Trim Height Specifications
| Model/Restrictions | Dimension D | Dimension J | Dimension K | Dimension Z |
|---|
| Front Wheel Drive |
| Vehicles with 215/70R15 Tires | 143-163 mm (5.6-6.4 in) | 237-257 mm (9.3-10.1 in) 1 | 260-280 mm (10.2-11.0 in) 1 | 55-75 mm (2.1-2.9 in) |
| Vehicles with 215/65R16 Tires | 143-163 mm (5.6-6.4 in) | 240-260 mm (9.4-10.2 in) 1 | 263-283 mm (10.3-11.1 in) 1 | 55-75 mm (2.1-2.9 in) |
| Vehicles with 215/70R16 Tires | 143-163 mm (5.6-6.4 in) | 251-271 mm (9.8-10.6 in) 1 | 274-294 mm (10.7-11.5 in) 1 | 55-75 mm (2.1-2.9 in) |
| Vehicles with 225/60R17 Tires | 153-158 mm (6.0-6.22 in) | 257-259 mm (10.1-10.2 in) | 279-283 mm (10.9-11.1 in) | 65-67 mm (2.5-2.6 in) |
| All Wheel Drive |
| Vehicles with 215/65R16 Tires | 87-107 mm (3.4-4.2 in) | 240-260 mm (9.4-10.2 in) 1 | 251-271 mm (9.8-10.6 in) 1 | 55-75 mm (2.1-2.9 in) |
| Vehicles with 215/70R16 Tires | 87-107 mm (3.4-4.2 in) | 251-271 mm (9.8-10.6 in) 1 | 272-292 mm (10.7-11.4 in) 1 | 55-75 mm (2.1-2.9 in) |
| Vehicles with 225/60R17 Tires | 153-158 mm (6.0-6.22 in) | 257-259 mm (10.1-10.2 in) | 279-283 mm (10.9-11.1 in) | 65-67 mm (2.5-2.6 in) |
| 1 Measure the J dimension and the K dimension 650 mm (25.5 in) from the centerline of the nearest wheel. These points are identified on the vertical surface of the rocker panel by a 2 mm (.08 in) diameter and 1 mm (.04 in) high circle. |
Trim Height Specifications
Diagnostic Starting Point - Suspension General Diagnosis
Begin the system diagnosis by reviewing the system Description and Operation. Reviewing the Description and Operation information will help you determine the correct symptom diagnostic procedure when a malfunction exists. Reviewing the Description and Operation information, and the vehicle RPO, will also help you determine if the condition described by the customer is normal operation. Refer to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis in order to identify the correct procedure for diagnosing the system and where the procedure is located.
Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis
| IMPORTANT | The following steps must be completed before using the symptom tables. |
- Determine whether the vehicle is equipped with an electrically assisted or active suspension system. Perform electrical diagnosis prior to beginning mechanical diagnosis. Refer to «Diagnostic Starting Point - Automatic Level Control»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/electronic-suspension/#suspension-control-system-suspension-leveling__diagnostic-starting-point-automatic-level) in Automatic Level Control.
- Review the system description and operation in order to familiarize yourself with the system functions. Refer to the appropriate description and operation: «General Description (Strut)»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__general-description-strut) in Front Suspension «General Description (Front Wheel Drive)»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) or «General Description (All Wheel Drive)»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system__general-description-all-wheel-drive) in Rear Suspension «General Description»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__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»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/hoistjack/#general-information) in General Information.
