Could this be why GM is in trouble?

[priderocks]

This is my story, and is anectdotal, but relevant I think.

I bought a new Suburban in July 2002. I also purchased an extended warranty (6 year, 72,000 miles). The extended warranties are third-party (not thru GM). To date, a new battery after two years; on my third dash after the first two bubbled; new a/c compressor; new power window motor. But here's the kicker. I noticed a growling noise, a once-per-tire-revolution ominous sound so I took it to the Chevy dealer who told me because my warranty expired in July (the car has only 51,000 miles) I was out of luck. I took it to my regular mechanic who diagnosed a failed axle bearing as well as a failed carrier or possible pinion bearing. Huge $'s here. This car has been pretty babied, and in my opinion no truck should have the bearings shell out at 51,000 miles. The service manager said too bad. It's quite possible all service managers at any make of car would have said the same thing. Do you guys think I should just avoid the high blood pressure and have it fixed, or should I pursue this? And if so, how?

[426HEMI]

Take this for what is worth.  I worked on the Chevrolet customer hot line in Detroit and answered many calls like yours.  I would say to call them and explain what is going on.  You might not get all of it paid for but bet you would get part of it.  Explain about what the dealership done as well.  Dont get mad at them just state your story.  Hope this helps.  Let me know if I can help any more.  Gordon

[71chally416]

Now you know why I tell people to leave the tapered roller bearings in their rears. I assume you have a 10 bolt rear? This won't be the last time you have to repair it. 

[426HEMI]

Besides the ole saying the squeeky wheel get the oil so to speak.  So I would call them for sure.  Might still be some there that I worked with but not sure.  There were several that graduated from Southern IL Uniiversity in Carbondale as well that I knew.  Best of luck with getting it fixed.   

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Hate to say... we sell ALLOT of chevy truck parts (tahoe/burb/silerado)... I'm mopar when it comes to muscle... but my trucks got the blue oval...  My brother in laws got a tahoe..... whatta POC! Being in my biz you really get to see what fails on down the line, and everything you mentioned are common probs! 

[71chally416]

My Daughter's boyfriend has a '99 Chevy truck. It had one of the LS-1 motors with the bad pistons that knock like crazy when they're cold. They told him it was "normal" engine noise and refused to fix it while it was still under warantee.
He's fixed the rear in that twice already. 

[priderocks]

What person should I attempt to contact?

[426HEMI]

I would just call the customer hot line and explain what is going on and if you dont hear what you want ask for a supervisor and see where that leads.  I am not sure who is still up there or I would give you a person to call sorry.  Just trying to be of some help with having worked there.  It has been several years since I was there.  Gordon

[go-fish]

My Dad had a GMC that ran up to 2xx,000 miles. It smoked like hell because of the heads being worn slap out but it really had no problems that were major. It was a 92 though???

My Yukon 4x4 I had for three years never gave me any problems except for the idler pulley. It was a 99. 

I have always had good luck with GM trucks. I had one Ford. The biggest problem with that one was circled right there on the grille. 
It was an 03 7.3 F250. That thing gave all kinds of problems. We also have 7.3 AND 6.0 F550's at work in our fleet and we often have all sorts of problems but in thier defense they do get beat to crap by the operators.
The best trucks I have come across are 70's and 80's Rams (if they aren't rusted out). The 94 and up wear out before they start rusting it seems.

Anymore, I wpould say anyone is likely to get a lemon. Guess who had the most recalls in the last few years? Toyota. Yes, the venerable Toyota. Anyone remember the Toyota tacoma and preTacoma truck buy backs? Toyota was actually made to buy back trucks even though the original owners didn't own them anymore, years later.
I know alot didn't want to sell back because they are good little trucks though. I wouldn't mind having one for a rock crawler.

[Chryco Psycho]

This is why I have bought my last GM product , they are engineered to barely last for the warranty & spend their $$ advertising , I have had similar experiences with GMs , failed diffs are common ,Start maikng some noise ,you may get some help

[torredcuda]

Chrysler has regional offices you can contact about service problems but not sure if GM is set up that way or not?Just call their customer service line and hopefully they can give you some help.I have had my Mopars repaired under warranty a couple times even though they were 1-2000 miles over the limit,the service manager can usually Ok it.

[priderocks]

According to the mechanic who will do the work, the GM axles aren't like the mopar units, in that the GM axle has a machined shoulder that also serves as the bearing inner race.  So, he says we may need to replace at least one axle. Any recommendations here? I see aftermarket axles for $160 or so, and assume theses are made in China. Probably so were the originals. Probably so will the new bearings.

[Moparal]

Parts houses used to sell a gm axle saver bearing. I installed them on a dozen or so cars in the 80/90's era. 

[BIGSHCLUNK]

I think the axles that Kabele stocks are OEM. I'm sure I could order one for you.

[Chryco Psycho]

All Gm axles & the 8 1/4 dodge use a hard surface on the axle for the inner brg race smart Huh , so when the inner race wears out you buy new axles , basically you probably need most of a whole new diff now