Chevrolet Sonic manuals

Chevrolet Sonic Repair Manual: Trim Height Inspection

Chevrolet Sonic Repair Manual / Chassis / Suspension / Trim Height Inspection

Trim Height Measurement

Trim height is a predetermined measurement relating to vehicle ride height. Incorrect trim heights can cause the vehicle to bottom out over bumps, damage to the suspension components and symptoms similar to wheel alignment problems. Check the trim heights when diagnosing suspension concerns and before checking the wheel alignment.

Perform the following before measuring the trim heights:

    Note:

    One U.S. gallon of gasoline weighs approximately 6.5 lbs

    . One liter of gasoline weighs approximately 0.7 kg

    .

  • Check the fuel level. Add additional weight if necessary to simulate a full tank.
  • Make sure the passenger and rear compartments are empty, except for the spare tire.
  • Make sure the vehicle is on a flat and level surface, such as an alignment rack.
  • Check that all the vehicle doors are securely closed.
  • Check that the vehicle hood and rear deck lids are securely closed.
  • Check for installed after market accessories or modifications that could affect trim height measurement:
    • Larger or Smaller than production wheels and tires
    • Lifting or Lowering Kits
    • Wheel Opening Flares or Ground Affects
Measuring the P and R Dimension

Measurement Definitions

Measurement Definitions

P Height: The vertical distance from the ground to the top of the wheel opening through the centerline of the front wheel.

R Height: The vertical distance from the ground to the top of the wheel opening through the centerline of the rear wheel.

Use the following procedures to measure the P and R dimensions:

    Note:

    • Measure from the TOP of the wheel well opening to the ground.
    • The left and right P and R height differences should be no more than 10 mm (0.39 in)

      .

  1. Push the front bumper down a minimum of 25 mm (1 in)

    and release. Perform this step three times.

  2. Measure and record the trim height per the “Measurement Definitions” above.
  3. Lift the bumper up a minimum of 25 mm (1 in)

    and release. Perform this step three times.

  4. Measure and record the trim height per the “Measurement Definitions” above.
  5. The true P height measurement is the average of the measurements taken in step 2 and 4. Refer to Trim Height Specifications.
  6. Repeat the above steps at the rear of the vehicle for the R heights.
  7. If the P and R heights are outside of the specifications, measure the Z & D heights.
Measuring the Z Dimension

Measurement Definitions

Measurement Definitions

The Z Height: The vertical distance from the bottom surface of the cradle (b), in line fore/aft with the center of the ball joint (a).

Use the following procedures to measure the Z dimensions:

    Note:

    The left and right Z height differences should be no more than 10 mm (0.39 in)

    .

  1. Push the front bumper down a minimum of 25 mm (1 in)

    and release. Perform this step three times.

  2. Measure and record the trim height per the “Measurement Definitions” above.
  3. Lift the front bumper a minimum of 25 mm (1 in)

    and release. Perform this step three times.

  4. Measure and record the trim height per the “Measurement Definitions” above.
  5. The true Z height dimension is the average of the measurements taken in steps 2 and 4. Refer to Trim Height Specifications.
  6. If these measurements are out of specifications, inspect for the following conditions:
  • Worn or damaged suspension components
  • Collision damage
D Height Measurement

Measurement Definitions

Measurement Definitions

The D Height: The vertical distance from the bottom surface of the body side rail (a) to the center of the lower shock attaching bolt head (b).

Use the following procedure to check the D dimension:

    Note:

    The left and right D height difference should be no more than 10 mm (0.39 in)

    .

  1. Push the rear bumper down a minimum of 25 mm (1 in)

    and release. Perform this step three times.

  2. Measure and record the trim height per the “Measurement Definitions” above.
  3. Lift the rear bumper up a minimum of 25 mm (1 in)

    and release. Perform this step three times.

  4. Measure and record the trim height per the “Measurement Definitions” above.
  5. The true D height is the average of the measurements taken in steps 2 and 4. Refer to Trim Height Specifications.
  6. If these measurements are out of specifications, inspect for the following conditions:
  • Worn or damaged suspension components
  • Collision damage
Special Tools
Illustration Tool Number/ Description CH-24319-B CH-43631 J-24319-B J-43631 Ball Joint Remover ...

Ball Joint Inspection
Caution: Refer to Vehicle Lifting and Jacking Caution. Raise the front of the vehicle to allow the front suspension to hang free. Grasp the tire at the top and the bottom. Move the ...

Other materials:

Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount of air pressure to operate effectively. Caution Neither tire underinflation nor overinflation is good. Underinflated tires, or tires that do not have enough air, can result in: . Tire overloading and overheating which could lead to a blowout. . Premature or ir ...

Engine Component Description
Cylinder Block The cylinder hollow frame structured in–line 4 cylinder. The block has 5 crankshaft bearings with the thrust bearing located on the third bearing from the front of the engine. Crankshaft The crankshaft is a steel crankshaft. It is supported ...

Engine Coolant Fan Replacement (LDE/LUW)
Removal Procedure Unclip transmission cooler lines from shroud if equipped. Unclip radiator surge tank outlet hose from fan shroud. Disconnect the engine coolant fan wiring harness. Note: You stand against driving direction. Unclip the engine coolant fan ...

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