Invest the $6.00 if you do it yourself or the $35.00 and have the dealer do it...either way, just do it!