Fix it or get rid of it....

[TexasSun]

Alright, here's the deal.
I have an 02' Z71 with 200,250 miles on it. She is starting to have a boat load of problems. I'm at a point where I'm not sure what I should do. I really don't know all the technical terms to go along with it, so I will describe them to the best of my ability and hopefully some can help me decide what to do with her....lol

1. A/C just went out
2. Sunroof leaks
3. Front end is shot (makes noises and has tons of play in the steering wheel)
4. Brakes suck. Even though the rotors and pads are less then a year old
5. Has 2 oil leaks. 1 from the pan & 1 from the left valve cover
6. Needs a new ignition switch. She likes to play games and not start some days
7. The rear lock will sometimes get stuck and you can't open the hatch
8. Driver mirror is losing its backing and now changing colors


Being that my ex-husband so graciously left me in this situation, I'm kinda torn on what to do. I REFUSE to buy a damn car. The only way I will part with her is for another Tahoe.

Is she worth saving?? :sad72:

 

[clkelley]

Welcome to the neighborhood!

When you say the AC went out, what do you mean?

Sunroof probably needs a new seal. The original one is more than likely worn out.

The steering could be an issue as there are just so many parts involved. But doing everything there could get expensive. From $500 if you install everything yourself.

Brakes can be upgraded all the way around for about $450

The oil leaks are pretty easy fixes and maybe a couple hundred.

Ignition switch would be about $100-150

Lube the rear lock and see if that helps at all.

Depending on what you like, you can upgrade/replace the mrrors as a set for about $150 and more for towing mirrors.

Get rid of it? Is it paid for? In decent shape? If so, I would keep it and fix it if you can, then you will know what you have. In a sense you are spending the money whether on a new truck or on that one.

Hope this helps a little...

 

[tonymac617]

Alright, here's the deal.
I have an 02' Z71 with 200,250 miles on it. She is starting to have a boat load of problems. I'm at a point where I'm not sure what I should do. I really don't know all the technical terms to go along with it, so I will describe them to the best of my ability and hopefully some can help me decide what to do with her....lol

1. A/C just went out
2. Sunroof leaks
3. Front end is shot (makes noises and has tons of play in the steering wheel)
4. Brakes suck. Even though the rotors and pads are less then a year old
5. Has 2 oil leaks. 1 from the pan & 1 from the left valve cover
6. Needs a new ignition switch. She likes to play games and not start some days
7. The rear lock will sometimes get stuck and you can't open the hatch
8. Driver mirror is losing its backing and now changing colors


Being that my ex-husband so graciously left me in this situation, I'm kinda torn on what to do. I REFUSE to buy a damn car. The only way I will part with her is for another Tahoe.

Is she worth saving?? :sad72:

1) Get to a place where you an have your AC tested. They inject a dye into the system to find out where it leaks. You may just need new high pressure hoses.
2) As CLkelley mentioned, this is more than likely a seal that needs to be replaced. Shouldnt cost that much and with some tools and this forum, you should be able to do it yourself.
3) See if you can get a free estimate at a local shop. This could be anythign from Wheel bearings, to actual front end steering components and can get expensive.
4) On the brakes, you may need to replace your brake fluid in your braking system if it has never been done. Also when you changed the brake pads, how was the wear on the pads? uneven? This could indicate an issue with your brake calipers too. The cheaper place to start would be your Brake fluid replacement.
5) These oil leaks are not too hard to repair and should be closer to the last things on your to do list.
6) Get a can of air duster you find at the computer stores and try to blow out your ignition. Over time, dust and grim can build up and cause the issue your having.
7) As clkelley mentioned, get some oil on the rear lock and use your key to lock and unlock the lock to spread the oil throughout your lock mechanism. That should fix it.
8) You dont need to replace the mirror entirely, just the glass. Im assuming you have power/heated mirrors? Tilt the mirror to the down position. If you peek behind it, you will see how it attaches to the mirror housing. Using a small screwdriver, you can pry the tabs and remove the mirror to replace it. Be careful of your wire connectors. the glass shouldnt be that expensive if you go on ebay etc.

Good luck on your decision and before you decide to repair or replace, think of the money you will be spending to do one or the other and that may help your decision.

 

[clkelley]

6) Get a can of air duster you find at the computer stores and try to blow out your ignition. Over time, dust and grim can build up and cause the issue your having.

You know what, I didn't even think about that, nice!!! Thanks!eace:

 

[alexandergrantmyers]

Keep it

I say keep it. you have the perfect situation for a project vehicle. Of course this means that you will have to get a crappy 4 cylinder to get back and forth from work and what not until you get your Tahoe back up to standard. Then use the money saved on gas to put to purchasing performance parts. you won't have to worry about screwing up to much because you always have the 4 cyl to take care of business.

 

[clkelley]

I say keep it, in the end, verses a payment, the more you put into it the better it is and you also KNOW what you have in it. You buy another new or used and there are good and bad in all of them.

 

[tonymac617]

I say keep it. you have the perfect situation for a project vehicle. Of course this means that you will have to get a crappy 4 cylinder to get back and forth from work and what not until you get your Tahoe back up to standard. Then use the money saved on gas to put to purchasing performance parts. you won't have to worry about screwing up to much because you always have the 4 cyl to take care of business.

Since we havent heard back from the op were not sure of the mechanical ability to be able to perform these repairs on her own or not. Also, performance mods to a motor with over 200k on the clock may be asking for trouble. Internal parts are worn, and adding more strain in the form of horsepower, your asking these more than likely stock internals to work harder/faster. Not so much a good idea. Hopefully we can help get her back on track with the current issues and she can have a safe reliable vehicle once again.


I forgot to mention, on the AC it could also be the Compressor. to the OP (original poster) Pop your hood and start your truck. See if you can look at your AC compressor (usually towards the bottom of the engine) you will see the clutch of the compressor sitting still in front before the belt. Go and turn on your AC on high. Go back and look at the AC compressor again. Is the clutch moving now? It should be spinning. If not, then it could be your AC compressor that is causing your AC not to work. This can be a little pricey to fix unless you buy an aftermarket unit and find a place that can evacuate the system properly and install the new compressor. Ask them if they charge you for recharging the AC system and how much it will cost because usually you can do this yourself with a kit they sell at the local parts stores for about $40 bucks or so.

 

[hilary11579]

Sounds like your ex and my ex left us in the same situation!