Hey all I just inherited a 2005 Jimmy with 114k kms for free. I'm planning on using it as a winter SUV, I'm in the process of building a list of what needs to be done. The SUV has been sitting in a garage for 3 years so lots of corrosion underneath.

The oil, spark plugs/wires, air/oil/fuel filter have been changed. New fuel pump from rock auto.

I tried bleeding the brake lines but all 4 bleeder valves are rusted on real good. Im just going to buy reman ones from rockauto. The rear brake lines near the axle have rust. I live in Canada so rust is in issue like the northern states do. Stupid question but can the rust penetrate threw the brake lines or do they have coating on them to prevent it?

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Yikes, I am SO glad I live where rust is much less of an issue. Although our state highway department has started using salt?!?! Apparently they have decided people would rather have clearer roads than rusty cars. This is a new thing for us in the inland Pacific Northwest. I don't like it.

As to your question, I would guess that unless they are stainless steel, the brake lines can rust through too.

Perhaps someone with more experience can confirm this?

 

I know it looks horrible, the body has a few minor rust spots. At this point I may just use it as a winter warrior. I can honestly say when my dad stored this, that underbody was clean. I guess he didn't clean under there before he parked it. I was looking on rockauto and the rear brake lines that's on the rear axle is pretty cheap.

Right now it needs new tires, those ones on it right now have a bald spot and the manufacturing date is back from 04. I guess the OEM tires it came with.

As for the front end, knuckle and all I think I'll start looking at the local scrap yard for those. It may seem like it will cost quite a bit but the engine started right up after 3 years. (Crank the engine a few times after the oil change to let some new oil flow).

Anyone in the salt belt give me tips to clean the rust or suggests parts that should be changed?

 

Alright finally had the brakes flushed with new dot 3 fluids, there is the abs light on with the low speed abs kicking in problem which I have searched and read on this site. For now I disconnected the abs fuse.

Since the car sat for 3-4years, would anyone recommend changing the wheel hubs with the abs sensor? Balljoints are on my to do list too.

Moog balljoints and Timken hubs is what everyone recommends on this site.

Coolant has the dexcool, looks pink. Probably have to flush and changed that too?

 

Hey,
Ya I swapped the Hubs to SKF's they are the best Timken is dropping in quality....
this helps the ABS issue... I had blown Speed sensor and bearing swapped both front for the SKF from NAPA...
Flush would be my reccomendation, Pull the Rad hose, you wont find a petcock...
5/8 ID hose for Heater core flush
I know about the rust also im in Timmins Ontario

 

Yes the brake lines will rust through... only a matter of time in the North

 

Thanks timmins_jimmy,

I have to inspect the brake lines from the front to the middle of the SUV, i didn't get a good look at them. If they are corroded I may pass on this vehicle, unless GM sells the lines pre bent, or can replace for under $500. Bad experience with brake lines in my old Mazda. The only ones that are corroded are the left and right lines that is on top of the rear axle, and rock auto has them for $50 a piece.