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Chevrolet Equinox Maintenance and Repair

1675 messages,  Last post on Apr 12, 2013 at 10:59 AM

You are in the Chevrolet Equinox Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Equinox, Electrical, Engine, SUV

    
 
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Messages Page 85 of 168

#837 of 1675 Warped Rotors by sgr5516

Jun 01, 2006 (5:46 pm)

As hard as it is to believe, tightening the lug nuts the wrong way does indeed cause the rotors to warp on certain chevy models. I have a 2004 Malibu Maxx and a 2005 Equinox. The Maxx was fine until dealer rotated the tire the first time. 3000 miles later the rotors were warped and had to be turned. The next time they rotated the tires, the same thing happened. After they were cut a 2nd time, I manually retorque the lug nuts to spec any time anyone removes a wheel. I have not had a problem since. Now have 30k miles.
 
Since the NOX was new, I have always retorqued the lugs to spec and have not had any problems with the rotors so far.
 
The owner manual for both cars says that improperly tightening wheel nuts can lead to brake pulsation and rotor damage.
 
GM has also published a very long TSB on warranty brake service procedures. This TSB also says improper tightening of wheel nuts can cause brake pulsation and warped rotors.
 
Of course I never had this problem on any other car I've owned. Chevy is just using cheap, lower quality rotors to save money and car weight to help with mileage.

#838 of 1675 Re: Warped Rotors [sgr5516] by cschneider3

Jun 02, 2006 (10:58 am)

Replying to: sgr5516 (Jun 01, 2006 5:46 pm)
I had (in past tense due to too many problems I had with the Equinox that I traded it in a week ago) 20,000 miles on my Equinox with the tires rotated every 6,000 miles and oil changed every 2,000. I never once experience a rotor problem and I rotated my tires 3 times within that timeframe. My father owns his own mechanic shop, so I was using the air gun to tighten the lug nuts and never re-tightened the lugnuts to specification.
 
With all the problems my Equinox encountered, I wouldn't doubt it was a problem with the Equinox and not the lugnuts.

#839 of 1675 Re: Warped Rotors [sgr5516] by dyna

Jun 02, 2006 (2:46 pm)

Replying to: sgr5516 (Jun 01, 2006 5:46 pm)
Since the NOX was new, I have always retorqued the lugs to spec and have not had any problems with the rotors so far.
 
And I tighten em up so hard you would think the studs are ready to bust off, yet I haven't had any brake issues in over 40,000 miles so far.

#840 of 1675 In reference to my posts on the clinking sound by chevygirl73

Jun 07, 2006 (6:24 am)

I had my fiance talk to a Chevy Dealer where he knows the Service Manager - he basically said this is the biggest complaint he is hearing about the Equinox and its from the cheap exhaust system that Chevy is using - poor quality steel, which means we will all be replacing our exhaust system sooner than we should. I am glad I purchased the extended warranty. Haven't decided if I am going to live with this annoying sound or just go get an aftermarker better quality exhaust system and having it installed on the Equinox.
 
I have come to the realization that no car company is perfect, I just got rid of a 2003 Honda Accord which was the biggest piece of crap I ever owned. Quality just isn't around anymore.

#841 of 1675 Re: Different Problem with 2005 Equinox LT AWD [steve_] by noxno

Jun 11, 2006 (8:09 pm)

Replying to: steve_ (Jun 01, 2006 3:28 pm)
After my last tire rotation and flat repair I never made it out of the parking lot, applied brakes and thought the entire vehicle was coming apart. I've been driving for 30 years, never experienced this from over tightened wheel nuts. Read your manual 5-69 " Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead to brake pulsation and ROTOR DAMAGE" California driver's stay tuned, as it appears we are being overcharged for vehicle registration. They have the Equinox listed as a PK for commercial use, I could not get through to them that it is a LT for passenger use. I had to leave before being escorted out. Can anyone tell me the platform the NOX was built on? Thanks, a lot of good info here. Make sure your GM Tech applies the correct wheel nut torque during your next service. (just kidding)

#842 of 1675 Re: Different Problem with 2005 Equinox LT AWD [noxno] by mr_bots

Jun 11, 2006 (9:22 pm)

Replying to: noxno (Jun 11, 2006 8:09 pm)
The Equinox is built on GM's Theta platform. This platform is used on the Saturn Vue, Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Torrent, and the new Suzuki XL-7.

#843 of 1675 Re: Equinox Odor Problem [barlo] by judge3

Jun 15, 2006 (1:07 pm)

Replying to: barlo (Jul 16, 2004 12:50 pm)
I have identified a significant rattle in the back of my Equinox. The dealership missed it twice. It is the spare tire wheel well which is defective. I would think that this is the source of the water and perhaps the smell. They are aware of the problem at GM and have sent the part and have provided me with a car in the meantime. This vechile has been in 2xs for struts as well. Also, there is a thumping noise in the rear when at rest at a light...this has something to do with the awd differential.
Overall I do like the vehicle but looking forward to the end of the lease in two years.

#844 of 1675 Warped rotors not a common problem by jim_dandy

Jun 15, 2006 (3:46 pm)

I rotated my tires and looked at my Nox rotors and didn't see anything abnormal after over 1 year. (I live in the North Salt Belt.)
Rotor surface are clean and true.
 
There are 4 main reasons for "Rotor warp".
  
1)Rust & Dirt not cleaned off of wheel hubs and rim plate before tire
rotation.(Most common)
  
2)Lug nuts not tightened in proper sequence at GM Nox Spec. of 92ft/lb of torque
on each lug nut.(Very common)
  
3)Rotors have been cut too many times or not properly.
  
4) "Over Heating" of brakes, which may be due constant hard braking or rear brakes not working properly.
  
There is only 1 rotor complaint filed with NHTSA.
  
CR's consumer survey shows Best for no brake problems on the Equinox.

#845 of 1675 No Problems with my Nox with over 14,000 miles! by jim_dandy

Jun 15, 2006 (3:59 pm)

I guess it's human nature to complain, most people don't say anything if "life is good".
  
For me, my 05 Equinox is treating me good.
  
Here are my mileage results:
City; 17mpg
Mixed local and highway; 20mpg.
Some local and more highway; 22mpg
Little local and mostly highway with cruise set to 65mph; 25mpg
All highway cruise set to 70mph; 26mpg
I had a 30mhr tail wind, highway cruise set to 70; 30mpg
Yes, 30 mpg.
 
  

#846 of 1675 AIR CONDITIONER ON 93 OLDSMOBILE NOT GETTING VERY COOL by johnpeter

Jun 15, 2006 (5:26 pm)

Our 1993 Oldsmobile 88 air conditioner is not getting cold like it should be. It eventually starts sending out slightly cooler air - but not at all like it used to. Blower is working fine just that the air is only slightly cool and that takes a while. What is most likely the cause and any inexpensive ways to fix this?
 
Thanks!

Messages Page 85 of 168

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