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Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

18277 messages,  Last post on Nov 18, 2009 at 6:43 AM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, GMC Envoy XL, Isuzu Ascender, Oldsmobile Bravada, SUV

#18246 of 18277 Bilstein front shocks on Bravada worn? by cebteb Aug 12, 2009 (6:06 pm)
My 2003 Bravada has 42K miles on it and in the past few weeks the ride off he front suspension seems to have greatly deteriorated. The Bravada used to ride smoother than my wife's Chrysler 300M, but now when a front wheel hits a man-hole cover dip I get a big bang and jolt. Had an alignment and new tires done in spring. Air suspension on rear axle seems to still be very compliant.   Any thoughts on the sensibility of replacing the front Bilstein shocks that came stock with the Bravada and some of its sisters.
#18247 of 18277 Re: Questions [cebteb] by pepito51 Aug 13, 2009 (3:10 am)
Replying to: cebteb (Aug 12, 2009 5:56 pm) Hey, cebteb.  I have all my servicing done at a major dealer, so I'm surprised they haven't tried to push brake pads on me yet. They always try to push something so they might this time. I'll ask them about it specifically. No one is better on brake life than me, however I have no teenagers or women drivers, so they last a lot longer even on other vehicles. I suspect when I ask the dealer, he'll want to replace them--kinda like asking the barber if you need a haircut Do they usually "turn rotors" on these vehicles as well?   Yes, I've changed the transmission fluid once (not the filter), at the dealer, using the "exchange" method at around 55,000. Next time I change it, I may have them do the the "drop pan" and new filter, etc. Is that what most people do, or do they continue using the exchange method over and over?   The dealer will probably try to push "fuel injector" treatment, but I run some powerful stuff through mine at intervals. Sometimes Techron, sometimes RedLine Engine Cleaner. Do people recommend the dealer fuel injector treatments? I have a Pontiac with 150,000 miles that has never had a dealer fuel treatment, just the ones I give it.   Thanks. Replies to this message: cebteb (Aug 13, 2009 3:45 pm)
#18248 of 18277 Re: Questions [pepito51] by cebteb Aug 13, 2009 (3:45 pm)
Replying to: pepito51 (Aug 13, 2009 3:10 am) Rear pads can last 100K miles, but front pads go about half that. Ask them for a measurement of the front pad thickness; unless they lie or don't know how to measure the pad, that should give you the information you need regarding replacement. There seems to be a lot of opinions on this, but 1/16" seems to be the absolute minimum thickness (I think the wear indicators start to sing before this point, but I could be wrong), with most saying 3/32" or even 1/8" as the point at which they should be replaced.   Yes, they should turn the rotors when they change the pads. Since you have never had a brake job, the rotors should be okay to turn unless they are warped, in which case they require replacement for safe, quiet, and smooth future operation. Turning a warped rotor will often lead to a too thin remaining rotor, which will only warp again very quickly from heat during usage.   I think most folks just use the exchange method. When I changed mine at 39K (brownish ting to fluid), the dealer made no attempt to up-sell. In fact he really didn't want me to take the "pan drop" option as it was not necessary with the design of the system.   I've run some "powerful" stuff through my injector system, but my mileage has still deteriorated. I too would be interested in others comments on the dealer's injector cleaning service. I had an '85 Nissan 300ZX Turbo that required the multi-port injectors to be "rodded out" about every 40K miles else performance and mileage suffered badly. I don't know exactly what the dealers offer for these SUVs or whether it is at all worth it.
#18249 of 18277 P0442 error code on 2004 Rainier V8. by snoking Aug 14, 2009 (8:14 am)
Our Rainier is starting to repeatly get a P0442 error. Onstar twice said check the fuel cap for being tight. I reset the error with my code reader, but a couple months later I get it again. I checked the fill pipe seat and cleaned the gasket on the cap. Anyone else having this issue currently?   Chris Replies to this message: cebteb (Aug 14, 2009 10:01 am) glubash (Aug 14, 2009 3:53 pm) handyandy3 (Aug 15, 2009 5:56 am)
#18250 of 18277 Re: GM V8 Engine Oil Problem [drewmich] by snoking Aug 14, 2009 (9:37 am)
Replying to: drewmich (Aug 08, 2009 11:20 am) We have a 2004 and it does not use oil. Maybe it has something to do with the displacement on demand V8. The only thing our V8 uses is a lot of gas! It has never seen a service station it did not like or want to stop at.   My wife however loves it! It will turn on a dime and give her change.   Chris
#18251 of 18277 Re: P0442 error code on 2004 Rainier V8. [snoking] by cebteb Aug 14, 2009 (10:01 am)
Replying to: snoking (Aug 14, 2009 8:14 am) Replace the fuel cap. I think it is a chronic problem with these SUVs that the fuel caps won't hold the required pressure after about 5 years. Replies to this message: glubash (Aug 14, 2009 3:53 pm)
#18252 of 18277 Re: P0442 error code on 2004 Rainier V8. [cebteb] by glubash Aug 14, 2009 (3:53 pm)
Replying to: cebteb (Aug 14, 2009 10:01 am) If replacing the cap doesn't work, it could be a problem with the fill tube on the tank. I don't have the paperwork in front of me, but there was a service recall for road salt corrosion on the fuel tank fill tube (only if the vehicle was purchased in the "salt belt").
#18253 of 18277 Re: P0442 error code on 2004 Rainier V8. [snoking] by handyandy3 Aug 15, 2009 (5:56 am)
Replying to: snoking (Aug 14, 2009 8:14 am) make sure after you put in fuel you turn the gas cap at least 3 clicks if that doesnt cure the problem it is probably time for a new fuel filler car (they do go bad)   ken z
#18254 of 18277 Salt Belt, we are in the Rain Belt! by snoking Aug 15, 2009 (6:04 am)
Rain Belt here, near Mt Rainier! Chris Replies to this message: snoking (Oct 15, 2009 5:05 pm) snoking (Oct 19, 2009 9:08 pm)
#18255 of 18277 Is this a good brake pad deal? by pepito51 Aug 17, 2009 (9:08 am)
Thinking about having my Envoy with 78,000 mi. checked for new brake pads. At previous tire rotations I've been told they are "OK". Gmgoodwrench has a special this month (after $25 rebate) of $74.95. This includes installation of ACDelco DuraStop ceramic front brake pads. If rotors have to be turned, they told me that is about $80.00 extra. Four questions: 1) How good are the DuraStop ceramic pads?. Is that the same as or as good as OEM? 2) Why is it only "front brake pads"? Is it uncommon to have to do the rears, or do they last longer? 3) Does this sound like a good deal? 4) For future info, how long do rotors generally last before they, too, have to be replaced? Thanks! Replies to this message: cebteb (Aug 18, 2009 8:43 am) slipkid (Aug 19, 2009 5:44 am) rj123456 (Aug 19, 2009 8:53 pm) pepito51 (Aug 20, 2009 1:00 pm)

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