New to the suburban
Thread Starter
CF Beginner
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
New to the suburban
Hi all. Just bought a 2003 suburban. Was just curious about most common problems. Are transmissions reliable? I've heard good things about the vortec never owned one tho. Just leave any bit of info on stuff to look out for. Thanks!
CF Pro Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 997
Likes: 21
From: SE MI
Engine and trans are solid. My buddy owns my '01 and it has 260k miles with the original engine and transmission.
Fuel pump dies every 100-125k. PITA because it's on top of the tank and you have to drop the tank to replace it. Bigger PITA if the fuel pump dies after you just filled the tank. The pump will give a warning whine for a few weeks/months before it croaks. Easily heard with ignition on and engine off.
Along that line - don't let the tank run down to empty, especially in the summer. The fuel cools the pump, so try to keep it above half a tank.
Front hubs/bearings are a one-piece and expensive and a PITA to replace.
A/C components tend to die prematurely, including the tensioner pulley. Upside is it's a separate belt, so even if the compressor seizes, you don't lose your serpentine.
Power window regulators are another known issue. Cheap and relatively easy to fix.
Exhaust manifold gaskets tend to develop leaks past 100k miles.
Lower body panels will start to rust - the rear quarters, and bottoms of the middle doors.
Overall a very solid truck.
Fuel pump dies every 100-125k. PITA because it's on top of the tank and you have to drop the tank to replace it. Bigger PITA if the fuel pump dies after you just filled the tank. The pump will give a warning whine for a few weeks/months before it croaks. Easily heard with ignition on and engine off.
Along that line - don't let the tank run down to empty, especially in the summer. The fuel cools the pump, so try to keep it above half a tank.
Front hubs/bearings are a one-piece and expensive and a PITA to replace.
A/C components tend to die prematurely, including the tensioner pulley. Upside is it's a separate belt, so even if the compressor seizes, you don't lose your serpentine.
Power window regulators are another known issue. Cheap and relatively easy to fix.
Exhaust manifold gaskets tend to develop leaks past 100k miles.
Lower body panels will start to rust - the rear quarters, and bottoms of the middle doors.
Overall a very solid truck.
Thread Starter
CF Beginner
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Engine and trans are solid. My buddy owns my '01 and it has 260k miles with the original engine and transmission.
Fuel pump dies every 100-125k. PITA because it's on top of the tank and you have to drop the tank to replace it. Bigger PITA if the fuel pump dies after you just filled the tank. The pump will give a warning whine for a few weeks/months before it croaks. Easily heard with ignition on and engine off.
Along that line - don't let the tank run down to empty, especially in the summer. The fuel cools the pump, so try to keep it above half a tank.
Front hubs/bearings are a one-piece and expensive and a PITA to replace.
A/C components tend to die prematurely, including the tensioner pulley. Upside is it's a separate belt, so even if the compressor seizes, you don't lose your serpentine.
Power window regulators are another known issue. Cheap and relatively easy to fix.
Exhaust manifold gaskets tend to develop leaks past 100k miles.
Lower body panels will start to rust - the rear quarters, and bottoms of the middle doors.
Overall a very solid truck.
Fuel pump dies every 100-125k. PITA because it's on top of the tank and you have to drop the tank to replace it. Bigger PITA if the fuel pump dies after you just filled the tank. The pump will give a warning whine for a few weeks/months before it croaks. Easily heard with ignition on and engine off.
Along that line - don't let the tank run down to empty, especially in the summer. The fuel cools the pump, so try to keep it above half a tank.
Front hubs/bearings are a one-piece and expensive and a PITA to replace.
A/C components tend to die prematurely, including the tensioner pulley. Upside is it's a separate belt, so even if the compressor seizes, you don't lose your serpentine.
Power window regulators are another known issue. Cheap and relatively easy to fix.
Exhaust manifold gaskets tend to develop leaks past 100k miles.
Lower body panels will start to rust - the rear quarters, and bottoms of the middle doors.
Overall a very solid truck.
Thanks for that info! I've had 2 cars this years that the transmission gave out on me in. So hearing its solid is great news. Everything else is manageable. I'm excited to own this beast and plan on learning so much from my fellow owners!
