2001 Chevrolet Suburban Oil Leak

UPMM019

MEMBER
2001 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
5.3L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
201,000 MILES

So I have a 2001 Chevy Suburban 1500 LT.

For what I paid for it and the use. It runs and drives just fine.

However, I don't like oil leaks. I thought the leak was from the oil cooler bypass plate. Order the gasket and that did not stop it.

I presume it is the rear main seal.

Wondering how difficult of a job that is for a DIY. Do you pull the engine or transmission and transfer case, etc.

I'm on the fence about doing it myself or having a mechanic do it. Any idea what I should expect to pay for this type of fix?

Also, if I am going to the extreme to fix this is there anything else, like the oil pan or valve cover gaskets that should be replaced too. I.E. One bird two stones. Approach

6 Replies

JOHNNYT73

MECHANIC
924 POSTS

In order to replace the rear main seal, the transmission and transaxle (if 4x4) will need to be removed. To do this its gonna be about 8.0-8.5 Labor hours so I would say in the area of $800 to fix.

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Monday, January 19th, 2015 AT 1:15 PM

UPMM019

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216 POSTS

So my leak is a bit worse now. Wondering if the colder weather would be the cause of it.

I contacted the GM dealer and they ball parked it at $850.

Any idea what other things they could encounter or because of the repair suggest additional services/repairs, etc?

How likely is it to have a major problem to the vehicle after this type of work?

I need to drive it next week and put about 1500 miles on and was thinking of having this fixed before I go on my trip.

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Thursday, February 12th, 2015 AT 5:35 PM

UPMM019

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216 POSTS

I suppose they should determine where the leak is coming from. I am merely assuming rear main. Engine has over 200K on it.

Would my expectations of a single repair to resolve this oil leak be realistic?

I have read some forum posts where it take a few times back in the shop to fix the leak.

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Thursday, February 12th, 2015 AT 5:49 PM

JOHNNYT73

MECHANIC
924 POSTS

If your taking it to a dealer then I would hope that if they don't fix it right the first time then they will work till they get it right. I think these motors have a plate similar to a timing cover on the rear main seal area.

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Thursday, February 12th, 2015 AT 5:53 PM

UPMM019

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216 POSTS

So they say the leaks are most likely from Oil Pan, Timing Cover and the Oil Cooler Bypass. Plus I had a leaky front right diff and transfer case tail shaft.

Cost me $1615.00 to fix all of that.

What should any consumer expect the warranty to be for such work?

I suspect its gonna drip again.

They didn't feel it was the rear main and per looking through the bell housing inspection cover you could not see any wetness, etc. Looked all dry.