The full list of repairs

[bzbatl]

OK all, this is a sort-of followup to the "thinking of downgrading" thread. I got my alignment done today ($120!%!@#) and they had it up on the lift showing me everything that it needs (2001 Tahoe, 120k):

- front shock leaking fluid, all four shocks $600
- new rotors, pads $800
- radiator service (also leaking somewhere) $200
- transmission service $150
- power steering service $110

I already spent $120 + $190 fixing my alignment issue... do I really want to spend the rest of this getting its maintenance up to date? I *think* I can do most of this list myself, but it's a matter of weighing time/cost and if I want to run the risk of something else breaking...

Also, do ya'll think something else could go wrong with the Hoe in the next 16-18 months? Transmission, engine, etc (big ticket type fixes)? What's the typical experience mileage-wise on the last-gen Tahoes?

 

[bzbatl]

Oh, and how hard is it to replace shocks? Any recommended do-it-yourself brands?

 

[JKmotorsports]

:skep: Sounds like they are just trying to get more money from you than is required. That's a lot of stuff. Did they actually point out to you and show you the problems and why the parts needed servicing/replaced? What's with the power steering and tranny service? Some places see a drop of fluid and then recommend to the customer that a lot of stuff needs to be serviced or replaced to remedy the leak.
You can replace the rotors and pads yourself a lot cheaper. The shocks aren't hard to do. You can just replace one pair at a time or all four at the same time, whichever budget allows. Change the trans fluid and filter if it hasn't been done. 120K isn't a ton of miles these days. I see these trucks come into the shop with over 160K, some with upwards of 200K, still running strong. Just needs to be regularly maintained. As long as the oil/filter has been regularly changed and the engine hasn't seen a lot of unusually high rpms or abuse, than you it should last you for a good while longer. But definitely change the trans fluid/filter as soon as you can. Have it flushed to get all the fluid out from the torque converter also.

 

[bzbatl]

:skep: Sounds like they are just trying to get more money from you than is required. That's a lot of stuff. Did they actually point out to you and show you the problems and why the parts needed servicing/replaced? What's with the power steering and tranny service? Some places see a drop of fluid and then recommend to the customer that a lot of stuff needs to be serviced or replaced to remedy the leak.
You can replace the rotors and pads yourself a lot cheaper. The shocks aren't hard to do. You can just replace one pair at a time or all four at the same time, whichever budget allows. Change the trans fluid and filter if it hasn't been done. 120K isn't a ton of miles these days. I see these trucks come into the shop with over 160K, some with upwards of 200K, still running strong. Just needs to be regularly maintained. As long as the oil/filter has been regularly changed and the engine hasn't seen a lot of unusually high rpms or abuse, than you it should last you for a good while longer. But definitely change the trans fluid/filter as soon as you can. Have it flushed to get all the fluid out from the torque converter also.

Yeah, it was on the lift while the dude was pointing out everything.

The only thing he said really need to be changed pretty soon is:

- front shock is definitely leaking (would need to change both fronts at same time)
- power steering fluid is nasty black
- rotors are warped slightly, i knew this already though, it shimmys slightly when braking hard
- transmission fluid has never been changed

The rest he kind of pointed out and said "not immediate, but preventative". I have changed the oil myself every 5-7,000 miles with Shell Rotella T synth since ~70,000 miles. Prior to that, I was religious with Castrol Syntec on the same schedule. I drive like a pansy. Or a grandpa - I like that better.

I'd like a guide on doing the fluid services myself. Only thing I've ever done was brake fluid - and I wasn't perfect with it, so ended up having Brake-O fix the job for me.

Any guides on tahoeforum that I'm missing?

 

[tahoebigah]

Well $600 for four shocks is a rip. They are easy to install if you have a few basic tools and a jack. You can get a whole set of Bilstiens for $247 shipped to your door.

Also for the new rotors and pads you can get a better deal. You can get slotted rotors and pads from SSBC for cheaper price and not only that they stop better than stock.

 

[bzbatl]

Bilstiens the recommended replacement? I'm ok with investing a little more for some better performance, weight reduction, or a longer life.

What's SSBC?

 

[JKmotorsports]

Bilstiens the recommended replacement? I'm ok with investing a little more for some better performance, weight reduction, or a longer life.

What's SSBC?

Bilsteins are good shocks. Check out Tokico as well.
SSBC is Stainless Steel Brake Company. They make performance brake kits and components. I have one of their big brake kits on my Tahoe, so I can vouch for the performance. You can upgrade to just a set of performance rotors and pads, install them yourself and have money left over instead of taking it to a shop.

 

[tahoebigah]

I have just the rotors and pads on mine and it is worth it.

Here is a link to the shop on ebay I bought my bilsteins from which has the cheapest price I found anywhere. I have had mine for about 3 months now and they ride smooth.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BILS...ryZ33590QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[bzbatl]

Man, ya'll are making this a difficult decision :lol:

I do have all the necessary tools, I'm just leery about working on my daily driver. I have no problem working on a project car or my motorcycle... because I know I won't need it *tomorrow*... you know?

My emotional side (very small but comes out once in a while) gets involved in this decision when I think about how many times I've been on the side of the road when I owned the Vette. I really don't want my little guy to be with me if/when that occurs.

 

[tahoebigah]

Replacing the shocks dosent take that long. It took me 2 hours and that is with me taking my sweet time and it could be done in about a hour or less. Just do it on the weekend when there isnt much going on.

 

[bzbatl]

You got me convinced. I ordered the shocks.

Now I need a lesson in replacing power steering and transmission fluids, and fixing a pinhole leak in a radiator.