Chevrolet Sonic Repair Manual: Strut and Shock Absorber Inspection

Chevrolet Sonic Repair Manual / Chassis / Suspension / Strut and Shock Absorber Inspection

Note:

The strut assembly DOES NOT have to be removed from the vehicle to perform the following inspection procedure.

Note:

A light film of oil on the top portion of the strut is normal. DO NOT replace the strut for this condition.

Condition 1

Oil or fluid residue only on the bottom of the strut tube or on other strut components and not originating from the shaft seal, is not a strut related problem. DO NOT replace the strut, look for other external leaks.

Condition 2

Light film/residue on the strut tube, but not on the spring seat and originating from the shaft seal, is a NORMAL condition. DO NOT replace the strut.

Condition 3

Oil drip or trail down the strut tube and originating from the shaft seal, is an ABNORMAL condition. Replace the strut.

Condition 4

Extreme wet film of oil covering the strut tube and pooling in the spring seat and originating from the shaft seal, is an ABNORMAL condition. Replace the strut.

Inspection

Verify the customer's concern is present. If the concern is present, continue to the next step. If the concern is not present, then the vehicle is operating normally.

Note:

The strut assembly DOES NOT have to be removed from the vehicle to perform the following inspection procedure.

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
Visually inspect each of the shock absorbers or struts for external fluid leaks. Refer to the following conditions 1, 2 , 3 , and 4 for visual inspection.

If conditions 1 or 2 are found, continue to step 4.
If conditions 3 or 4 are found, replace strut. Refer to Strut Replacement.

If equipped with electronic suspension control system, ensure that the system is working properly. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point-Electronic Suspension Control.

Use your hands in order to lift up and push down on each corner of the vehicle 3 times. Remove your hands from the vehicle. If the corner motion exceeds 2 cycles, replace the strut. If the strut does not exceed 2 cycles, NO repair is necessary.

Shock Absorber Replacement

Shock Absorber Replacement Callout Component Name Preliminary Procedure Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking ...

Strut and Shock Absorber Inspection (Shock Absorber)

Note: The shock absorber assembly DOES NOT have to be removed from the vehicle to perform the following inspection procedure. Note: A light film of oil on the top portion of the lower sho ...

Other materials:

Compass
The vehicle may have a compass display in the Driver Information Center (DIC). The compass receives its heading and other information from the Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna, StabiliTrak, and vehicle speed information. Avoid covering the GPS antenna, located on the roof, for long perio ...

Rear Seat Outboard Seat Back Airbag Replacement
Rear Seat Outboard Seat Back Airbag Replacement Callout Component Name Warning: Following the deployment of a rear seat side air bag, inspect the following parts for damage. Replace these parts if necessary: ...

Electrical Power Management Description and Operation
Electrical Power Management The electrical power management is used to monitor and control the charging system and alert the driver of possible problems within the charging system. The electrical power management system makes the most efficient use of the generator output, improves ...

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