Edmunds Answers questions

Should we reopen motor because of tapping sound in engine after it was overhauled when the radiator burst? Chevy Suburban.

martiinpanama — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 14:39:42 GMT

Our Chevrolet suburban is a 1999 1500 5.7 litre gas engine 4wd. It has almost 110,000 miles. It was driven overheating until strange clanking noises came from the engine - the warning sensor did not sound.

We live in Panama (republic of Panama, not Panama city Florida) so decided to take the car to the Chevrolet dealer here thinking that they would do the best job to get it up and running. They gave me a list of parts to buy from the US (brightauto.com) because spare parts are so expensive here. The parts included, two cylinder heads complete with new intake and exhaust valves and seals, gaskets, radiator, oxygen sensors, water pump, oil pump, brake booster.

We had them DHL-ed here so that we could get the car up and running as soon as possible. This all happened last year in May! I drove the car back home some 300 miles away and noted that there was no change in the temperature sensor all the time I drove. It registered very low.

I took the car to the local Chevrolet dealer and they told me that the new radiator did not have a temperature gauge and so I sent for this and had it installed.

However, the engine still did not sound right. There was a kind of rhythmic knocking noise coming from it. They told me it was the drive belt tensor (the part that keeps the tension of the drive belt) so we bought a new one and replaced this. But the knocking sound still continues. They then told me it was a part called a balancing and cabellito in Spanish, which I think is a rocker arm and the rocker bar. There are 8 of these in each cylinder head and they are what make the valves go up and down.

I was told that one of the rocker bars was showing signs of wear and was moving too much, hence the noise. I duly sent for a rocker arm and bar. But having lost faith in the Chevrolet dealer I now took the car to another mechanic who is reluctant to do the work in case replacing one rocker arm and bar does not get rid of the tuc tuc tuc noise in the engine. He is talking about replacing the entire engine all over again, or at least the pistons, rings, all 16 rocker arms and bars as well as the busos (the parts that contain the oil at the bottom of the rocker bars and lubricate them as they go up and down.

It seems to get more and more complicated! However, the same mechanic also told us that if we can live with the tuc tuc tuc noise itself then we could just drive the car as is because we are not actually damaging the engine.

However, after spending so much we would like it to be made as good as new! By the way, the temperature warning sound still does not sound. I know this because about four months ago the t-connection on the hose split and the gauge registered very hot. I stopped before any strange noises came and we replaced the t-connection and since then the temperature gauge has worked fine. So I am fairly sure that we did not damage the engine this time.

The car is now off the road having its rear wheel bearing replaced. It seems that the wheel axle fits directly into the bearing and is showing extensive signs of wear.

Originally the mechanic said that he could have the axles rebuilt but now is saying that really we ought to buy them new. Please can you also advise on this. Many many thanks for any suggestions you may have.

Which is typically more reliable in a Suburban-the newer 5.3 or old 5.8?

jkhinch — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 21:21:13 GMT

Looking at possibly buying an 11 year old Suburban with approx 100k on 5.8 or a 2001 with 150k miles on 5.3. I know many other factors to consider, and no, they are not the same price, but curious about reputations of the engines. Thx.

IF ANYONE OWNING LATE MODEL SUBURBANS WITH LEATHER HEATED SEATS HAD BURNS CAUSED FROM HEATED SEAT

sylle2007 — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 16:53:02 GMT

TRYING TO FIND OUT IF ANYONE OWNING LATE MODEL SUBURBANS WITH LEATHER HEATED SEATS EVER HAD BURN INJURIES WHILE DRIVING SEVERAL HOURS WITH HEAT ON. IF SO PLEASE LET ME KNOW

1997 suburban will not start in cold weather it turns over but won,t start.

lancer1163 — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 13:09:32 GMT

it only happens in cold weather after sittint all night. if i pump the crap out of it it will finaly start sometimes. after it starts it runs fine and i have no problems. when i do pump the crap out of it after i let off the starter itdeasels avery little. yester day i stuck a blow dryer towards rear of throtle body for 20-30 mins and it started up. it acts like a coke is sticking. but it is fuel injected so any ideas thank dave

Hi there I am new on this think but I will like to know how relaible you consider a 2001 suburban 4wd 1/2 ton

666mike — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:34:23 GMT

I really apreciate the help.

