How to Inspect the Drivetrain in a Chevy Silverado
- 1). Perform the drivetrain inspection every 12 months or 15,000 miles to maintain the four-year, 50,000-mile drivetrain warranty that comes with the Chevy Silverado. The drivetrain warranty covers the internal engine parts.
- 2). Test drive your Chevy Silverado, listening closely for any unusual noises such as a clicking or clunking when you're cruising at a low speed, a clicking noise when you turn or clunks when you round a corner. Any of these noises could indicate trouble with the drivetrain.
- 3). Let the truck warm to normal operating temperature by driving it about 10 minutes. Then, park it, but leave it running and pop the hood. Check the transmission fluid level with the truck running and then turn it off to check the oil. Both have metal sticks that you pull out and you'll find both dipsticks on the Silverado in the middle of the engine block on the passenger side.
- 4). Wipe the dipsticks with an old rag, reinsert them into their respective holes and pull them back out to take a reading. Gauge the level of fluid in the container. Add more if either falls below the full mark.
- 5). Inspect the truck's drivetrain visually. Roll under the truck on a creeper and look for any signs of breakage or wear on the axles that connect the driveshaft to the wheels. This includes the front and rear axles, halfshafts and CV joints.
- 6). Look for seepage of fluids from the seals or joints. Pay attention for dry rot or cracking in any of the hard plastics that make up the boot covering of the axles.
- 7). Slide out and check all the clamps and hoses coming out of the air and oil filters and from the engine. The warranty doesn't cover these parts and it could create bigger problems, if they're allowed to break.
Source...