May be too much to handle at one time

[mayhawboy's LS]

Guys and Girls i may be on the downward spiral of losing confidence in my LS. Now i know that regular maintainance on any car or truck is expected. Here and there one should expect to spend a reasonable amount of money to keep their pride and joy in tip top shape. However, it seems that all the "known" problems of the LS and some unknowns have jumped on me all at once. Recently, i had the "misfire" issue, changed all pertinant gaskets, plugs, and two new coils to the tune of over $300 bucks. If you have seen posted threads i have recently changed tires in hope to cure a vibration to the tune of $500 bucks. Now, (worse than before) the "air conditioner" problem (intermittent hot out one side, cold out the other) has plagued me possibly to the tune of hundreds. Just to name some others, my center console squeeks and crackles, rain sensing wipers work about half the time, still smell oil burning from under the hood, oh, and saw a good puff of smoke yesterday from under hood, the wheels still vibrate non-stop at driving speed, may be bent wheels. I may be coming to my wits end. I have a '96 Siverado that needs a new engine/trans and just don't want to have to drain savings on this car also. WHAT SHOULD I DO?????

 

[Motts]

buy my honda civic.. Better yet I just won a Ford 500.. i'll sell it to ya!!!!
Trade her in for a new LS...

 

[SilverLS]

Guys and Girls i may be on the downward spiral of losing confidence in my LS. Now i know that regular maintainance on any car or truck is expected. Here and there one should expect to spend a reasonable amount of money to keep their pride and joy in tip top shape. However, it seems that all the "known" problems of the LS and some unknowns have jumped on me all at once. Recently, i had the "misfire" issue, changed all pertinant gaskets, plugs, and two new coils to the tune of over $300 bucks. If you have seen posted threads i have recently changed tires in hope to cure a vibration to the tune of $500 bucks. Now, (worse than before) the "air conditioner" problem (intermittent hot out one side, cold out the other) has plagued me possibly to the tune of hundreds. Just to name some others, my center console squeeks and crackles, rain sensing wipers work about half the time, still smell oil burning from under the hood, oh, and saw a good puff of smoke yesterday from under hood, the wheels still vibrate non-stop at driving speed, may be bent wheels. I may be coming to my wits end. I have a '96 Siverado that needs a new engine/trans and just don't want to have to drain savings on this car also. WHAT SHOULD I DO?????

the wheel vibration is problem prob warped rotors so you might wanna try that.. the oil is problem might be on the issuse with the gaskets you just replaced so unless you just dont wanna deal with it dont give up yet pleople dont realize that its a car and you will always be pooring money into one way or another i try and explain this to my girl she drives and older saturn so enought said (gm and parts are cheap but alot is going wrong at once)so hang in there man dont loose faith yet..

 

[mayhawboy's LS]

the wheel vibration is problem prob warped rotors so you might wanna try that.. the oil is problem might be on the issuse with the gaskets you just replaced so unless you just dont wanna deal with it dont give up yet pleople dont realize that its a car and you will always be pooring money into one way or another i try and explain this to my girl she drives and older saturn so enought said (gm and parts are cheap but alot is going wrong at once)so hang in there man dont loose faith yet..

Thanks for the advice, as far as the rotors are concerned, will the tipical turning of the rotors fix the prob. or do i need to consider something else? The gaskets, i may check at a later date. ' Have too much on my plate right now to investigate.

 

[Jim Henderson]

Turning the rotors in general should fix the shuddering problem, BUT, turning the rotors also makes then thinner and more prone to warping, it is a vicious cycle in some cases. Doesn't always get worse but some vehicles are more sensitive to rotor thickness and warping.

I also believe a lot depends on how you drive. Riding the brakes is definitely bad for rotors. Also, brkaes are less heat sensitive when applied briskly and for short periods. When you use the brakes gently and for a long slow stop, and do this repeatedly, you actually transfer more heat to the system. This heat can warp rotors and overheat the pads which then overheats the fluid and causes "spongy" brakes. Best to use the brakes in a firm manner and be done with it, none of this sneaking up on the stoplight stuff.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson

 

[Frogman]

none of this sneaking up on the stoplight stuff./QUOTE]

:bowrofl:

I don't know why, but I find that Hilarious.

That is all.

 

[Jim Henderson]

none of this sneaking up on the stoplight stuff./QUOTE]

:bowrofl:

I don't know why, but I find that Hilarious.

That is all.

You haven't driven behind enough bluehairs driving Volvos.

Jim Henderson ;^)

 

[DLS8K]

Guys and Girls i may be on the downward spiral of losing confidence in my LS. Now i know that regular maintainance on any car or truck is expected. Here and there one should expect to spend a reasonable amount of money to keep their pride and joy in tip top shape. However, it seems that all the "known" problems of the LS and some unknowns have jumped on me all at once. Recently, i had the "misfire" issue, changed all pertinant gaskets, plugs, and two new coils to the tune of over $300 bucks. If you have seen posted threads i have recently changed tires in hope to cure a vibration to the tune of $500 bucks. Now, (worse than before) the "air conditioner" problem (intermittent hot out one side, cold out the other) has plagued me possibly to the tune of hundreds. Just to name some others, my center console squeeks and crackles, rain sensing wipers work about half the time, still smell oil burning from under the hood, oh, and saw a good puff of smoke yesterday from under hood, the wheels still vibrate non-stop at driving speed, may be bent wheels. I may be coming to my wits end. I have a '96 Siverado that needs a new engine/trans and just don't want to have to drain savings on this car also. WHAT SHOULD I DO?????

If it makes you feel a little better, I have had to replace valve cover gaskets, ball joints, stabilizer bar and links, shocks/struts, tires, solenoid packs and valve body in the transmission, hydraulic cooling fan pump, front brakes (pads and rotors), rear bumper repaint, and thermostat. This has all cost me about $2500.........some was under warranty, most wasn't and I have only owned the car since mid-March. It can get old after awhile, but that is the way it goes with used car ownership.

One thing to consider when fixing the car yourself or having a shop to do it..........a proper diagnosis will go along way to easing your problems. Not to say that the repairs you did weren't warranted, but you get the jist of what I am trying to say. It is hard to diagnose what is wrong with your car........don't replace something just because you think it might be bad (that is what my father says to me when I am having a problem with my car--he owns a dealership back home). Only replace it if it needs it.

As for the smoke coming from under the hood, it is most likely still your valve cover gaskets leaking oil. You might just have to reinstall your gaskets.......they might not be on there correctly. Trust me, I know how you feel.........you start to wonder what else is going to go wrong. It isn't fun knowing that your car will probably need attention about every month or so and you can guarantee you'll be spending money on it, but I have accepted it.

 

[mayhawboy's LS]

I appreciate all the advice guys. It's very encouraging. i will have the rotors turned once i return form Oklahoma next week. I have the pleasure of driving a fifteen pass. van for 18 hrs. filled with teenagers. Ah, the joys of youth ministry. Then back again. Will probably love to ride in the LS even shaking like it does, after this trip.