November 2 2024:
Well let’s get down to the mechanical work that needs to be done.
The visit to the shop I use here where I live was yesterday, and I got a new list. Some has to be done within a month for insurance purpose’s. I’ll list those three first. Some can wait a bit. Here’s the list:
- New tires. No surprise but needed badly
- Steering pump and Pittman arm. That’s my loosey goosey steering.
- Wheel alignment. Also part of the problem.
- Left CV axle. For sure.
- Rear shocks.
- Right front axle seal.
- Rear differential cover seal leaking
- Left rear wheel has missing stud.
- Two codes show up.. Evap leak & key in ignition.
- Battery is weak.
Some of these things I will do, like the rear shocks. One thing not covered in the list is the hard shift from 1’s to 2’nd gear. Very common for these transmissions, and fixable by a transmission shop. Meanwhile I got the new LED flasher installed, and the the bug / hood protector too.
Look’n spiffy.. A week from now the Avalanche is scheduled for four new tires, and the next day for the steering fix and wheel alignment. Then we’ll see how nice it drives.
# 1 Can get crossed off the list.
New tires are on and the driving experience just got better. Still wanders all over but that is next. Defiantly a quieter and smoother ride.
This are the same brand of tires I had on the 2009 Avalanche. All season all terrain. Now #2 is the steering.. New power steering pump and some other parts… plus a wheel alignment, and now we have no more wandering Avalanche . And we passed the safety inspection. So I’m now driving it. And that’s a good thing because as if on cue the Buick has a failed alternator. And it’s going to take a week to fix.
December 2024:
Alrighty Early this month was another visit to the shop and we can cross more off the list.. # 2, 3, 7 and 9 all fixed. Also some wiring in the steering column. No more check engine light. We don’t need number 6 on the list. And it’s driving great. So much so that I’ll take it to Edmonton just before Christmas. The CV axle can wait till spring.
Update: Wouldn’t you know it the check engine light came on again… This time it’s the knock sensors. Motor operates just fine without them, but they will need changing if I want the light out. I drove over 700 kms over the holidays without any problems. Somethings I have noticed… Warming up in the cold takes longer than it should . So I’m thinking the thermostat needs replacing. But the heated seat makes up for it and I have to turn that of within ten minutes or my but gets too hot. There is a howling noise coming from the drive line when pressing the gas pedal, or under pressure. Also the motor roars out louder when climbing a hill. this could be an exhaust manifold leak caused by broken bolts. So I’m going to make a new list.
- Transmission needs a service.
- Needs a new thermostat.
- Replace the knock sensors.
- CV axle still needs replacing
- Exhaust manifold bolts needs replacing.
- I will need a new windshield come spring.
So we will pick away at these things as funds allow. So far the battery is hanging in there, but winter is just started and some very cold weather is yet to come.