2003 Silverado

[NEO]

I've got an 03 silverado w/ 38,000 miles on it. Was just told that the passenger side tie rod end needs to be replaced, at only 38,000 that seems ridiculous.

Warranty was up at 36,000, anyone else have front end problems this early on your chev? I bought the truck new nd have been diligent about maintenance, oil changes tire rotation etc.

It's only about $200 to replace, none the less it still sucks.

Maybe I should trade it in on a Nissan Titan.

[Macgyver55]

38,000 miles is premature and 200 bucks seems pretty high even considering the cost of an alignment. Seriously an outer tie rod end is very simple to replace and costs around 35 bucks for a good quality one and an alignment should run 60 to 70 bucks most places. I'd check around!

[elevatorguy]

That seems a little soon to be doing that. I have an 03 2500 HD with 141,000 miles and I don't know if they have ever been changed. Only things I have done since I have had it is a ball joint and idler and pittman arms and also the bushings on the torsion bar. So maybe a second opinion is needed

[Jeremy airjer W]

It does seem a little soon but nothing surprises me anymore. I had a Chev Suburban on the rack for its first oil change. The front left stab link was missing. Not even 3,000 miles on the vehicle. We also rebuild front ends on the s-10 blazers about every 35k - 45k.

The price is right in the ball park for a shop to replace. $40-$80 for the part, $50-$100 dollars for labor (book time is .9 hours) and an alignment $50 - $70. So $140 to $250 depending on where its done. It is an easy part to replace and you could save yourself $50-$100, might be worth it.

[Powerstroke]

Moog parts have a lifetime guarentee and arae pretty cheap. The part is easy to replace and you could dave yourself a lot of money. Make some markings and take some measurements so its as close to where it should be as possible. CHange it yourself and still be able to drive it in for an alignment.You can get it taken care of for under $100. Thats a lot of ice fishing gear.

[IFallsRon]

I had the first greaseless ball joints on an 88 Silverado. I'm pretty sure that I had them replaced in the first year and before the recall. It wouldn't surprise me that there are tierod probs.

[walleyeaddict]

trade it in on a ford!! Problem solved.

[caseymcq]

Quote:

---

trade it in on a ford!! Problem solved.

---

Nope. I had 34,000 on my Ford and had the first one replaced and by the time I had 50,000 I had to have the other side replaced. I think every brand has had this problem on a few trucks that were just unlucky. I have talked with guys that had it happen on Ford, Dodge, Toyota and now Chev.

Not Nissan though, so maybe your right NEO.

[walleyeaddict]

Just got a new one and have had no problems up to 25000....had one before this one that went 100000 with never so much as goin to the shop for anything....I change my own fluids...To each his own but ford has proven with reg maintenence they take a beatin. GM owners always seem to have a relationship with mr goodwrench!!! While I hardly even know my blue oval service provider!!! I retract one statement I broke a shift cable on my 05 supercrew.....packed the underneath full of 10in wet sloppy snow and slammed it in park...operator error. Nothin against GM but as far as the foreign dump goes support your own! my 2 cents.

[jltimm]

Apparently you don't realize where all the vehicle's nowadays are made.And a ford not having problems, yeah right!

[NEO]

Talked to my dealer, and I was pleasantly suprised that the extended warranty I purchased with the truck is going to cover the replacent cost(less the $100 deductible.) I would have never guessed that the steering components would be covered, lucky i guess. For all the dump from u ford guys... I still like the GM's and I all brands can have their problems.(except toyota )

[Jeremy airjer W]

Quote:

---

I still like the GM's and all brands can have their problems.(except toyota

)

---

Glad to hear they took care of you!!

Actually Toyota Like dodge fessed up to a known ball joint issue and took care of it at there cost.

[NEO]

An update.....

Brought my truck to the dealer for the above tie rod problem, covered under my purchased extended warranty. I also noted when I brought the truck in that there was a pronounced driveline clunk in the 1-2 shift.

The dealer gave the truck a once over and replaced the tie rod end, did an alignment, replaced the driveshaft with an improved design, reflashed the tranny ecm, and replaced a leaking water pump(of which I was unaware)

Total out of pocket to me $100(deductible). I looked at the "bill" it would have cost me $1800 w/o the warranty. Needless to say I am happy with my warranty purchase, and extremely happy with my treatment from the dealer.

In my view, all vehicles regardless of make, do have some problems.

My dealer treated me well and for that I am grateful, they will continue to get my business in the future.