Oil change time soon, and couple questions.

[Tolson93]

So i am about to the 3000 mile mark since the last oil change. I have a 03 Hemi with 151k miles. I was wondering what some peoples thoughts are on just getting it done quick at a valvoline? since i live right by one.. Or better to go to the dealership? i would do it myself but where i live right now prevents that from happening, dont have the right tools for the job.. Also, i know when you go to a valvoline they always try to get you to do all their services, is it worth it to get for example your rear differential fluid changed? im at 151k miles and not sure if its ever been done.

ALso on another note i live in Northern MN and its been damn cold this winter so far-30 to 30 degrees... When its real cold out my truck makes a loud whining noise which i believe to be the power steering pump, since when i hear the noise the pitch changes if i move the steering wheel. So my question is, is that bad to hear the noise? should i be concerned about my pump? and i have noticed when its cold out and i try to turn right away after truck sits over night my steering gets real stiff.. could that be due to the cold weather? or should i be concerned about that?

Any input is appreciated, thanks in advance. just getting paranoid since my truck has been showing little problems one after another this winter

 

[hemihustlin]

Valvoline is great oil but aside from interviewing the guys that work there i cant say if they will do a good job or not
Try and get reviews locally, ask everyone if theyve ever been there
For diff oil, look at it. If its anything darker than amber change it.
And yes its not good to hear the p/s whine as you descibe i cant tell you what it is, but it is normal to be stiff when very cold at start up. Make sure its not missing any p/s oil and go from there!

 

[TheRudeDog]

Could it be your belt is slipping?

 

[Tolson93]

Not sure, it only last a few seconds and pitch changes if I move the steering wheel. Was told that's common for power steering pumps to do that in cold.


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[NYCruiser]

At that mileage I would get the diff oil changed if it hasn't been done yet. I would also change the Power Steering fluid, but maybe that's just me. LOL

Also don't forget the tranny service. Transfer case, and front diff too if its 4WD. They all should have been done at least once by that mileage.

If you want to have the servicing done at the Valvoline place, go ahead. Its not rocket science. Just make sure you check their work. Make sure the diff is wiped down clean so you can observe any leaks easily.

If you aren't comfortable with their work, then get a price at a reputable shop. At least then you'll know if Valvoline is saving you any money. Getting it all done should cost about $300 or so.

 

[chedched]

So I work at a dealership...

Do not take it to Valvoline/Jiffy Lube/Wonder Lube/etc...

I'm not saying you need to take it to a dealership, but at least take it somewhere that you know will care for your vehicle. Since I work in the biz, I've heard all sorts of "interesting" stories from those shops.

Diffs, transfer case and trans should all be service every 30k (see extreme schedule). Fluid levels and condition should be checked. It's a little tough to check diff fluid but not for anyone with the truck on a lift. Trans fluid you can check yourself. See if it smells burnt/bad. Also check the color. It should be a nice pink/red color. Brownish/red is no good.

Power steering will make a bit of noise especially in our cold weather. A certain amount is ok. Most of the time the noise is from lack of fluid. Make sure to check the fluid level as low fluid burns up pumps quick. It is possible the ps fluid is in bad shape. It isn't common to cause much of a noise but I guess anything is possible.

Hope some of this helps.

 

[Tolson93]

Thanks for your replies! It helps out a lot, just trying to take of this truck since I'll have to stick with it for a few years. I feel the body is going to rust out and fall apart but hopefully if I take of everything else she will run great ! Just hate the thought of dumping more money into this truck since I have been left and right it feels like. Guess I'll have to prioritize and figure what I need to do first and take it a step at a time. Does it matter if you get these fluids changed at different times ? Or is it best to get them all done at once?



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[NYCruiser]

I find it easier to keep track of if I do them at the same time, but it won't hurt anything to do them at different times. You may get a better deal from a shop if you do them all at once.

Most important thing is just getting the service done any way you can IMO. The price of the service will seem really cheap if any of those components fail.

 

[Tolson93]

Very true. Thanks for the input I really need to get on these things before it's too late


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