I have a 2001 Suburban. Can you tell where to find a front console door for sale. I’m not having any luck. Thanks

78malibu — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 18:51:28 GMT

I have bought a front console that attaches to the lower dash and my center console for my 2001 Suburban but it did not have the door that flips up and down. I have looked everywhere on the web trying to find where I might can buy one....no luck. Any info will be appreciated...thanks in advance.

i need some help removing the front rotors on my 1998 suburban 2500 4x4.

bigcountry0716 — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 16:26:51 GMT

trying to replace front rotors on my 1998 suburban 2500 4x4

1988 Chevy Suburban steering column loose

dixiedog1 — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:35:03 GMT

It's a tilt wheel. It was loose, then became so loose that I can no longer drive it. I took it apart, but not sure what I'm looking for to fix it.

'88 Chevy Suburban. Loose column at the tilt joint. How do I remove the turn signal plate to get to the joint to tighten?

dixiedog1 — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:17:55 GMT

1988 Chevy Suburban.I have a loose column at the tilt joint. How do I remove the turn signal plate to get to the joint to tighten it?

I have had a problem with my 2005 Chevy Suburban's transmission. Has anyone had the same problem?

mtap007 — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:06:01 GMT

the dealer is saying the transmission is out because a few gears are broken. This vehicle is only three years old and I have never towed anything on it or had any major problems until now. Is a new transmission the only option?

1999 Chevy Suburban never did burn oil until I put Amsoil in it. Why is that?

andrew05 — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 19:28:12 GMT

when i first bought my suburban is never did burn oil i would change it every 3,000 miles and then heard about amsoil and thought i'd try it but now i'm adding about a quart every 2,000 miles and dont understand why

I want to understand how to replace seals in a 1995 Chevy Suburban front differential (rear).

tenerem — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 21:45:44 GMT

I have leaky seals in the front rear where the axles come out. Are there "c" clips inside the rear that release the axles so I can then replace the seals? Even if there is, does that mean I have to remove the whole rear to get to the clips? Thanks

07 Chevy Suburban tow limit 5.3L 3.73 ratio

gdroster — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:03:26 GMT

My Wife and I are interested in purchasing a 2009 Surveyor model 300 travel trailer that has dry weight of 6300 lbs. Trailer length is 33 ft bumper to tongue. Tow vehicle is a 07 Chevy Suburban 5.3L with 3.73 ratio. Tow limit is 7000 lbs on the trailer with 4200 on the rear axle. I am comfortable with the margin on the rear axle limit, but am looking for some advice on the trailer limit. We weighed our vehicle and will be within the 13,000 max vehicle and trailer, but will be close. Most of our travels will be less than 2 hours from home on relatively flat grade. Also, we are looking at the Reese Dual Cam WD and sway control, as well as the Tekonsha Prodigy brake control, so any comments on those products would be appreciated as well.

I have a 99 Chevy Suburban 2400. It won't engage in gear, but I noticed that one of the rear wheels spins. Brake problem?

bschlanger — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 17:37:03 GMT

I have a 99 suburban 2400. It acts like the transmission is not engaging. It rocks forward but won't move. I noticed that if I step on the gas, one of the rear wheels spins. Does that mean the transmission is OK? Could the other wheel be locked up somehow?

What is the bolt size on the caliper of a 1999 Chevy Suburban?

jvela — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:05:24 GMT

i need the size of the bolts on the caliper, for a 1999 chevy suburban

My '99 Chevy Suburban has an oil leak.

untilitquits — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:48:15 GMT

It looks to be coming from the Oil pump housing where the filter attaches. The filter isn't leaking and seated firm. Do I need to replace the oil pump or could it be something else?

What is wrong with the steering on a Chevy Suburban 2000 4x4? It turns to the left no problem, but to the right is hard.

psandoval — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 22:27:28 GMT

2000 Burb 4x4 turns to the left but to the right is hard to turn what is the problem,thanks.

I need to know where the vacuum lines go on a 1990 GMC Suburban. A diagram or picture would be very helpful. Thanks.

shanson1 — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 08:20:03 GMT

My son took the egine out of my 1990 suburban 35 engine,and he cant remember where the vaccum lines or hoses go. can someone help me?

89 Chevy Suburban electrical problems.

dorian69 — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:14:46 GMT

have a 89 suburban 454 2wd. while driving check engine light comes on(due to bad VSS) for a few seconds then turns off, power lopes for 1-2 sec. then opperates fine. i noticed that during the occurance, my radio had reset itself. battery and alt are fine. could it possibly be bad ground, loose connection? engine light has been on for a while, but just started with this problem. any info would be greatly appreciated.

My Chevy Suburban stereo will pick up a station as close as 20 miles but will not receive an FM station at all. What's wrong?

sureshot4 — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:23:05 GMT

Factory unit, close to a am station it will recieve with static but will not recieve an fm station if Im sitting on thier parking lot! Tried to check antenna in back of radio but could not evevn find where a wire goes into it. This is on a 1993 suburban.

