Suspension Bottoms

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Grand Am, 2002 Oldsmobile Alero, and 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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

Did you review General Description and perform necessary inspections? If yes, go to next step. If no, see VISUAL/PHYSICAL INSPECTION .
Verify that suspension bottoms. Does vehicle operate normally? If yes, system is okay. If no, go to next step.
Check for vehicle overloading. Is vehicle overloaded? If yes, go to step 6. If no, go to next step.
Inspect vehicle trim height. See RIDE HEIGHT under ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION. Is vehicle trim height incorrect? If yes, go to step 7.
Inspect struts and shock absorbers. Are components in need of replacement? If yes, go to step 8. If no, go to step 9.
Remove excess weight from vehicle. Did you remove excess weight from vehicle? If yes, go to step 9.
Correct vehicle trim height. See RIDE HEIGHT under ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION. Did you complete repair? If yes, go to step 9.
Replace components as necessary. Did you complete repair? If yes, go to next step.
Operate vehicle in order to verify repair.