1996 GMC Sierra C1500 SL issue

[LBGMC]

Hello, first time on here. I know people sometimes say they know nothing about autos, but I truly don't. I inherited my dad's 1996 Sierra following his death. The truck had been parked, not driven for many years and not maintained. Lately, the brakes started smoking when driving short distances, almost to the point of catching on fire. The shop gave me the estimate below, but also included the comment below that, essentially hinting that a new ABS module and motor may be needed. After reading about these, it almost sounds like the failure of the module may be behind the destruction of the brake system.

"Brake Pads R&R (Front) and 2 MoreDescription Price QTY HRS SubtotalLabor: Brake Pads R&R (Front) 1.4 $166.60 Labor: Disc Brake Caliper R&R (Front, Each) 0.4 $47.60Labor: Brake Rotor R&R (Front, Each) 0.4 $47.60Part: DuraGo Brake Pad and Rotor Kits - DPS Disc Brake Kit $367.50 1 $367.50Part: Perfect Stop Premium Coated Caliper w/ Installation Hardware $64.32 1 $64.32Part: Perfect Stop Premium Coated Caliper w/ Installation Hardware $64.32 1 $64.32Part: National Wheel Bearing and Race Set $25.46 2 $50.92Part: National Wheel Bearing and Race Set $22.93 2 $45.86Part: National Wheel Seal $7.28 2 $14.56Part: Standard Ignition ABS Wheel Speed Sensor $85.14 1 $85.14 EPA (4.05%): $38.70 Shop Supplies (4.05%): $0.00 Estimated Tax (8.63%): $85.66 Total: $1,078.78Brake Line R&R (Front, Both Sides)Description Price QTY HRS SubtotalLabor: Brake Line R&R (Front, Both Sides) 1.1 $130.90Part: Sunsong Brake Hydraulic Hose $28.11 1 $28.11Part: Sunsong Brake Hydraulic Hose $28.11 1 $28.11 EPA (4.05%): $7.59 Shop Supplies (4.05%): $0.00 Estimated Tax (8.63%): $16.79 Total: $211.50Suspension Ball Joint R&R (Upper, Both)Description Price QTY HRS SubtotalLabor: Suspension Ball Joint R&R (Upper, Both) 2.1 $249.90Part: MOOG Chassis Products Suspension Ball Joint $65.36 2 $130.72 EPA (4.05%): $15.43 Shop Supplies (4.05%): $0.00 Estimated Tax (8.63%): $34.16 Total: $430.21

Total for above service = $1720.49

Tech notes that vehicle needs 2 front calipers, front soft brake lines, front brake kit, passenger front abs sensor with pig tail, and both upper front ball joints. Company will have to perform this work first before diagnosing further. Vehicle may need an ABS module and motor. Tech also notes that both power steering lines, going into power steering pump, are leaking. Likely will need a pump and both lines."

That said, I've been reading that an ABS module and motor replacement could run as much as $1300. I don't know how to do any of this and if you start explaining, I'll read it, but very unlikely to understand.

Note: They also want to replace the power steering pump and hoses for $738. So assuming the module has to be replaced, total for all of this done by them is $3758.49.

Everything else on the truck works - power windows, electrical, radio, ac and heating, wipers, etc. So just need some input - at what point should I determine whether to do this or sell it as is, and if as is, what might that be for this old truck with problems? It's somewhat of an emotional due to it being my dad's, as well as financial decision. I am semi-retired, with only SS and part time work income, although I do have some savings (more than you care to know), so it's all things combined as to what to do. I'm not sure what else I might run into down the road, even if I choose to do all this.

Not looking for sympathy here, just some help/advice would be greatly appreciated! (Me at 67, him at 95, if my dad was alive, I'd probably be asking him! I still consider him twice as smart as me, the day he passed away!)

 

[Victor Rusk]

Hello, first time on here. I know people sometimes say they know nothing about autos, but I truly don't. I inherited my dad's 1996 Sierra following his death. The truck had been parked, not driven for many years and not maintained. Lately, the brakes started smoking when driving short distances, almost to the point of catching on fire. The shop gave me the estimate below, but also included the comment below that, essentially hinting that a new ABS module and motor may be needed. After reading about these, it almost sounds like the failure of the module may be behind the destruction of the brake system.