Symptom List
Refer to a symptom diagnostic procedure from the following list in order to diagnose the symptom
- «Ride Diagnosis»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-system-general-diagnosis__ride-diagnosis)
- «Vehicle Leads/Pulls»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-system-general-diagnosis__vehicle-leadspulls)
- «Body Leans or Sways in Corners»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-system-general-diagnosis__body-leans-or-sways-in-corners)
- «Radial Tire Lead/Pull Correction»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__radial-tire-leadpull-correction)
- «Suspension Bottoms»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-system-general-diagnosis__suspension-bottoms)
- «Torque Steer»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-system-general-diagnosis__torque-steer)
- «Memory Steer»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-system-general-diagnosis__memory-steer)
- «Poor Directional Stability»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-system-general-diagnosis__poor-directional-stability)
- «Noise Diagnosis - Front Suspension»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-system-general-diagnosis__noise-diagnosis-front-suspension)
- «Noise Diagnosis - Rear Suspension»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-system-general-diagnosis__noise-diagnosis-rear-suspension)
- «Struts or Shock Absorbers On-Vehicle Testing»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-system-general-diagnosis__struts-or-shock-absorbers-on-vehicle-testing)
- «Wheel Bearings Diagnosis»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-system-general-diagnosis__wheel-bearings-diagnosis)
- «Trim Height Inspection Procedure»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-system-general-diagnosis__trim-height-inspection-procedure)
Ride Diagnosis
| IMPORTANT |
|---|
| Verify the vehicle suspension package RPO. |
Vehicle Leads/Pulls
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|
| DEFINITION: At a constant highway speed on a typical straight road, lead/pull is the amount of effort required at the steering wheel to maintain the vehicle's straight path. |
| 1 | Did you review the General Description and perform the visual/physical inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis |
| 2 | Road test the vehicle in order to verify the complaint. Does the vehicle operate normally? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
| 3 | Inspect the tire/wheel assemblies for: Correct tire pressure-Refer to the tire placard. Correct tire size-Refer to the tire placard. Abnormal tire wear or damage Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Perform the Radial Tire Lead/Pull Correction in Tires and Wheels. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Inspect and correct/adjust the suspension and steering systems for: Vehicle trim height-Refer to Trim Height Specifications . Excessively worn, loose, or damaged components Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 6 |
| 6 | Inspect the brake system for brake drag. With the vehicle suspended on a hoist, brake drag can be identified by rotating each wheel several times and observing whether more force is need to rotate the left wheel or the right wheel. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Disc Brakes in Disc Brakes. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 7 |
| 7 | Inspect the wheel alignment and adjust as necessary. Refer to Measuring Wheel Alignment in Wheel Alignment. Did you correct the condition? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 8 |
| 8 | Inspect the steering gear for unequal effort. The vehicle must be suspended on a hoist, the engine running, and the transmission in park or neutral. Grasp the tire assembly and manually simulate a turn from the left of center and the right of center observing whether more force is needed to turn to the left or to the right. If this condition exists replace the steering gear. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
| 9 | Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
Body Leans or Sways in Corners
Body Leans or Sways in Corners
Suspension Bottoms
Torque Steer
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|
| DEFINITION: On a dry, smooth, flat road, the vehicle has a left or right steering force during acceleration that is eliminated when the transmission is shifted into NEUTRAL. The level of the steering force is usually (but not always) dependent on the amount of torque which is applied by the engine. |
| 1 | Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis |
| 2 | Drive the vehicle on a straight, smooth, flat road. Press the accelerator and momentarily release the steering wheel. Repeat this test with the vehicle traveling in the opposite direction in order to eliminate crosswind effects. Lead/pull caused by unlevel roads and crosswinds are considered normal. Does the vehicle exhibit torque steer when the accelerator is pressed? | Go to Step 3 | System OK |
| 3 | Drive the vehicle on a straight, smooth, flat road at 64-97 km/h (40-60 mph). Remove your foot from the accelerator. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL in order to allow the vehicle to coast. Momentarily release the steering wheel and note any change in the direction of the vehicle. Repeat this test with the vehicle traveling in the opposite direction in order to eliminate crosswind effects. Lead/pull caused by unlevel roads and crosswinds are considered normal. Does the vehicle direction change when the steering wheel is momentarily released? | Go to Vehicle Leads/Pulls | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Inspect the front suspension for worn or damaged components and repair as necessary. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Inspect the vehicle trim height. Refer to Trim Height Inspection Procedure . Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 6 |
