Proper Maintenance For Keeping Your 6.6 Duramax Truck In Top Shape

The most powerful engine in the GMC model line is the 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel. The brand’s hardest-working engine produces 470 horsepower and an incredible 975 lb-ft of torque at a very accessible 1,700 rpm. You will find it available on the Sierra 1500 through the 2500 and 3500 HD models, as well as on GMC’s Yukon SUVs. Full-size truck and SUV buyers opt for this engine because they have hard work in mind for it.

The engine debuted in 2001, and for over two decades, GM has continuously improved its power output and durability. Still, any hard-working machine will benefit from regular maintenance, and the Duramax is no exception. It is hard to argue that good maintenance will be more cost-effective than repair, even if you are unable or don’t have the time to perform the maintenance yourself. The Dieffenbach GM Superstore lists a maintenance schedule below so you can extend the life of your Duramax Diesel engine and the truck for as long as you need it. The maintenance comes in 7,500-mile intervals, and it alternates between very light maintenance, much of which you may be able to do yourself, and more involved inspections and replacements that are best done by professionals such as we have at The Dieffenbach GM Superstore:

7,500 Miles:

• Change engine oil and filter
• Inspect engine air filter minder 
• Rotate tires

15,000 Miles: 

• Change engine oil and filter
• Inspect engine air filter minder 
• Replace engine and frame-mounted fuel filters
• Inspect engine cooling system and hoses
• Inspect exhaust system and heat shields
• Rotate tires and inspect and measure tread depth for wear
• Inspect steering linkage, suspension driveshaft, and ball joints
• Inspect brake system
• Check wheels for endplay and noise
• Inspect and lubricate 4×2 ball joints
• Inspect and lubricate steering idler arms

22,500 Miles: 

• Change engine oil and filter
• Inspect engine air filter minder 

30,000 Miles: 

• Change engine oil and filter
• Inspect engine air filter minder 
• Replace engine and frame-mounted fuel filters
• Inspect engine cooling system and hoses
• Inspect exhaust system and heat shields
• Change the automatic transmission fluid and external filter element
• Rotate tires and inspect and measure tread depth for wear
• Inspect steering linkage, suspension, driveshaft, and ball joints
• Inspect brake system
• Check wheels for endplay and noise
• Inspect and lubricate 4×2 ball joints
• Inspect and lubricate steering idler arms

37,500 Miles:

• Change engine oil and filter
• Inspect engine air filter minder 

45,000 Miles:

• Change engine oil and filter
• Rotate tires and inspect and measure tread depth for wear
• Inspect engine air filter minder 
• Replace engine and frame-mounted fuel filters
• Inspect steering linkage, suspension driveshaft, and ball joints
• Inspect engine cooling system and hoses
• Inspect brake system
• Inspect exhaust system and heat shields
• Check wheels for endplay and noise
• Inspect and lubricate 4×2 ball joints
• Inspect and lubricate steering idler arms

52,500 Miles: 

• Change engine oil and filter
• Inspect engine air filter minder 

60,000 Miles: 

• Change engine oil and filter
• Inspect engine air filter minder 
• Replace engine and frame-mounted fuel filters
• Inspect steering linkage, suspension driveshaft, and ball joints
• Inspect engine cooling system and hoses
• Inspect exhaust system and heat shields
• Inspect brake system
• Change the automatic transmission fluid and external filter element
• Change the manual transmission fluid
• Rotate tires and inspect and measure tread depth for wear
• Check wheels for endplay and noise
• Lubricate 4×4 hub needle bearings
• Lubricate 4×2 wheel bearings
• Replace wheel bearing grease seal
• Inspect and lubricate 4×2 ball joints
• Inspect and lubricate steering idler arms

If you are in a position to change the oil and oil filter and check the air filter yourself, you can cut your visits in half. As mentioned above, the longer maintenance sessions are best conducted by the  Dieffenbach Service Center, which has all the necessary tools, diagnostic equipment, and the experience of technicians who do this every day. The 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel is an incredible engine. We hope you will be able to enjoy its abilities for many years to come.