Steelheading365

Thank you blown346, once again you have given me an answer in it's simplest form. I really appreciate it. JC thanks for confirming that the amsoil is safe to use. Can't get enough of this forum/group, priceless.

Anyone want to help me out with a quick how to on replacing my power steering fluid? I searched the threads and didn't find anything. Also recommendations on fluid type would be great. I have amsoil synthetic ps fluid waiting on deck but can always return it. Thanks in advance guys as always.

Yea I knew to drain and refill on a new one but wasn't sure on the rebuild. I just went with what the tech said that did the work. I have a few more months on the warranty, going to put a few more miles on it and change the fluid out again. If there's more shavings I'm making him replace it. Thanks for the input guys, can't say enough how great this site is.

Crap, at least I got that warranty. Now I have to argue with this guy and convince him to rebuild it again or refund my money. Fml

Here's what I found on mine the other day. And here it is before I had the diff rebuilt.

Thanks DJ, this truck has been such a money pit, I am set on keeping it and getting it to where I don't jump out and check underneath for leaks every time it makes a funny sound or smell. The third day I had it, one of the oil cooler lines blew off and I was dumping oil while driving down the street. I smelled it burning on the exhaust so I shut it off before it lost more than a couple quarts. This site has probably saved me $1000's in labor alone just through using all the how to's. All I know is some dick decided to run it into the ground and then trade it in, I got it for a really good price so that's a positive. Rebuilt front diff, rotors and pads front and back, both front hub assemblies, tranny, transfer case and rear diff service, the chassis hadn't been lubed in years, brake flush, coolant flush, fuel filter, etc, just a headache. I did everything except the front diff myself all from info I found on this site. I really appreciate the help and hopefully Norcalss can get me a deal on some shocks and I'll see the light at the end of the tunnel. I'll also try and host those pics online. Thanks again everyone.

I figured there would be some shavings, I was trying to figure out how to post a pic I took of the drain plug after I pulled it. At least I'm not alone, my shocks are toast, could that have anything to do with it? Looking into a new set this week, seems like bilstein is the only option for stock height, around $400 for fronts and rears. Seem about right? Also where can you get a new front diff for an 03 SSS? I was under the impression that they were not available anymore. Aftermarket?

Had my front diff rebuilt about 8,000 miles ago, started whining the other day so I changed the fluid. When I pulled the drain plug there were metal shavings all over the magnet. Nothing big and chunky like when I checked it before the rebuild, but still a fair amount. Is this normal? I have a warranty on the diff but wanted some advice before I went in to talk to the mechanic that did the work. Thanks in advance guys.

I get no lights when I go to either key setting except for battery and seat belt. CEL doesn't come on at any point along with a few other lights. Is it possible to disconnect the bulbs on those warning lights?

It doesn't come on at all.

When I turn my key to acc mode shouldn't all the warning light on my cluster light up? For example the check engine light, shouldn't that light up briefly and then turn off?

Thanks again blown346, I am grateful.

Any idea what would make it come out the black line in the engine bay? Also, for an 03 what's the best fluid to refill with. I'm at 109k. I was going to do synthetic 80W 90. Thanks for responding so quickly, I've been stressing on this all night and my truck is sitting at my work with an empty front diff.

I was driving on the freeway today and noticed a burnt gear oil smell. I was close to my work so I got off and pulled into the parking lot. Inside my left front wheel well was a small amount of gear oil that has splattered up there. I popped the hood and there was more gear oil that had sprayed out of the black line that comes off the front diff and rests on top of the wheel well. I got underneath and saw that there was a small amount of gear oil that had seeped out of the center of the diff where is bolts together in multiple spots. Also saw evidence of seepage around the drain plug. I drained the fluid out, it was black with a silvery metallic sheen. The drain plug had a small amount of metal shavings on it, no chunks of metal came out with the fluid. A piece of debris about the size of half a penny came out, it crumbled when I picked it up, maybe a deposit of some sort or burnt up gear oil. Can anyone giver some advice on what happened and what my next step should be? I've seen all sorts of threads on front diffs leaking from the sides where the axles go in, but none on it leaking from the center seam. I appreciate any help/advice you all can offer. Thanks

Just wanted to add an update, don't forget to lube the rails that the brake pads slide on when you put the pads back in, I didn't and my front left was stuck rubbing on the rotor today, pulled the caliper and lubed it up, no more rub. Did the other side too. Every noise this truck makes drives me crazy.

Success, took about three hours. Both hub assemblies popped right off after I heated and used penetrating lube. Thank you again!

Blown346, you are the man, thank you for all the advice and for responding so quickly. This forum is the difference between me getting bent over by a shop and paying my rent this month. Thanks.

Indeed thickcajun, I was told the nut takes a 22mm socket, is this correct? Seems small.

Cool, I will pick up a pair. I noticed there is already a thread for the install. Seems like the toughest part is separating the old hub.

It would most likely be one of the front wheels right? I can't tell what side the sound comes from because I only hear it when it echoes off something alongside me while I'm driving. Thanks for the advice, I will get it up in the air this weekend and check for play, probably just replace both hubs anyway considering the mileage. Thank you.

It started out as a slight repetitive almost hissing sound, I could only hear it when I was driving next to a building. Seemed to rub with every wheel rotation. Starting to get louder now. Does it in neutral and drive but stops if I press on the brake. Hopefully I have put this in the correct forum, I did a few searches but couldn't find anything resembling my condition. 2003 SSS with 110k. On a side note, anyone know where I can score the maintenance manuals for my truck. Thanks in advance for your advise and expertise. Matt

Purchased my 2003 SSS with 104k on it. I'm at 110k now and have been trying to find info on what is involved in the 100k service as I'm sure it hasn't been done yet. If anyone could send a link or just give me a run down with recommended fluids and what not I would greatly appreciate. Changing my front wheel bearings/hub assembly today, would like to do a good portion of the 100k service tomorrow, at least the fluids. Thanks in advance for any advice.

I thought I posted this earlier but now I can't find it. Anyway, I live in the Seattle area and am in search of a good mechanic to work on my truck. I don't trust the dealers with their service salesmen. I have a rattle behind my cluster at idle, almost sounds like something electronic. Also notice a humming sound when I am turning to the right when parking. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Was wondering if anyone knew of or could recommend a good mechanic in the Seattle area. 2003 SSS.

Thanks JC.