GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Important: The following steps must be completed before using the symptom tables.

  1. Determine whether the vehicle is equipped with an electrically assisted or active suspension system. Perform electrical diagnosis prior to beginning mechanical diagnosis. Refer to the following list in order to diagnose the system:
  2. •  Diagnostic Starting Point - Tire Pressure Monitoring in Tire Pressure Monitoring
    •  Diagnostic Starting Point - Automatic Level Control in Automatic Level Control
    •  Diagnostic Starting Point - Electronic Suspension Control in Electronic Suspension Control
  3. Review the system description and operation in order to familiarize yourself with the system functions. Refer to the appropriate description and operation:
  4. •  General Description in Front Suspension
    •  General Description in Rear Suspension
    •  General Description in Tires and Wheels

Visual/Physical Inspection

    • Inspect for aftermarket devices which could affect the operation of any of the Suspension subsystems.
    • Inspect the easily accessible or visible system components for obvious damage or conditions which could cause the symptom.
    • Inspect for proper tire size and inflation pressure. Refer to Tire Placard in General Information.

Symptom List

Refer to a symptom diagnostic procedure from the following list in order to diagnose the symptom:

    •  Ride Diagnosis - Too Soft
    •  Ride Diagnosis - Too Hard
    •  Vehicle Leads/Pulls
    •  Body Leans or Sways in Corners
    •  Suspension Bottoms
    •  Torque Steer
    •  Memory Steer
    •  Poor Directional Stability
    •  Tire Hop or Poor Handling
    •  Noise Diagnosis - Front Suspension
    •  Noise Diagnosis - Rear Suspension
    •  Suspension Strut and Shock Absorber Testing - On Vehicle
    •  Wheel Bearings Diagnosis
    •  Radial Tire Lead/Pull Correction