Caution: Failure to observe the following procedure when handling energy absorbers
could cause personal injury.
• Do not apply heat to an energy absorber. • Do not weld in the area of an energy absorber. • Do not attempt to repair a damaged energy absorber. Always replace
the damaged energy absorber with a new part. • If an energy absorber is bound-up as a result of a collision such
that it cannot extend, take precautions to avoid spring-back when bending
sheet metal. Provide a positive restraint, such as a chain or cable to hold
the bumper in the position it is in. Wear approved safety glasses and using
a 3mm (1/8 inch) drill bit, drill a small hole in the piston tube near the
bumper bracket to relieve gas pressure. Remove the energy absorber after
gas pressure has been relieved. • If an energy absorber is to be scrapped, relieve the gas pressure
prior to disposal of the part. Make an indentation with a center punch in
the small cylinder section of the energy absorber.
Notice: An energy absorber that has a dislodged blowout plug (due to an above 8 km/h (5 mph) impact) could have insufficient absorber action in impacts below 8 km/h (5 mph). Complete diagnosis procedures must be followed after a collision to prevent excessive vehicle damage in any future low speed impacts.
Observe the following components for evidence of visible distortion:
| • | The bumper bracket |
| • | The piston tube |
| • | The frame bracket |
| • | The cylinder tube |
Scuffing of the piston tube occurs when the unit is stroked. This is considered normal.
Replace the unit if the unit shows obvious damage.
