Major Service

[GBF1]

My 2006 Yukon Denali is just shy of 188,000 miles. I was planning to buy something new, but with prices and availability the way they are these days, I've decided to keep it for a while.
Would like to get opinions on what I should have done that may not be in the maintenance schedules. FYI, I'm planning a long road trip with family so reliability is super important. Don't want to get stranded!
Thanks in advance!

 

[OR VietVet]

The choices are endless. Look at my "Build Thread".

I did the "Big 3", new fuel pump, complete new evap system, had 1 O2 sensor fail and replaced all 4 of them, brake master cylinder, coils, injectors, complete plugs and wires, radiator, hoses, belts....etc. You get my point. At the time I did not know I had a 15 day and 5500 mile trip ahead of me but I never once worried about getting from point A to point B each day. Not one hiccup. By the way, if the transmission service needs done do it but remember that anytime after 125k-150k miles, these transmissions are suspect unless it has had an easy life and then can go 200k. I did not know this last bit of transmission info until recently. Differentials and transfer case fluids and brake fluid flush and power steering flush. You have the last year of the NBS rigs. Best, IMO, on the road. If the body is in good shape, it is worth it to redo, again, IMO.

 

[swathdiver]

Ball Joints, Control Arms, Tie Rods, Steering Gear Parts? Brake Calipers and Hoses? AC Actuators?

 

[Doubeleive]

My 2006 Yukon Denali is just shy of 188,000 miles. I was planning to buy something new, but with prices and availability the way they are these days, I've decided to keep it for a while.
Would like to get opinions on what I should have done that may not be in the maintenance schedules. FYI, I'm planning a long road trip with family so reliability is super important. Don't want to get stranded!
Thanks in advance!

really depends on what has been done already

 

[nonickatall]

really depends on what has been done already

I would say that too. it makes absolutely no sense to change brake calipers or other parts, if they are not defective. Except you want a perfect care and want to invest.

What definitely makes sense, is to change all the oils, i.e. front and rear differentials, transfer gearbox, automatic transmission, power steering. That is the most important thing about maintenance, if not done yet.

Then of course check and lubricate the front axle. There are some grease nipples. Then I would take a look at the belts, of course spark plugs, air filter, petrol filter (If he has one, the late escalades didn't have a fuel filter, it will be the same at other gmt800, i guess)

Otherwise read out and see if there is anything in the error memory and what I find extremely important is to take care of the rust protection on the frame so that it doesn't rot, but that depends on the general condition of the vehicle itself.

Additionally I would maintenance the brakes. Exchange the brake fluid and push the pistons all the way back and brake them back to position. Repeat that 5 - 10 times to make the caliper pistons move smooth again.

 

[03yukXL]

The guy I bought mine from left me a fuel pump to go with it. Claimed he wanted to make it as relatable as possible. Current one seems to work fine. Do people replace these typically as prevention?

 

[nonickatall]

The guy I bought mine from left me a fuel pump to go with it. Claimed he wanted to make it as relatable as possible. Current one seems to work fine. Do people replace these typically as prevention?

If you change the fuelpump, your EVAP or ABS Modul dies after that. I don't mean that this cause this but.

Where to start changing running systems, and where to stop?
Fuelpump, EVAP Valves, Automatic Transmission, air condition compressor, engine?

My motto is. Never touch a running system. Except for maintenance.

 

[MassHoe04]

Are there currently any signs hinting of problems?

Any weird noises, vibrations or smells?

If this has been yours all along, or at least for a while, and you know what kind of maintenance has been done... I would tend to not replace stuff for the sake of replacing stuff.
A reliable part that has been running fine for 188k miles might very well be more reliable than a replacement out of the box.

If things are worn, steering and front end stuff is important.

A good battery and clean ground contacts are a must for reliability.

Quality tires and brakes (if calipers are functioning OK and not hanging... just pads and rotors) also critical for safety.

You'll want to check front hubs for play. Now is about the time they should be looked at for possible replacement (get a high quality hub that comes with ABS sensors pre-installed).

Water pump, thermostat and hoses, if hoses are showing signs of age.

If things are generally good, I would try to not poke the bear unless absolutely necessary.

I am at 210k.

 

[OR VietVet]

I must explain my recommendations. As I have said here before, I am a "thousandaire" and had extra money and decided to do a build thread and wanted to address systems that in my experience of running shops and from what I saw here on the forum, would eventually need to be addressed. At my location at that time, I could only work under the rig with jack stands but a friend of mine, from the shops, owns his own shop now and he offered to allow me access to a lift at his business and could use on slow days and after hours and he offered his help and other equipment as well. I saw an opportunity and jumped in. I knew I was keeping my 05 Z71 and wanted to bring it back to as close to stock reliability as possible. I would hate to have to address a system problem on the road on a trip. If money is not a concern and the Genuine GM parts are available, I see no reason to not address these systems, only if you are keeping the NBS rig. Best years of the GM Tahoe/Yukon runs, IMO.