Suspension Bottoms

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Montana, 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette, and 2003 Chevrolet Venture. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

DEFINITION: A loud bang or thump that can usually be felt and/or heard when the vehicle is driven over bumps. This condition is commonly noticed when the vehicle trim height is too low.

Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections? If yes, go to next step. If no, see SYMPTOMS - SUSPENSION GENERAL DIAGNOSIS .
Verify that the suspension bottoms. Does the vehicle operate normally? If yes, system is OK. If no, go to next step.
Check for vehicle overloading and correct the overloading condition as necessary. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step 6. If no, go to next step.
Inspect the following components for damage or wear:
- Struts and shock absorbers, refer STRUTS OR SHOCK ABSORBERS ON-VEHICLE TESTING .
- Coil springs, refer to STRUT, STRUT COMPONENT AND/OR SPRING REPLACEMENT in FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM or COIL SPRING REPLACEMENT in REAR SUSPENSION.
Inspect the vehicle trim height. Refer to TRIM HEIGHT INSPECTION PROCEDURE . Did you complete the trim height inspection procedure? If yes, go to next step.
Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? If yes, system is OK. If no, go back to step 3.