| 6 | Inspect for worn or damaged powertrain mounts. Replace as necessary. Refer to in Engine Mechanical - 3.4L. Did you complete the inspection/repair? | Go to Step 7 | |
| 7 | Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
Memory Steer
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|
| DEFINITION: The steering wheel does not return to center after completing a turn. |
| 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 memory steer is present. Does the system operate normally? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
| 3 | Check the tire inflation and adjust to specifications. Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications in Maintenance and Lubrication. Did you adjust the tire pressure? | Go to Step 16 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information. Lubricate the tie rod ends and the ball joints if applicable. Inspect the suspension system for worn or damaged components. Repair as necessary. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 16 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Rotate the steering wheel ONE revolution in both directions. Rotate the steering wheel back to the original position. Was the steering wheel abnormally difficult to rotate in either direction? | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 10 |
| 6 | Remove the steering column pinch bolt in order to disengage the column from the steering system. IMPORTANT: Do NOT rotate the steering wheel more than one complete revolution. Note the position of the steering wheel and rotate the steering wheel ONE revolution in both directions. Rotate the steering wheel back to the original position. Was the steering wheel abnormally difficult to rotate in either direction? | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 7 |
| 7 | Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels. Disconnect both of the outer tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement in Power Steering System. Use your hands in order to move the tie rod ends. Are either of the tie rod ends abnormally difficult to move? | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 8 |
| 8 | Inspect for binding strut bearings or ball joints. Use your hands to rotate the steering knuckle inboard and outboard. Are either of the steering knuckles abnormally difficult to move? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 14 |
| 9 | Disconnect the strut from the steering knuckle. Use your hands to rotate the strut. Is the strut abnormally difficult to rotate? | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 13 |
| 10 | Inspect the wheel alignment and adjust as necessary. Refer to Measuring Wheel Alignment in Wheel Alignment. Did you complete the wheel alignment? | Go to Step 16 | |
| 11 | Replace the outer tie rod end. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement in Power Steering System. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 16 | |
| 12 | Replace the strut bearing. Refer to Strut, Strut Component and/or Spring Replacement in Front Suspension. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 16 | |
| 13 | Replace the damaged ball joint. Refer to Lower Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 16 | |
| 14 | Replace the steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 16 | |
| 15 | Repair the steering column as necessary. Refer to Steering Column Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 16 | |
| 16 | Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
| IMPORTANT |
|---|
| Do NOT rotate the steering wheel more than one complete revolution. |
Poor Directional Stability
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|
| DEFINITION: Driver is unable to maintain consistent, predictable vehicle driving control in any direction. |
| 1 | Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint. Does the vehicle exhibit poor directional stability? | Go to Step 2 | System OK |
| 2 | Ensure that the tires are all the same size, make, and adequate tread depth. Repair as necessary. Ensure that all of the tires are inflated to the correct pressure. Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications in Maintenance and Lubrication. Does the vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability? | Go to Step 3 | System OK |
| 3 | Inspect the stabilizer shaft, links, and insulators for wear or damage. Repair as necessary. Refer to the following: Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in Front Suspension. Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Replacement in Front Suspension. Does the vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability? | Go to Step 4 | System OK |
| 4 | Inspect the lower control arms, ball joints and tie rods for wear or damage. Repair as necessary. Refer to the following: Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension. Lower Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension. Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement in Power Steering System. Does the vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability? | Go to Step 5 | System OK |
| 5 | Inspect the wheel bearings/hubs for looseness or excessive lateral runout. Refer to Wheel Bearings Diagnosis . Does the vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability? | Go to Step 6 | System OK |
| 6 | Inspect the vehicle trim height. Refer to Trim Height Inspection Procedure . Repair as necessary. Does the vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability? | Go to Step 7 | System OK |
| 7 | Inspect and adjust the wheel alignment as necessary. Refer to Measuring Wheel Alignment in Wheel Alignment. Does the vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability? | Go to Step 8 | System OK |
| 8 | Inspect the steering gear and steering column for looseness. Repair as necessary. Does the vehicle still exhibit poor directional stability? | Go to Step 1 | System OK |
Poor Directional Stability
Tire Hop or Poor Handling
Tire Hop or Poor Handling
