GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2003 🢒 Cavalier 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Tires and Wheels 🢒 Suspension Strut and Shock Absorber Testing - On Vehicle

Step

Action

Yes

No

1

Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections?

Go to Step 2

Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis

2

Verify that the malfunction is present.

Does the vehicle operate normally?

System OK

Go to Step 3

3

Important: A light film of oil on the top portion of the reservoir is normal.

Inspect each strut or shock absorber for external fluid leakage.

Is the strut or shock absorber leaking?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 4

4

Inspect the vehicle trim height. Refer to Trim Height Inspection .

Is the vehicle trim height correct?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5
  1. Use your hands in order to lift up and push down each corner of the vehicle 3 times.
  2. Remove your hands from the vehicle.

Does the vehicle stop bouncing after 2 cycles?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

6

Replace the front spring or the rear spring.

    • Refer to Strut, Strut Component, and Spring Replacement in Front Suspension.
    • Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement in Rear Suspension.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 8

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7

Replace the strut or shock absorber.

    • Refer to Strut Assembly Replacement in Front Suspension.
    • Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement in Rear Suspension.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 8

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8

Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 3