GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Use the following procedure to inspect for excessive friction in the front suspension:

  1. Enlist the help of another technician to lift up on the front bumper, raising the vehicle as high as possible.
  2. Slowly release the bumper, allowing the vehicle to assume its normal trim height. Refer to General Description .
  3. Measure the distance from the street level to the center of the bumper.
  4. Push down on the bumper, release slowly, and allow the vehicle to assume its normal trim height.
  5. Measure the distance from the street level to the center of the bumper.
  6. The difference between the 2 measurements should be less than 12.7 mm (0.5 in). If the difference exceeds this limit, inspect the control arms, the struts, and the ball joints for damage or wear.