Why has a 2001 Chevy Suburban brake performance deteriorated to unsafe performance despite numerous repair attempts?

jarrodr — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 17:35:20 GMT

I have had a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban since it was new in Dec 2000 and have about 145,000 miles on it. When it was new, I do not recall any significant problems with the brakes...I thought they worked well. But braking performance started becoming poor around the 100,000 mile mark when everything else in the truck was failing too. In fact, the poor braking resulted in a crash due to sluggish and poor braking response in 2005.

MAIN PROBLEM: it takes too much pedal travel to engage the brakes, when they do engage it is so soft that the rest of the pedal travel is not capable of fully engaging the brakes. I cannot get full braking power and it is so bad, it is scary to drive. This is OUTSIDE of the low-speed engagement of the ABS, which I have already had to have fixed twice.

HISTORY:
In the last three years, I have spent literally thousands of dollars trying to fix the brakes. The dealer has replaced backing plates, emergency brakes, rear disc/drum, and pads twice. I quit using them and had another shop work on them when I had a bad wheel bearing and upon replacing that and having the front pads done, I had some improvement. But the performance deteriorated to the point where I had the entire system except for the ABS replaced, from master cylinder all the way to calipers shoes/pads, rotors, and rear disc/drums. After a $1300 bill, they guy at the shop just told me he was amazed that the braking performance wasn't that good after the repairs, but had no other answers...so I left, poorer and with marginally improved braking. In less than a year and not more than 10k miles, I had it in the shop again for brakes (different mechanic) and the rear brakes were almost completely worn and yet another master cylinder was replaced another wheel bearing replaced and again, barely adequate braking was achieved. Only a few months after that, braking deteriorated more than it ever had before, so much so that I won't let anyone else drive it...in fact, it is now in storage. I am just sick of having it in the shop for the brakes...parts replacement are not solving the problem and no one is really finding out what is causing it. Bleeding the system has occurred multiple times when it has been in the shop and I cannot identify any leaks in the system (fluid levels remain stable in the reservoir).

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

I am an engineer (chemical and controls engineering degrees) with good mechanical aptitude and I have spent years troubleshooting equipment, process, and controls problems. There certainly must be some tests that can be performed on the braking system to determine where the problem rests...if the truck won't stop and there is not enough power (read hydraulic pressure) being translated to the pads, then why? Is the output of yet the 3rd master cylinder too low? Why? Is there a possibility that somewhere in this system a mechanical component like a pressure relief valve is causing bypassing and limiting the pressure at the calipers? Is there a possibility the ABS could be shunting or bypassing the fluid? Is the system realizing some kind of expansion like due to a weak hose wall and the fluid is being pumped into an expandable volume that has enough pressure to force the liquid back into the reservoir when the brake pedal is released?

There are many, many questions that could be asked and answered...can anyone help me ask the right questions?

Chevy Suburban rear. What is the clearance for pinion to driven gear?

wrischan — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 10:56:45 GMT

On 1994 S1500, 2wd, the differential gear carrier bearings failed, and broke one of the spacers on the driven gear. I have replaced the bearings, and gotten a series of spacers to set the clearance between the pinion and driven gear, but I can not find a desired clearnace. What is it - on another car, you set the backlash, but can find no guidance on this car.

Chevy Suburban feels like the wheels are spinning when I press on the gas. Then it takes off.

preid1968 — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:05:15 GMT

I was sitting at a stop sign and lightly pressed on the gas to go and it wouldn't go....it sit and I could hear spinning. Then, like it just got a sip of gas and then takes off. Could this be the transmission.
2005 Chevy Surburban Z71.

05 Chevy Suburban 4x4 won't engage and indicator lights not on. Code 357? and 376? (not sure on codes).

wmackey — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 00:39:23 GMT

80,000 miles 1500

My 2000 Chevy Suburban has 200,000 miles and the rear main seal is leaking. What are my repair options?

beemannn — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 09:19:54 GMT

What are my repair options?

GMC Suburban makes a humming noise when driving.

1986blazer — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:05:47 GMT

i have a 1996 gmc suburban 4x4 and it makes a humming noise only when the truck is in motion, the sound increases when i increase in speed, i was told that the problem is in the front diff, but the 4x4 works just fine, im clueless

How easy (or difficult) is it to change a caliper on an 04 Chevy Suburban? Is there anything special to bleeding the brakes?

alley1967 — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 21:12:12 GMT

I have a caliper that I can't get the pistons back on...maybe it's froze? How hard is it to change and bleed a new one?

