05-03-08-002H

Bulletin No.: 05-03-08-002H
Date: Dec-2016
Subject:
Information on Diagnosis and Replacement of Shock Absorber and Strut Due to Fluid Leak
Models:
2017 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Trucks
Attention:
This Bulletin also applies to any of the above models that may be Export from North America vehicles.
This Bulletin has been revised to add the 2017 Model Year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 05-03-08-002G.
This bulletin is intended to help identify the severity of shock absorber and strut fluid seepage. Improper diagnosis may lead to components being replaced that
are within the manufacturer's specification. Shock absorbers and strut assemblies are fluid-filled components and will normally exhibit some seepage. Seepage
is defined as oil film or dust accumulation on the exterior of the shock housing. Shock absorbers and struts are not to be replaced under warranty for seepage.
Use the following information to determine if the condition is normal acceptable seepage or a defective component.
Important: Electronically controlled shock absorbers (MR) may have a tendency to attract dust to this oil film. Often this film and dust can be wiped off and will
not return until similar mileage is accumulated again.
Inspection Procedure
Note: The shock absorber or strut assembly DOES NOT have to be removed from the vehicle to perform the following inspection procedure.
Use the following descriptions and graphics to determine the serviceability of the component.
Shock Absorbers
1
Do Not Replace shock absorbers displaying condition 1 or 2 levels of seepage.
1.
Oil or fluid residue only on the bottom or top of the shock absorber and not originating from the shaft seal (the upper part of the lower shock tube).
2.
Light film/residue on approximately 1/3 (a) or less of the lower shock tube (A) and originating from the shaft seal.
Replace shock absorbers displaying conditions 3 and 4 levels of leaks.
3.
Oil drip or trail down the lower shock tube and originating from the shaft seal.
4.
An extreme wet film of oil covering more than 1/3 (b) of the lower shock tube and originating from the shaft seal.
Coil-over Shock Absorber
2
Do Not Replace coil-over shock absorbers displaying condition 1 or 2 levels of seepage.
1.
Oil or fluid residue only on the bottom of the lower shock absorber tube or the coil-over shock absorber components and not originating from the shaft
seal (located at the top of the coil-over shock tube).
2.
Light film/residue on the shock absorber tube, but not on the spring seat and originating from the shaft seal.
Replace coil-over shock absorbers displaying conditions 3 and 4 levels of leaks.
3.
Oil drip or trail down the lower shock tube and originating from the shaft seal.
4.
An extreme, wet film of oil covering the shock absorber tube and pooling in the spring seat and originating from the shaft seal.
Struts
3
Do Not Replace Struts displaying condition 1 or 2 levels of seepage.
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.
2.
Light film/residue on the strut tube, but not on the spring seat and originating from the shaft seal.
Replace Struts displaying conditions 3 and 4 levels of leaks.
3.
Oil drip or trail down the strut tube and originating from the shaft seal (located at the top of the strut tube).
4.
Extreme wet film of oil covering the strut tube and pooling in the spring seat and originating from the shaft seal.
Correction
Use the information published in SI for diagnosis and repair.
Use the applicable published labor operation.
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may
occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools,
safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that
your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION
4