Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
Shelby Griggs
TDR MEMBER
I have just short of 190K on my 2001. 5. I am short on time, so took it to the dealer to get some things done, hopefully they will do good, haven't had too many problems in the past.
I asked for new front brakes, check the rear brakes, check a noise I thought might be a wheel bearing or front axle U joint, flush the brake system, flush the PS and I have seen the ABS light flicker on a few times.
Front brakes needed done, I knew that, still OEM at 190K. They suggested I replace the steering box because of a leak, I knew that, was on the to do list, I said OK. The rear brakes looked OK for wear, BUT the tech reported that they were looking "old" for lack of a better description and did look as if they had got pretty hot at some time, I said OK replace them.
No codes were set for the ABS, and couldn't find a cause. All else appeared OK in the front end, still has all OEM parts except I think they replaced a tie rod end or something when it was still in warranty, BUT track bar, etc. are still OEM. No noise found, it had actually sounded like a stone in the tire, BUT I thought it must be something else because it never seemed to go away. I am sure they wouldn't have hesitated to try to sell me something else if they could, BUT since they didn't, I am going to assume my front end is in good shape.
Shortly after I give the OK on the rear brakes, I get a call, uh, the rear wheel seals are leaking AND the rear wheel bearings are shot, real rough. OK, replace them too. I do run between 8000 and 9000 pounds, sometimes higher on the truck all the time and quite frequently run with my trailer and ATV closer to 11000 pounds, so I suppose the rear bearings could be due at 190K. The tech reported the fluid looked good, Amsoil and I have changed it a few times since new.
So now all of a sudden I think I am getting close to 2K, BUT other than the lift pump replacements, I really haven't put any money other than regular PM's into this truck at all in 7 years, so I guess it isn't that bad.
I could of probably done some of this myself or maybe found someone for less money, BUT overall I have had pretty good luck with the Dodge, Pontiac and VW dealers here and for the most part their shop rates aren't out of line with the independent shops.
I am getting ready to drive to Norfolk, VA mid month and then return to Oregon just before Christmas. In January I take a southern route (stops in CA,AZ,NM,SC), eventually ending up back in Norfolk and then NY, NH/ME before driving back to Oregon in May, 2008. With two complete cross USA round trips in winter in the next few months I wanted to make sure the old girl had some TLC 1st.
Just wanted to share what went wrong in the 1st 190K.
SHG
I asked for new front brakes, check the rear brakes, check a noise I thought might be a wheel bearing or front axle U joint, flush the brake system, flush the PS and I have seen the ABS light flicker on a few times.
Front brakes needed done, I knew that, still OEM at 190K. They suggested I replace the steering box because of a leak, I knew that, was on the to do list, I said OK. The rear brakes looked OK for wear, BUT the tech reported that they were looking "old" for lack of a better description and did look as if they had got pretty hot at some time, I said OK replace them.
No codes were set for the ABS, and couldn't find a cause. All else appeared OK in the front end, still has all OEM parts except I think they replaced a tie rod end or something when it was still in warranty, BUT track bar, etc. are still OEM. No noise found, it had actually sounded like a stone in the tire, BUT I thought it must be something else because it never seemed to go away. I am sure they wouldn't have hesitated to try to sell me something else if they could, BUT since they didn't, I am going to assume my front end is in good shape.
Shortly after I give the OK on the rear brakes, I get a call, uh, the rear wheel seals are leaking AND the rear wheel bearings are shot, real rough. OK, replace them too. I do run between 8000 and 9000 pounds, sometimes higher on the truck all the time and quite frequently run with my trailer and ATV closer to 11000 pounds, so I suppose the rear bearings could be due at 190K. The tech reported the fluid looked good, Amsoil and I have changed it a few times since new.
So now all of a sudden I think I am getting close to 2K, BUT other than the lift pump replacements, I really haven't put any money other than regular PM's into this truck at all in 7 years, so I guess it isn't that bad.
I could of probably done some of this myself or maybe found someone for less money, BUT overall I have had pretty good luck with the Dodge, Pontiac and VW dealers here and for the most part their shop rates aren't out of line with the independent shops.
I am getting ready to drive to Norfolk, VA mid month and then return to Oregon just before Christmas. In January I take a southern route (stops in CA,AZ,NM,SC), eventually ending up back in Norfolk and then NY, NH/ME before driving back to Oregon in May, 2008. With two complete cross USA round trips in winter in the next few months I wanted to make sure the old girl had some TLC 1st.
Just wanted to share what went wrong in the 1st 190K.
SHG