Noise Diagnosis - Front Suspension
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|
| DEFINITION: Any noise emitted from the front of the vehicle that is induced by VEHICLE SPEED or DRIVING TERRAIN as related to the front suspension. |
| 1 | Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary Inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis |
| 2 | Attempt to duplicate the condition. Road test the vehicle. Did you duplicate the condition? | Go to Step 3 | System OK |
| 3 | Is the noise reactive to vehicle load or speed? | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 7 |
| 4 | Inspect the tires for the following condition: Proper tire Inflation and adjust as necessary. Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications in Maintenance and Lubrication. Unusual tire wear. Refer to Vibration Analysis - Tire and Wheel in Vibration Diagnosis and Correction. Inspect the wheel nuts for looseness and tighten as necessary. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Tires and Wheels. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Inspect the front wheel bearings. Refer to Wheel Bearings Diagnosis . Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 6 |
| 6 | If applicable inspect for front axle or transaxle noises. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Wheel Drive Shafts in Wheel Drive Shafts, Symptoms - Transfer Case in Transfer Case - Steyr or Symptoms - Automatic Transmission in Automatic Transaxle. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 7 |
| 7 | Bounce the front of the vehicle in order to duplicate the noise. Did you duplicate the noise? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 9 |
| 8 | Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information. Inspect the front suspension components for looseness. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Front Suspension. Inspect the front suspension components for damage and repair as necessary. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 9 |
| 9 | Install the J 39570 Chassis Ear or equivalent. Bounce the front of the vehicle, using the J 39570 or equivalent in order to locate the source of the noise. If necessary road test the vehicle. Repair or replace any damaged components as necessary. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 10 |
| 10 | Inspect the ball joints and steering components for the following conditions. Lack of lubrication where applicable. Looseness in the ball joints. Refer to Ball Joint Inspection . Looseness in the tie rods. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement or Tie Rod Replacement - Inner in Power Steering System. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 11 |
| 11 | Inspect for damaged shock absorbers. Refer to Struts or Shock Absorbers On-Vehicle Testing . Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 12 |
| 12 | Inspect the front stabilizer shaft and stabilizer shaft links for damage and repair as necessary. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement or Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in Front Suspension. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 13 |
| 13 | Inspect for control arm damage and repair as necessary. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 14 | |
| 14 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
Noise Diagnosis - Front Suspension
Noise Diagnosis - Rear Suspension
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|
| DEFINITION: Any noise emitted from the rear of the vehicle that is induced by VEHICLE SPEED or DRIVING TERRAIN as related to the rear suspension. |
| 1 | Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis |
| 2 | Attempt to duplicate the condition. Road test the vehicle. Did you duplicate the condition? | Go to Step 3 | System OK |
| 3 | Is the noise reactive to vehicle load or speed? | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 6 |
| 4 | Perform the following Inspections: Inspect and adjust the tire Inflation. Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications in Maintenance and Lubrication. Inspect for unusual tire wear. Refer to Vibration Analysis - Tire and Wheel in Vibration Diagnosis and Correction. Inspect the wheel nuts for looseness. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Tire and Wheels. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Inspect the rear wheel bearings. Refer to Wheel Bearings Diagnosis . Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 6 |
| 6 | Bounce the rear of the vehicle in order to duplicate the noise. Did you duplicate the noise? | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 9 |
| 7 | Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information. Inspect the rear suspension components for looseness. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Rear Suspension. Inspect the rear suspension components for damage and repair as necessary. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 8 |
| 8 | Inspect the rear shock absorber. Refer to Struts or Shock Absorbers On-Vehicle Testing . Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 9 |
| 9 | Install the J 39570 Chassis Ear or equivalent. Bounce the rear of the vehicle, using the J 39570 or equivalent, in order to locate the source of the noise. If necessary, road test the vehicle. Repair or replace any defective component as necessary. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 10 | System OK |
| 10 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
Noise Diagnosis - Rear Suspension
Ball Joint Inspection
| Step | Action | Values | 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 | Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information. Clean the ball joint and inspect the seal for damage. Is the ball joint seal damaged? | | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 3 |
