Chevrolet Silverado Review
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Favorite feature: |
interior comfort |
Least favorite feature: |
quality |
Advice to buyer: |
see my test drive review |
Detailed review: |
Beware - The Vortect engine in this vehicle may have the power that Chevrolete brags about but it does not have the quality.
My truck is a 2000 5.3L V8. Currently there is about 53,000 miles on it. I have had it in for (2) fuel pump replacements (while under 15,000 miles), a steering shaft replacement (53,000), leaking front axle seal (53,000), and engine knock (started at 12,000 and continues to get worse).
The engine knock is probably the most significant issue in which GM is undoubtedly trying to cover up with excuses. I have taken the vehicle in (4) times complaining about this issue. The first bulliten published by GM (around September 2000)said that the noice was considered 'normal if it subsided within 1 minute after warm up'. They concluded that the noise was 'piston slap' but were not 100% sure.
As time went on the noise ran longer than 1 minute. I took the vehicle back in (3) more times complaining, trying to get a resolution to the problem - GM did nothing to support it. The bulliten has been updated now to say that 'if the noise subsides within two minutes, it is considered normal' and that'GM engineers have concluded that the knock is not detrimental to the longevity of the engine.
Well, I don't know about you, but I am a mechanical engineer and I know that when parts are colliding at high speeds, streeses and fatigue occur between the parts. And piston slap on a brand new $32,000 vehicle is not acceptable and reflects degrading quality in GM designs. Moreover, how can an engineer say it is not detrimental to the longevity to the engine when the engine is brand new and there are not enough existing case studies to back this statement up just yet. Metal against metal collisions within an engine is undoubtedly setting the stage for future problems - problems that will arise when your warrenty is expired and GM says 'sorry'.
Additionally, while changing the oil at 23,500 miles, I found something interesting and upsetting. The drain bolt on the oil pan is magnetized. It is magnetized with the intent of collecting fine metal particles due to normal engine wear - that's fine and that will surely occur. What is very upsetting is the fact that when I pulled the drain bolt out while changing the oil at 23,500 miles, a piece of metal flash (about 3/4 inch long, 1/8 inch wide, and .010' thick) was stuck to the magnet. Common sense to even a person who doesn't know much about engines says metal shavings of this size floating around in the engine is NOT GOOD for the engine. Perhaps this came from the piston (due to the slap)? My next step is going to be to send this in to GM and have them analyze where it came from.
I am a car buff and take very good care of my vehicles. When I repreatedly visit the dealer with questions regarding the knock issue issue, they throw up their hands in the air with no positive answer as to why the noise exists. Two days ago, I spoke with a mechanic at the dealer (tired of excuses from the service director) and he said they are not even sure why it is occurring (the mechanic - straight from the horses mouth).
Three other family members have Chevy Silverados and are beginning to complain of the same issue, in addition to significant transmission problems.
Once again, beware. GM is not backing this up and is surely trying to cover their a__ so they are not slammed with major engine replacement or rebuild costs.
I would love to hear from someone else with the same knock issue and would like to know how you have been supported by a company that says - 'Chevy, we'll be there'
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Also considered: |
N/A
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| About This Reviewer... |
Name: |
sam ziemoc |
Location: |
Ann Arbor, Michigan |
Other vehicles owned: |
None
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Review submitted: |
January 25, 2002 |
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