Forum Discussion

REM13's avatar
REM13
Explorer
Mar 07, 2015

Tow vehicle servicing gap

I would like to give a heads up to those taking their vehicles to a dealer or other shop for servicing. In the past year on two different occasions when I've taken my 2012 Silverado 3500 Duramax in for servicing and the chassis was not greased at the time the oil was changed. The first time was at the dealer where I purchased the truck in Canada and the second in the USA where I'm vacationing. Both times I specifically asked for a grease job. I was alarmed both times and brought the servicing gap to the attention of the servicing manager. Both managers expressed that it is supposed to be a part of there servicing procedures. If an owner is expecting their vehicle to be greased it may not be for thousands of Kilos/miles and it could result in premature wearing of parts such as ball joints which can be a dangerous condition. I suggest checking after servicing for greasing or do it yourself to make sure it's getting done.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Mar 07, 2015
    That is a good tip! Most oil changes are just that now days. It seems odd, they did not grease yours, after specifically asking to have it done.

    Years ago, the guy that did oil changes, was referred to as a grease monkey, as greasing was part of his job.

    I change my own oil, on my 13 250. I was going to grease as well, but could not find any zerks. I'll check with my dealer, to see what they do.

    Jerry
  • Jack_Diane_Free's avatar
    Jack_Diane_Free
    Explorer
    Mar 07, 2015
    To MFL your 13 250 does not have zerks and does not need greasing as everything is sealed. Same thing for my 2011, and 2014.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Mar 07, 2015
    Jack_Diane_Freedom wrote:
    To MFL your 13 250 does not have zerks and does not need greasing as everything is sealed. Same thing for my 2011, and 2014.


    Thanks for the heads up, I kind of figured that, but it's best to know for sure! You saved me a call!

    Jerry
  • Beaker's avatar
    Beaker
    Explorer
    Mar 07, 2015
    Both managers expressed that it is supposed to be a part of there servicing procedures


    To MFL your 13 250 does not have zerks and does not need greasing as everything is sealed. Same thing for my 2011, and 2014.


    And the managers(who are supposed to be the pros) don't know. Sounds like a great shop to go to.

    When I asked for greasing on my '08, I was told there were no zerks.
    Hope they were right.
  • fishingbob61's avatar
    fishingbob61
    Explorer
    Mar 07, 2015
    I also have had it not greased when in for svc. and told mgr. and he said next time I just think they are LAZY and only do what you can see, they dont think you will look under to ck if they greased it.
    JMHO
  • msgtord's avatar
    msgtord
    Explorer
    Mar 07, 2015
    The dealer only wants you to bring your vehicle in for an oil change so the tech can find something wrong that is more profitable to repair.
  • kaydeejay's avatar
    kaydeejay
    Explorer
    Mar 07, 2015
    REM13 wrote:
    I would like to give a heads up to those taking their vehicles to a dealer or other shop for servicing. In the past year on two different occasions when I've taken my 2012 Silverado 3500 Duramax in for servicing and the chassis was not greased at the time the oil was changed. The first time was at the dealer where I purchased the truck in Canada and the second in the USA where I'm vacationing. Both times I specifically asked for a grease job. I was alarmed both times and brought the servicing gap to the attention of the servicing manager. Both managers expressed that it is supposed to be a part of there servicing procedures. If an owner is expecting their vehicle to be greased it may not be for thousands of Kilos/miles and it could result in premature wearing of parts such as ball joints which can be a dangerous condition. I suggest checking after servicing for greasing or do it yourself to make sure it's getting done.
    Same issue with my local dealer. Plus, when taking a look underneath after paying to have all fluids changed I saw the trans filter on there that I had installed at 5000 miles.
    Return trip to the dealer got me a chassis lube AND a new trans filter! Plus an apology!
    AND I personally checked to make sure the fluids had all actually been changed!
    Makes a good case for doing it yourself!
  • huron52's avatar
    huron52
    Explorer
    Mar 08, 2015
    While a lot of new trucks come of the assembly line with sealed bearings when they are worn out and they are replace they generally replace them with parts that have grease fitting. It is best to ask and check for your self.
  • Dave_H_M's avatar
    Dave_H_M
    Explorer II
    Mar 08, 2015
    Dang, how many trucks out there still have Zerks. My 99 did but none on my newer F250.

    maybe the stealer was just trying to appease you.

    The customer is always right.
  • Reng8d's avatar
    Reng8d
    Explorer
    Mar 08, 2015
    I need to check my 350, on the the 2004 2500 it didn't have zerks but it had the plugs to install them so I made the dealership install them. Planned obsolesce…just to keep you a serious paying customer...

About Fifth Wheel Group

19,006 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 13, 2025