My 2001 Chevy Suburban has the ABS light on. Need help to fix problem

joevalls — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 22:44:17 GMT

I have a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban that after driving for several miles ABS and brake light gets on. Brakes seen to be ok. Did a scan with a friend and have following codes in memory: CO 242; 246 and 265. Need some help where to start to solve problem
Thanks

What Chevy Suburbans' rear suspensions interchange with a 1993?

wilderides — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 20:57:17 GMT

I have a 1993 Chevy Suburban and I need to find out what years of chevy rear leaf springs will interchange with mine.

1999 Chevy Suburban misfire #5. How to fix?

cruzinsaab — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:40:04 GMT

5.7 V-8 Suburban 112K miles, intermitant check engine light. Misfire on #5 cyclinder, new wires, cap, plug,OK. New fuel pump, and factory injector kit. Compression OK. Any known issues about coil or computer wireing? We have run out of ideas...Please help

2001 Chevy Suburban 6 liter aluminum plug wire shields question.

denm — Mon, 11 May 2009 07:28:53 GMT

The aluminum shields that go around the spark plug boots that go on the spark plugs, are they pressed into the cylinder head, or are they just held in place by the spark plug boots holding onto the spark plugs?

1999 Chevy Suburban. The horn is connected to alarm that works but does not work from the steering wheel. Please help.

spencer9 — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 21:51:03 GMT

How can I repair without taking apart the steering wheel?

I started to remove the rotor on my 98 Chevy Suburban. I did not know that the bolts on the back side had to be removed.

nuyguy — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:43:35 GMT

My 1998 Suburban is now immobile. While trying to remove the rotor I used a puller and got the rotor almost off but I did not remove the bolts on the back. The rotor jammed. I was able to remove 3 of the bolts that hold on the rotor from the backside. But one bolt was was too hard to remove because of the rotor being pulled and jammed up. In the attempt to remove the bolt I have almost destroyed it. Any suggestions on how to get it off. I can provide pictures if needed.

Thanks for the help.

My emergency brake cable broke on my 2001 Chevy Suburban. How do I release the emergency brake?

hby1105 — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:24:01 GMT

Emergency brake cable broke. How do I release the emergency brake?

1993 Chevy Suburban brakes are locking up when key is on, but are free when car is turned off. What is wrong?

bozo55 — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 22:04:00 GMT

You can actually see the brake pedal move when you accelerate, the brake pedal comes up and the brakes engage more when you let off the gas pedal.

Intermittent soft brake pedal with ABS shuttling on 1999 Chevy 4WD Suburban.

blackpacific1 — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:01:13 GMT

I recently replaced the master cylinder, bench bled it, did some system bleeding, then had a local shop perform a full bleed to each wheel. Even after doing this, the soft brake pedal problem I was addressing continues to get worse. I took it back to the shop, and the technician recommended I have the dealer read some of the codes at the ABS module. I have an OBD II scanner, but it is not showing any codes. Any ideas from the Edmunds community would be appreciated. Kind of want to get this fixed before Winter is here.

Having severe tire wear issue on driver's side inside front tire. Any suggestions? 20" Bridgestones on an '08 Chevy Suburban.

2008_suburban — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:01:10 GMT

Have a 2008 1500 Suburban with the 20-inch Bridgestones on it. Started to notice cupping on the inside of the tires in the first 15,000 miles. After several rotations, the original front tires are back on the front - an additional 7500 miles - inside of tires are now cupped so bad that the cord is showing. Had my local mechanic look at the alignment at 15,000 miles and alignment checked. Currently have 27,000 miles with one badly worn out tire. In process of having vehicle's alignment checked and 2-tires replaced.

Just spent $2,500 on a full brake job for a 2005 Chevy Suburban. Flemington, NJ GM dealer. Am I getting ripped off?

paul160 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:36:23 GMT

Suburban 2005 brake job.

Does anyone know where I can access a spot that gives meaning to all of the RPO Codes for a GM SUV ?

marceco — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 21:13:53 GMT

Specifically Chevy & GMC Suburbans 1999 and newer

I've got a 2003 Suburban that "slips" with the traction control active. Anyone know which sensors cause this?

cooletv — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 20:52:59 GMT

As designed, in the snow this truck will show "traction active" when the wheels slip. This essentially makes the motor rev without power to the wheels to regain traction. Great function. However, now that I've had it in the mountains of CT in my second winter season, now it shows "traction active" for no reason at all. Clear dry roads and temperatures in the 50's an 60's, I still get the same reading. It happens often when it counts, i.e. pulling out into traffic, so it can be fairly nerve racking and dangerous. Disabling the stability control works as a temporary solution, but then I lose control in the snow and ice, and turns itself back on at startup. Dealer tells me $240 to clean the sensors that may have rust biult up on them. Me, I've got fine sandpaper. Point me where to lightly sand and I will. Any advice?

