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.
Some oil wetting may be visible due to the grease that is packed in the crimp recess. A stain or a trace of oil that is on the piston tube near the crimp is normal. Replace the unit if the oil is dripping from the crimp or the stud end of the unit.
