What maintenance do you do yourself?

[benjohnson2001]

I'm looking at the maintenance schedule for my truck and it looks like some of them come up frequently so maybe I should learn how to do it. I'd like to hear from you guys though, what kind of things do you do yourself? Are some of them best left to the professionals? I haven't gone into depth yet, don't know if some need special tools or are sensitive procedures requiring special skills and experience. I don't know how feasible it would be to do all these myself, but maybe it wouldn't be too bad

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[stutaeng]

Most, if not all of those line items can be done a DIY-er in a driveway or garage. I don't really seen anything that requires special tools or knowledge, except maybe the clutch fork (for manual trans.?) and front wheel bearing repack (I thought those you just replaced?)

And does that manual list what you replace when you hit 150k, 200k, 300k miles? LOL. At some point an engine, transmission, transfer case, etc. will need overhaul.

Brake fluid and power steering fluid?

 

[1998_K1500_Sub]

From that list? All of them.

Well, I've never inspected the EVRV...

"Grease ball joints and steering fittings" must be considered "chassis lubrication".

"Check brake pads / calipers / slide pins / brake shoes", "check coolant level", "check freeze plugs for leakage", "check steering linkage for wear",... and a bunch of other things not in that list need to be done fairly regularly in a old / high-mileage vehicle. I won't try to enumerate them all.

My rule: Change the oil + filter every 3000+ mi and look at everything while under the vehicle. EVERYTHING. Rotate tires from time to time and look at... EVERYTHING. Open hood and check... you get the idea.

 

[Schurkey]

front wheel bearing repack (I thought those you just replaced?)

4WD on GMT400/IFS bearings are not repacked, they're replaced as a hub assembly.

2WD bearings get repacked. Straight-Axle 4WD front axles get repacked, and it's a PITA to do it right--there's three bearings and most folks can't figure out where the third one on each side is. Theoretically, the 2WD and straight-axle bearings get repacked EVERY time the hubs go under water.

And does that manual list what you replace when you hit 150k, 200k, 300k miles? LOL. At some point an engine, transmission, transfer case, etc. will need overhaul.

At the highest mileage listed, you just start over from the beginning.

Engine, trans, transfer case, etc. are not "routine maintenance" items. Unless you're a real fanatic, or have a fleet.

Brake fluid and power steering fluid?

Brake fluid should be flushed at every pad/shoe change, at minimum. I think the official recommendation is every two years.

Friggin' no-one changes PS fluid unless a hose pops or the cooler gets a hole in it. I'm not saying that's right, or good...but that's the way it is. That's why I've come to like PS filters.

 

[DonYukon]

I use to do about 90% of that stuff but its hard to find time to do it anymore. for me its cheaper to pay someone else as Id have to take off work to do it. Like currently my 92 is getting a parasitic draw test and a front end rebuild done to it .

 

[Kchevys]

The first 2 Door I had, 1997 model, developed a noise/whine in the power steering. Also, I couldn't explain the steering but it had become harder to steer and less responsive. Used a hand pump and emptied the reservoir. Filled it up with Amsoil. Drove five miles up the highway and back through town. Pumped out the reservoir again and filled it a second time with Amsoil. I considered that "changed". Noise disappeared and steering was noticeable better......like brand new truck noticeable. I became a believer that day in changing PS fluid. Now I typically pump the reservoir and refill whenever I change trans fluid.

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

I prefer to do as much of the service/repairs on my Burb as I can. That way I know what has been done,and what may need attention in the near future, and were the fasteners torqued properly and cleaned,all parts needing lubrication got it,etc. Most shops aren't going to treat your vehicles like they were theirs. If you find one that does, keep them handy.
However, sometimes I don't have the time to do the fixing, so I have a shop that can. They were able to replace the u joints last year, when a driveline noise suddenly got a lot worse. Mom and I were between work visits,and I didn't have time or tools to do it right then. For the money spent, it was well worth it,to get back on the road. These guys do my annual state inspection, and are familiar with my Burb. I've had them do a couple other jobs on it that I couldn't handle.
They did the state inspection on it today ( passed with flying colors! Yay!). Tomorrow I'm bringing it to them to do the front end work that I haven't been able to get to. With power tools and a lift, they can get it done lots faster than I can.
My dad brought me up to know how to fix stuff on our cars and trucks, so I wouldn't get taken advantage of.
To answer your question a little better; yes, most basic maintenance on these trucks is stuff that's not difficult, and it's good knowledge to have.

 

[thinger2]

I do everything myself. I dont care whats wrong with it I do it myself.
But I also have four spare cars.
I always recomend having at least one backup cheap reliable shitbox.
It can get you to work, and the parts store, and the beer store.
And it gives you the time to repair your truck the right way instead of slapping it back together.
And it gives you time to use online resources like this forumn to get some input from other people.
You can learn how to do all of it.
The GMT400 platform is just such a great way to start.
You really cant do much damage if you are a bit carefull about it.
And the support for anything SBC is really easy to acess.
Im willing to bet that most of the people on here started out with bicycles and moved on to lawnmowers and then they bought a small block chevy.
Except the Mopar guys.
They are crazy.
You can do it

 

[0xDEADBEEF]

I don't even think the dealerships followed that schedule.

 

[1998_K1500_Sub]

I don't know how feasible it would be to do all these myself, but maybe it wouldn't be too bad

Big "pat on the back" for considering to do these things (and more) yourself, you'll save a few $$ in the process and you'll learn some things that will serve you for life.