Is there a GOOD FIX for Dmax Tranny Cooler Lines

[Diamondpilot]

My neighbor has a 2007 Classic 3500 4x4 Dmax with that has 60,000 some miles on it. Each and every winter his tranny cooler lines start leaking. They were replace once in 2008 and then again in 2009 but the problem keeps coming back. We never notice it in the summer so it must be a winter thing or maybe we are just seeing the red tranny fluid in the snow?

Is there a better fix than just having GM putting back on the same bad parts? Same thing happens with the steering shaft also. He has had it replaced once and they say they will not replace it again even though its under warranty. Is there a better fix than the GM part that last 25,000 miles?

Just trying to help him out here. Not bashing so all you GM guys and gals keep your panties out of a bunch. He knows I keep up on trucks and he came to me for a answer. I told him I knew where to go for the right info so hope you can help me/him out.

Chris

 

[crbr]

My neighbor has a 2007 Classic 3500 4x4 Dmax with that has 60,000 some miles on it. Each and every winter his tranny cooler lines start leaking. They were replace once in 2008 and then again in 2009 but the problem keeps coming back. We never notice it in the summer so it must be a winter thing or maybe we are just seeing the red tranny fluid in the snow?

Is there a better fix than just having GM putting back on the same bad parts? Same thing happens with the steering shaft also. He has had it replaced once and they say they will not replace it again even though its under warranty. Is there a better fix than the GM part that last 25,000 miles?

Just trying to help him out here. Not bashing so all you GM guys and gals keep your panties out of a bunch. He knows I keep up on trucks and he came to me for a answer. I told him I knew where to go for the right info so hope you can help me/him out.

Chris

I think this may be what you're looking for... if not, I'd post up over there. Good bunch of knowledgeable folks.

http://www.thedieselpageforums.com/tdpforum/showthread.php?t=37974


I am GMC loyal but I despise GM and the dealers they allow to represent their product, case and point that you make. I am on my last GM product....


Look around over there. There are several threads on the steering column fix.


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[Diamondpilot]

Yea, I have been on the net for a hour and it seems lots of dmax trucks have these issues. I knew it was a problem but never realized it was this big of a issue.

He is at the Ford dealer right now but he tried to trade last year and they would not give him anything for it. I am afraid he will be in the same situation again.

Thanks CRBR


Chris

 

[crbr]

Yea, I have been on the net for a hour and it seems lots of dmax trucks have these issues. I knew it was a problem but never realized it was this big of a issue.

He is at the Ford dealer right now but he tried to trade last year and they would not give him anything for it. I am afraid he will be in the same situation again.

Thanks CRBR


Chris

For some reason, the Duramax doesn't bring a lot in trades. Don't ask me how I know. I have a 2007 2500HD for sale and I am patient to find a buyer. Once it goes, I'm off to find another truck.

His LBZ engine should bring a nice trade value but then again, for anyone not knowing the engine model history, may not see the light. That LBZ is their best model yet. The newer engines have a lot of EPA add-ons that I am not fond of.

Fords do not impress me with their front suspension. Tire wear on that setup is less than my expectations. Walk through any parking lot and take notice of the tire wear, old or new models. Juat an observation on my part that has never proved itself wrong. 1983 was my first and last Ford....

 

[ditzel]

The best fix he can do is buy a FORD, and that is coming from a dmax owner. I have a 2006 gmc sierra 2500hd duramax. My truck has 38000miles and so far it has been to the dealer, 4x for serp belt squeek, 2x trans coolant lines, 1x trans in limp mode had to reflash computer, 1x for steer column, 1x for brake boost( which is leaking right now and going back to the dealer next week).And also rear main seal is leaking, dealer checked it and I am waiting till just before warranty expires to have it replaced.
My next truck will not be a GM. The LBZ duramax is an awesome motor, its just the truck that surrounds it is a POS

 

[Lumberjack1903]

No issues yet with my LBZ (07) and nearly 60k on the clock - Diesel Place - Duramax Diesel Discussion Forums has good info - several members there have replaced/customized their hoses cheap & reliable.

 

[lostcause]

i've got an 01, so it's an lb7. i'd have to assume it has a different transmission line setup, because i haven't had a recurring issue. i replaced my lines and the disconnect fittings two years ago, and they are still good. they made about 7 years on the original set, and they weren't replaced due to their own fault - the liquid road melting solution they used (still use?) here has wreaked havoc on the underside of every vehicle. for me it's brake, transmission, and most recently fuel lines. maybe there's an issue with the tranny lines on the lbz, but my father has an 07 (classic) with about 75k on it now and he hasn't had a problem with his either.

the intermediate steering shaft is certainly a common failure item. i had one done in my truck just before the warranty went, and i'd swear it rattled soon afterward. i think i just ignore it now, or maybe it was something else rattling. i think they are more of an annoyance than anything else - never heard of a catastrophic failure, though i'm sure someone has a story. as far as a one time replacement under warranty? that sounds kinda odd. if it's still under the original factory warranty years and mileage then i'd think they'd have to replace it. maybe it's in the approach. if not, ask another dealer?

while they're at it, they might want to check inner tie rod ends. those seem to be a weak spot too. left side seems to be more common from my experience.

 

[crashz]

The steerting shaft issue is common on all GM trucks of that vintage. It is not a safety issue, just annoying. Mine has done it since 2005 and I just ignore it. When I feel like addressing it, I'll put in a Borgeson steering shaft and be done with it.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I forgot to report back. He is going to take it in and have it fixed at the dealer for the 3rd time. He does not want to fix the leaks properly for another 40K or so till its out of warranty. He looked at trading on a new Ford but they just will not give him anything for his truck so he is stuck for now.

The thing that really P's him off is the dealer he bought from in 2007 was forced to close after the bail out. Now he must take it to another dealer for service. All the dealers around here will not give you a loaner if you do not buy from them so I will once again be loaning him my F-250. I have had to do this twice now and he used my F-150 once when it was in for service. He is self employed and has to keep working...

Chris

 

[Dogballs]

Used diesel prices are as high as I've ever seen them. If they won't give him anything for his truck they are either shortchanging him or there's more to the story. Have him check Kelly Blue Book against what the dealership is offering, my guess is that it's worth a lot more than their offer.

The fix to the transmission lines is to have a shop fabricate new ones. It's not that expensive and it will fix the problem. The GM hoses suck and most seem to leak in cold weather.