"Brake Pads R&R (Front) and 2 MoreDescription Price QTY HRS SubtotalLabor: Brake Pads R&R (Front) 1.4 $166.60 Labor: Disc Brake Caliper R&R (Front, Each) 0.4 $47.60Labor: Brake Rotor R&R (Front, Each) 0.4 $47.60Part: DuraGo Brake Pad and Rotor Kits - DPS Disc Brake Kit $367.50 1 $367.50Part: Perfect Stop Premium Coated Caliper w/ Installation Hardware $64.32 1 $64.32Part: Perfect Stop Premium Coated Caliper w/ Installation Hardware $64.32 1 $64.32Part: National Wheel Bearing and Race Set $25.46 2 $50.92Part: National Wheel Bearing and Race Set $22.93 2 $45.86Part: National Wheel Seal $7.28 2 $14.56Part: Standard Ignition ABS Wheel Speed Sensor $85.14 1 $85.14 EPA (4.05%): $38.70 Shop Supplies (4.05%): $0.00 Estimated Tax (8.63%): $85.66 Total: $1,078.78Brake Line R&R (Front, Both Sides)Description Price QTY HRS SubtotalLabor: Brake Line R&R (Front, Both Sides) 1.1 $130.90Part: Sunsong Brake Hydraulic Hose $28.11 1 $28.11Part: Sunsong Brake Hydraulic Hose $28.11 1 $28.11 EPA (4.05%): $7.59 Shop Supplies (4.05%): $0.00 Estimated Tax (8.63%): $16.79 Total: $211.50Suspension Ball Joint R&R (Upper, Both)Description Price QTY HRS SubtotalLabor: Suspension Ball Joint R&R (Upper, Both) 2.1 $249.90Part: MOOG Chassis Products Suspension Ball Joint $65.36 2 $130.72 EPA (4.05%): $15.43 Shop Supplies (4.05%): $0.00 Estimated Tax (8.63%): $34.16 Total: $430.21

Total for above service = $1720.49

Tech notes that vehicle needs 2 front calipers, front soft brake lines, front brake kit, passenger front abs sensor with pig tail, and both upper front ball joints. Company will have to perform this work first before diagnosing further. Vehicle may need an ABS module and motor. Tech also notes that both power steering lines, going into power steering pump, are leaking. Likely will need a pump and both lines."

That said, I've been reading that an ABS module and motor replacement could run as much as $1300. I don't know how to do any of this and if you start explaining, I'll read it, but very unlikely to understand.

Note: They also want to replace the power steering pump and hoses for $738. So assuming the module has to be replaced, total for all of this done by them is $3758.49.

Everything else on the truck works - power windows, electrical, radio, ac and heating, wipers, etc. So just need some input - at what point should I determine whether to do this or sell it as is, and if as is, what might that be for this old truck with problems? It's somewhat of an emotional due to it being my dad's, as well as financial decision. I am semi-retired, with only SS and part time work income, although I do have some savings (more than you care to know), so it's all things combined as to what to do. I'm not sure what else I might run into down the road, even if I choose to do all this.

Not looking for sympathy here, just some help/advice would be greatly appreciated! (Me at 67, him at 95, if my dad was alive, I'd probably be asking him! I still consider him twice as smart as me, the day he passed away!)

Hello. It's an honor to help with something that's not just a vehicle, but a piece of your father's legacy. It's completely understandable that this is both an emotional and financial decision.

Your instincts are absolutely right, and you've read the situation perfectly. It is very likely that the failure of the ABS module and motor is the root cause of your brake problems, and the other brake parts are a symptom of that failure. When an ABS module fails, it can cause the brakes to seize up or not release, which would cause the smoking and almost catching on fire that you described. The heat from this would destroy the pads, rotors, and calipers.

Now, about your options. You're looking at a total bill of around $3758 to get everything fixed. That is a significant amount of money for a truck of that age, no matter how good the rest of it is. The big unknown is what else might be wrong with it. A car that has been sitting for many years will have a lot of things that can go wrong, and you might run into more problems down the road.

I can't tell you whether you should fix it or sell it, as that is a very personal decision. However, I can give you some things to consider that might help you decide.

First, let's look at the financial side of it. The truck, with the problems it has, is not worth much. You could probably get a few hundred dollars for it as a parts car. If you fix it, you will have a working truck, but you will have spent a lot of money on it. A 1996 GMC Sierra, even in great condition, is not worth $3758. So, from a purely financial point of view, it is not a good investment.

Second, let's look at the emotional side of it. This is your father's truck, and that is very important. Sometimes, the value of an item is not measured in dollars and cents. If this truck holds a special place in your heart and you want to keep it as a memory of him, then the money might be worth it.

Third, you mentioned that you are semi-retired and on a fixed income. This is a very important thing to consider. You have to ask yourself if you are comfortable with spending this much money on a truck that might have more problems down the road.

A good option might be to get a second opinion from another mechanic, and specifically ask them about the ABS module. They might have a different opinion or a different approach to the repair.

Whatever you decide to do, it's a very personal decision. You should do what feels right to you.