96 Tahoe just died on me while driving, help

[aedie]

The truck was gifted to me today, they had it sitting for about 6 months prior. We had to replace the water pump because it has holes in it and put a new battery. We were driving it back home when it suddenly just locked up the steering wheel and turned off. It cranks for a little but doesn't actually go all the way turning on the engine.

It's currently on the side of the road about a minute from my house...I honestly don't know what to do

 

[_Dylan_]

tow it back to your house with a tow rope

check for spark, then check the fuel pressure

 

[SunlitComet]

The sudden loss of steering power is normal when the engine stops. As Dylan mentioned do those test If you need a real spark tester you can get one for about $10 form Autozone or others. And for a refundable deposit you can borrow a fuel pressure tester. You should see about 60psi on the test port on top of the engine. If not the filter may be clogged or damaged, pump may be weak, dead or lost electrical power. And if you happen to use a scanner write down any codes you see. The stores can scan them for you to if you make it to one. At any rate report back here with your findings so we can help as much as possible getting you on the road again.

 

[aedie]

thanks for replying guys. A mechanic came down to look at it and the fuel pump died on me. He said it costs $300 for a new one without labor!? that seems too expensive for an old chevy. Also the front driver tire needs a new wheel barring :/

 

[MC153]

Yeah that's a ripoff. Sunlit should have a link for a Delphi one on Amazon for like $140 i think. The wheel bearing you're gonna have to replace the whole hub if I recall right. Around 100-150 bucks too, I think.

 

[SunlitComet]

If you have a 4dr unit then this pump will be the best you can get for it. It is the oem provider for a bunch of stuff on the vehicle when originally built and has had a bunch of improvements over the years. The price you were quoted was not unusual but it seemed on the low side. Shops always up-charge there cost to profit from it. Mine went and could not do myself and had to leave it to a shop in Indy. They charged me $400+ for the delphi part plus $300 in labor. If you have to do hubs or hub bearings Timken or Moog are the best you can get and are available at amazon too.

 

[_Dylan_]

List prices on parts for shops are usually about double their cost. That's why people always think they are getting screwed by a mechanic, but every business does that.