2000 Suburban Door locks B3138 Error

marianne527 — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 11:30:15 GMT

Door locks stop working, have gone through 3 batteries in 3 years. I'm told there is a short...but don't know where. Today I was told the error is B3138, and I have to bring it to a dealership. Anyone have any idea what this could be?

i have an 88 Chevrolet Suburban 8 lug. want to put the power brakes on59 chevy elco.change whole a arm or spindles?

420s59elco — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 03:43:28 GMT

im replacing a stock rear end with 3/4 ton 8 lug out of 88 suburban. i want to use the the whole power brake system. so i would like to just 8 lug the front end with the rest of the brake system. but will it fit? do i change the a arms or just the spindles?. so its an 88 suburban, and a 59 chevy el camino.

my 2003 chevy suburban engine light came on.. reduce engine power ...can you help me

mcmains — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 17:55:40 GMT

i have a 03 chevy suburban and the engine light came on
reduced engine power and the truck power went down

98 Chevy Suburban bad fuel pump, replaced with filter now?????

traffic_hank3 — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 19:23:31 GMT

Before replacing I tried to get one more start. Beating on gas tank and tried carb cleaner. No luck. Changed out pump and filter (OEM). Now I keep getting ODB-0300 codes (random missfires). I put new plugs, wires, cap and roter. Still getting the codes and after warming up it will not idle smooth (very rough) also notice it when trying to stop the truck lurches . Any help and or thoughts would be greatly appriciated. Thanks Traffic Hank

How many 1949 Chevy Carryall Suburbans were made?

tcfor29 — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 01:15:59 GMT

I have a 1949 Chevy Suburban in good shape, I'm curious if any one knows how I would be able to obtain information on how many of these were made back then, and how many are around today (if there is a way to track that). Any help would be great

The drivers side power seat in my 95 Chevy Suburban isn't working any ideas? It isn't the fuse.

sai0021 — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 20:42:50 GMT

I have a Chevy Suburban 1995 and the drivers side powerseats do not work . It isn't the fuse. Is this something that can be fixed and how?

At high altitudes my 2001 Chevy Suburban 1500 4wd power locks flicker open and close repeatedly. Pulled fuse. WHY?

yon1 — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:31:18 GMT

Was driving through the rocky mountains. The door locks kept opening and closing without let up. I had to pull the fuse to make it stop. When we got to Florida I put the fuse back in and it had stopped. However on the way back it did exactly the same thing. 2001 suburban 140,000 miles. No major problems except replacing the catalytic converters.

I have a 1999 Chevy Suburban and in the last 2 months the mileage went from 18 to 13 on the highway. Dealer pleads stupid!

rodeoshooter — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:53:48 GMT

I have a 1999 Suburban & in the last 2 months the mileage went from 18 to 13 on the hiway. It started on the 11th of Jan when I got 16.7 after driving 167 miles in ice and snow. Filled up and got 14 on dry roads with 45 degree temps. The engine was replace on 1 Jun 2007 and has 20,000 miles on it. I took it to the local dealer twice. The first time they claim the timing was retarded 6 degrees and claim the corrected it. I then got 11.5 mpg after their "repair". Took it back in on the 24th of March and they claim it is running perfect. Now the Dealer pleads stupid!

I would really appreciate any suggestions. I replaced the fuel filter and pump in Jan 07. The wires and cap and rotor were replace in Dec 06. The dealer states I might want to try replacing all of those again but states it would be a long shot. Replaced all of the exhaust system in June 05 and replaced right bank cat. converter a month ago.

Please help me. I drive about 30,000 miles a year and the gas will kill me at a 33% drop in mileage.

Thanks,

Al

97 Chevy Suburban rough idle

tonheib — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 11:38:17 GMT

my problem is similar to the guy with the 98 suburban: stalls at lights when fuel gets low,shakes after starting and at idle, hesitation, but has no lack of power. has a stock vortec 5.7litre 350.check engine light stays on all the time. Anyone have any definite answers to fix this problem before i change out this engine block?

Why do bright headlights work fine at night, but dim headlights work only intermittently? Chevy Suburban.

ctleach — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 00:39:49 GMT

I have a 2001 Suburban. Over past month, at night, sporadically the dim headlamps will not turn on, no matter if switch is on auto or manual. But bright lamps always work fine. During daytime, dim headlights appear to work fine. Have checked bulbs and relay switches and they are fine. Dealer cannot fix because lights work fine when I drop off the car there.