- #299 of 335
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2004 TB front differential problem
by dlucken
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Apr 26, 2008 (7:01 am)
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I just had to rebuild the front differential on my 2004 Trailblazer at a cost of $2,098! Miller Chev said the cause was different brands of tires between the front and back (not different size). I had to replace the rear tires recently and bought the same tires as originally installed. I then had to replace the front tires shortly after that but couldn’t buy the same tires because they had been discontinued. I had a mixed set of tires on the vehicle that were very new. A few months later some terrible noise was heard when I shifted in A4WD. The road conditions were slippery – snowy. It seems to me that if the 4WD system on the Trailblazer is so sensitive to different tires GM should say so. People (like me) could avoid the possibility of that kind of problem.
Also, Miller Chev has a sign prominently posted above their service area that says they are not satisfied unless the customer is satisfied. I'm certainly not satisfied. While my complaint has more to do with Chevrolet than them, they could do more to get GM to be truthful about the tire requirements for the Trailblazer. There isn't anything in my Trailblazer manual to suggest the potential problem.
How about other 4WD vehicles?
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- #300 of 335
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Re: 2004 TB front differential problem [dlucken]
by burdawg
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Apr 26, 2008 (10:40 am)
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Replying to: dlucken (Apr 26, 2008 7:01 am)
In my opinion they fed you a load of crap. What was the actual problem with the differential? I mean, did they give you any idea what actually failed in it?
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- #301 of 335
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Re: 2004 TB front differential problem [burdawg]
by dlucken
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Apr 26, 2008 (11:09 am)
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Replying to: burdawg (Apr 26, 2008 10:40 am)
The repair bill states: Found side bearings pitted excessive, causing noise pinion bearing starting to pit. replaced side bearings and pinion bearing and resealed case. Total part bill: $542.
I tend to agree with you. Probably the easiest excuse to deflect my irrititation. I will follow up with the BBB but am not too hopeful.
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- #302 of 335
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Re: 2004 TB front differential problem [dlucken]
by burdawg
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Apr 27, 2008 (12:54 pm)
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Replying to: dlucken (Apr 26, 2008 11:09 am)
Did they mention anything about water being in the differential? Or the lubricant was low?
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- #303 of 335
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Re: 2004 TB front differential problem [burdawg]
by mstarr13
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Apr 28, 2008 (5:29 am)
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Replying to: burdawg (Apr 27, 2008 12:54 pm)
First, I would call the dealer rep at GM. They are flat out lying to you. I went through my owners manual (I have an 02) no where in there does it say anything about the tire issue and making sure they all are the same brand. Since every other car I have ever owned worked fine a reasonable person would assume this one would too. The dealer rep can jump on the dealership for their dishonesty. If neither can help you, go to the BBB and file a formal complaint with your state attorney general's office against GM AND the dealership. Also, shoot some emails out to your local news stations, you might get lucky and get one of them to take up your cause for a story. When both the BBB and the AG call them, they will give you want you want just to shut you up.
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- #304 of 335
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Re: 2004 TB front differential problem [dlucken]
by steve_ HOST
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Apr 28, 2008 (7:47 am)
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Replying to: dlucken (Apr 26, 2008 7:01 am)
Here's what the Tire Rack says about mixing tires.
Subaru doesn't recommend mixing tires on their AWD systems, because of the powertrain. They put that info in the owner's manual I think.
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- #305 of 335
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Re: 2004 TB front differential problem [steve_]
by m1lkman
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Apr 28, 2008 (9:57 pm)
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Replying to: steve_ (Apr 28, 2008 7:47 am)
Not all car manufacturers put it in their service manuals as subaru does, but the general rule on 4WD vehicles, especially AWD vehicles is to replace ALL four tires at the same time using the same brand of tire. Even with new tires, sizes vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer, even if the size on the tires say they are the same, there can be a quarter inch or more in diameter difference which will cause havoc with your drive train. Same thing when buying two tires now and the other two 5000 miles later. the diameter of the tires needs to be the same for the drive train to operate correctly. This is also necessary for your ABS and Stabilitrac systems to work safely. Each wheel on the vehicle has a sensor which tells the vehicle how fast they are rotating. The vehicles computer needs to "see" that all four wheels are rotating at the same time for the two aforementioned systems to work properly and safley. Hope this info helps.
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- #306 of 335
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Re: 2004 TB front differential problem [burdawg]
by dlucken
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May 10, 2008 (10:18 am)
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Replying to: burdawg (Apr 27, 2008 12:54 pm)
Thanks for responding. There wasn't any mention of water or low oil but in discussions the service mgr said low oil was a possibility.
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- #307 of 335
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Re: 2002 chevy trailblazer transmission BLOW OUT [motoma]
by powella1
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May 19, 2008 (4:16 pm)
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Replying to: motoma (Feb 29, 2008 10:16 am)
How did you confirm they know of this? I am having the same problem - my 04 has completely shut down on me while driving twice and then twice has just dropped out of gear while driving. When towed in they tell me they can't find any problem - can't get it to repeat it and give it back to me. Its fine for a few months and then it happens again. I have a feeling they know exactly what it is but are told by GM that unless they can actually observe the problem - not to do anything about it. I would love to find out how often this is happening and confronting them with that information.
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- #308 of 335
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2001 Transmission Problems Trailblazer
by robied
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May 31, 2008 (9:00 am)
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Hi..I am new to this forun but looking for help. I tried to back out of a parking space last night only to find I had no reverse. I was able to drive over the parking lot blocks to get out. I checked fluid (it was low) - replaced it and started to drive again. No reverse still....Now it is taking a long time to shift gears. This is an automatic transmission on a 4 wheel drive trailblazer with approx 91000 miles. Never had any problems or warnings before. Does anyone know what is up with this? Mechanic is unavailable this weekend. 
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