can anybody give me some mechanical advice on my 2004 gmc envoy?

[jstrmbill]

i have a 2004 gmc envoy with 58000 miles and have some questions..i had it serviced and they show that a front differential pinion seal is damp...not yet leaking, but something to watch,..if this should leak, how costly would it be for me to repair?
i did buy the vehicle with 52000 miles on it which was high, but how much life does a vehicle like this have?.how many miles can i expect before many problems?
the tires now are 7/32 and 9/32...when will i need new ones?

 

[tmlamora1]

Isn't the drivetrain warranted for 100,000 miles?
Even if you're the second owner, it should've transferred.

 

[Mr. Badwrench]

7 and 9/32 tread depth is pretty good. You should get a lot more service out of those tires!
As far as the seal leak is concerned, don't worry too much about it. It may not become worse for a long time. And if it does you can get it repaired later. Just request to have the fluid level checked when you take it in for services so that the leak can be monitored and also so it won't get low on fluid.

 

[superfunkmasta]

It really depends, the seal (and the vehicle) may last for another 10 miles, or another 100,000 miles. Based mostly on usage, but also on the chaos factor inherent in any complex machine.

Some people run out and spend $$ whenever they think something needs to be fixed or replaced. This doesn't really gaurantee anything, but it's a good idea to find an honest reliable mechanic - and take his advice on what to fix and what to wait for.

If you are smart - get AAA, since they will tow your car for free, and get you a ride to where you are going if your vehicle should ever fail for any reason. This will give you peace of mind, and you won't have to worry as much about this or that piece failing.

I usually take the attitude that until something actually fails completely that I can get more use out of it - obviously some things you want to get fixed before they cause other things to fail - make sure to keep the oil changed, check the brakes from time to time, etc.

As far as tires - use good judgement, but I have a tendency to run them pretty hard - it just really varies depending on what kind of driving you do - make sure to keep them rotated (front to back) so that they don't wear unevenly.

 

[bone g]

That is kinda unusual to see a leak like that. i really dont know the price at an independent shop or at a good tranny shop i would think not a pocket book buster. Dont go to Amco go call a auto shop one that is approved and ask them where they send cars that come in with a bummer transmission they will tell you and you can pretty much bet it will be a good shop. The shop does not want come backs so they will steer you right. All that aside it will probobley will not need replacing for a long time but for your peace of mind do what makes you feel good.
As far as the runnability well depends on you and your preventive maintenance program do yu change oil every 3000 do you throw some injector cleaner in the tank once in a while do you change out the coolent and transmission fluid as recommended?? it all counts. Chevy makes a proven engine if you take care of it, engine wise you could get many miles of trouble fee driving but it takes money to do your P.M.s. The 5.7 or the old 350 engine is a bomb of an engine and so is the 454 both are good strong and reliable it is the stuff that is hooked to it that goes bad. things you have no control over altenator, electrical, power steering units worn front ends. Hey good luck