Struts Or Shock Absorbers On-Vehicle Testing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Vibe. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Did you review the system descriptions and perform the necessary inspections? If so, go to next step. If not, see SYMPTOMS - SUSPENSION GENERAL DIAGNOSIS .
Verify that the customer's concern is present. Does the vehicle operate normally? If so, system is OK. If not, go to next step.
NOTE: A light film of oil on the top portion of the strut or shock absorber reservoir is normal.
Inspect each strut or shock absorber for external fluid leakage. Is a strut or shock absorber leaking? If so, go to step 5. If not, go to next step.
Use your hands in order to lift up and push down each corner of the vehicle 3 times. Remove your hands from the vehicle. Observe the number of compression and rebound cycles for each strut or shock absorber. Did you locate a strut or shock absorber that exceeds 2 cycles? If so, go to next step. If not, go to step 6.
NOTE: Measure the vehicle trim height in order to determine and correct any possible causes of strut or shock absorber failures.
Measure the trim height. Refer to TRIM HEIGHT INSPECTION PROCEDURE . Replace the strut or shock absorber. Refer to the following procedures:
- STRUT ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT in FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM .
- STRUT, STRUT COMPONENT AND/OR SPRING REPLACEMENT in FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM .
- SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT - FWD or SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT - AWD .
- COIL SPRING REPLACEMENT - FWD or COIL SPRING REPLACEMENT - AWD .
Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? If so, system is OK. If not, go back to step 3.