99 Silverado problems

[mackattack67]

Just wondered is anybody has any of the following problems that I do with my 99 Silverado. The front windows freeze shut. The steering wheel or steering column make a groaning noise when I turn to the right only - lubing the steering linkage has not solved this problem (very annoying). My gas gauge works most of the time but sometimes it shows empty and the low fuel light comes on - this problem can be solved by shaking the truck. The 3rd door takes alot of effort to shut properly. Seems like the 5.3 is starting to feel a little tired - any suggestions?

Does everyone else have their original brakes? I have 83,000 and still do.

[Bill-SILV]

I have 94,000 on my 99 and still have the original brakes, it kind of amazing isnt it!

[TexasF355F1]

I have the groaning noise in my 99. And I think I may have the window freeze you're talking about. Haven't really worried about it though.

[digitalhorizons]

The only problems I am having is with wind noise coming from the ext. cab vent windows. Anyone with ideas on this let me know. I am out of warranty so no luck on that fix.

[Slowprocess]

I, too, have the crazy gas gauge. I see alot of these trucks have this problem. I replaced my brakes at 90,000 and they still had some pad left. I couldn't believe it since I am so hard on them(gotta get the tires warm sometimes before a good run, not very good on brake pads)

[red00lght]

Hmm....I don't have the frozen window problem, of course, it is going to be about 72 degrees down here in Miami today.....

My 99 Silv does make some strange sounds when turning tight in either direction. Just bought it so I haven't had the chance to check it out yet...

[Sonny01]

I have a 2000 Silverado and have lots of wind noise, the third door is hard to shut and makes a clunking sound when you hit a bump. Also I have the brake problem that at very low speeds the ABS comes on and I lose the brakes for a second or two. I have read several posts on this subject and I need to clean the speed sensors in the front. It has just been to darn cold.

[mackattack67]

Does the Hypertech programmer really work as well as advertised. I've heard that it is good for 15-20hp.

[Gavin Curtis]

Originally Posted by mackattack67

Does the Hypertech programmer really work as well as advertised. I've heard that it is good for 15-20hp.

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Silverado ABS EBCM can be repaired for $100. The problem with the ABS activation at low speeds is due to corrosion on the front wheel sensors.

[stevekarns]

I can feel you on the Gas Guage. I just got a used 99 Z71 5.3 with the 3rd door. I'm just under 94K mi. The gas guage is giving me the same problem. Factory replacement is $350. Maybe I'll try the eraser trick first. I'll post once I've attempted the eraser trick and let you know how it goes. Anything better then the $350.

STEVE

[slacker_53]

Originally Posted by mackattack67

Just wondered is anybody has any of the following problems that I do with my 99 Silverado. The front windows freeze shut. The steering wheel or steering column make a groaning noise when I turn to the right only - lubing the steering linkage has not solved this problem (very annoying). My gas gauge works most of the time but sometimes it shows empty and the low fuel light comes on - this problem can be solved by shaking the truck. The 3rd door takes alot of effort to shut properly. Seems like the 5.3 is starting to feel a little tired - any suggestions?

Does everyone else have their original brakes? I have 83,000 and still do.

mackattack--99.99% sure that the groaning in your steering is the sector, I have had to replace a couple of these to fix the problem.

The fuel gauge problem is the sender, located in the tank and part of the fuel pump assembly (it CAN be replaced seperately, but why?). The last one I had replaced at the Chevy store cost about $400, of which about half was labor. If you choose to replace it yourself, I prefer to pull the bed loose opposed to dropping the tank. (my opinion) As i said, while your replacing the sender, you may as well replace the pump, your already there.

Unfortunately, these first year (99) and second year (2000) Silverados have their own set of little quirks.

Good luck to you!

-slacker

[stevekarns]

Today I got my truck back together and filled it up. I used contact cleaner and a q-tip to clean the sending unit. So far so good. I've gone about 20 miles and the guage hasn't droped off like it would have before cleaning the sending unit. I had about 1/8 of a tank left when I dropped the tank and there wasn't any trouble is dropping the tank. Now that I've done it I think that it would only take about 2 hours to drop the tank and pull the pump/sending unit again. Heck I even found a spare set of keys on the frame!! Good luck to you all.
STEVE

[stevekarns]

I've got just over 60 miles on the "re-built" sending unit. So far no screw ups. It would've done it by now had I not cleaned it. Good luck to those of you who dare to try cleaning the sending unit vice paying the $350 for the new one.

[mackattack67]

Thanks for the reply guys!

Slacker, where is the steering sector located, in the cab? Why would it make noise only when turned to the right and not the left?

[slacker_53]

Originally Posted by mackattack67

Thanks for the reply guys!

Slacker, where is the steering sector located, in the cab? Why would it make noise only when turned to the right and not the left?

The sector is mounted on the frame. I don't know why they seem to groan one way and not the other. The last one I had didn't want to turn right very easiliy, but would turn left, no problem.

Something to do with the equalizing valve in the body of the sector.

Go figure!

-slacker