| 3 | Check the wheel bearing for looseness. Refer to Wheel Bearings Diagnosis in Suspension General Diagnosis. Did you find and correct the condition? | | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | IMPORTANT: Remove tension from the ball joints. Check the ball joint for horizontal looseness using the following procedure: Position the J 8001 Dial Indicator against the lowest outboard point of the wheel rim. Rock the wheel in and out while reading the dial indicator. Does the dial indicator measure greater than the specified value? | 3.18 mm (0.125 in) | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | IMPORTANT: Remove tension from the ball joints. Check the ball joint for vertical looseness using the following procedure: Install the J 8001 . Move the ball joint up and down while reading the dial indicator. Does the dial indicator measure greater than the specified value? | 3.18 mm (0.125 in) | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 7 |
| 6 | Replace the ball joint. Refer to Lower Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension or Rear Axle Lower Control Arm Replacement (All Wheel Drive) in Rear Suspension. Did you complete the repair? | | Go to Step 7 | |
| 7 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | | System OK | Go to Step 2 |
| IMPORTANT |
|---|
| Remove tension from the ball joints. |
| IMPORTANT |
|---|
| Remove tension from the ball joints. |
Struts or Shock Absorbers On-Vehicle Testing
| 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 customer's concern 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 shock reservoir is normal. Inspect each strut or shock absorber for external fluid leakage.Is a strut or shock absorber leaking? | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Use your hands in order to lift up and push down each corner of the vehicle 3 times. Remove your hands from the vehicle. Locate a shock or strut that exceeds 2 cycles. Did you locate shock or strut that exceeds 2 cycles? | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 6 |
| 5 | IMPORTANT: Inspect the vehicle trim height in order to correct any possible causes of shock/strut failures. Refer to Trim Height Inspection Procedure . Replace the strut or shock absorber. Refer to Strut, Strut Component and/or Spring Replacement in Front Suspension or Shock Absorber Replacement (Front Wheel Drive) or Shock Absorber Replacement (All Wheel Drive) in Rear Suspension.Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 6 | |
| 6 | Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
| IMPORTANT |
|---|
| A light film of oil on the top portion of the shock reservoir is normal. |
Struts or Shock Absorbers On-Vehicle Testing
Wheel Bearings Diagnosis
| Step | Action | Values | Yes | No |
|---|
| 1 | Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections? | | Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis |
| 2 | Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer's complaint. Does the vehicle operate normally? | | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
| 3 | Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information. Inspect for tire or wheel damage. Refer to Tire and Wheel Assembly Runout Measurement - On-Vehicle in Vibration Diagnosis and Correction. Did you find and correct the condition? | | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Install the J 39570 Chassis Ear. Road test the vehicle to verify the location of the wheel bearing noise. Did you locate the source of the wheel bearing noise? | | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | IMPORTANT: Support the vehicle by the lower control arms or the rear axle to prevent movement during wheel bearing/hub inspection. Mount and secure the J 8001 Dial Indicator. Ensure that the dial indicator contacts the vertical surface of the wheel as close as possible to the top wheel stud. Push and pull on the top of the tire in order to inspect the total travel indicated by the dial indicator. Is the measurement greater then the specified value? | 0.27 mm (0.005 in) | Go to Step 6 | System OK |
| 6 | Replace the wheel bearing. Refer to Wheel Bearing/Hub Replacement - Front in Front Suspension or Wheel Bearing/Hub Replacement - Rear (Front Wheel Drive/Drum) or Wheel Bearing/Hub Replacement - Rear (Disc and AWD) in Rear Suspension. Did you complete the repair? | | Go to Step 7 | |
| 7 | Road test the vehicle to verify the repair. Does the vehicle operate normally? | | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
| IMPORTANT |
|---|
| Support the vehicle by the lower control arms or the rear axle to prevent movement during wheel bearing/hub inspection. |
Trim Height Inspection Procedure
Incorrect trim heights can cause bottoming out over bumps. Incorrect trim heights can cause possible damage to the suspension components and symptoms similar to those produced when there is a problem with the wheel alignment. Check the trim heights when diagnosing suspension complaints and before checking the wheel alignment.
Perform the following steps before measuring the trim height
- Ensure that the fuel level is a minimum 1/8 of a full tank.
- Ensure that the correct size tires are on the vehicle.
- Set the tire pressures to the pressure shown on the tire placard. The tire placard is located on the driver's door.
- Make sure the vehicle is on a level surface, such as an alignment rack.
- Close the doors.
- Close the hood.
- Close the liftgate.
| IMPORTANT | All trim height measurements are taken vertical to the ground. Trim height measurements within 10 mm (0.4 in) are considered correct. |
Scheme 9
Scheme 9: Measuring J and K Dimensions
- Use your hands in order to lift the front bumper of the vehicle up approximately 38 mm (1.5 in). Gently remove your hands in order to allow the vehicle to lower.
- Use your hands in order to push the front bumper of the vehicle down approximately 38 mm (1.5 in). Remove your hands in order to allow the vehicle to rise.
- Measure the J dimension for the left and right side of the vehicle 604 mm (24 in) from the centerline of the FRONT wheel (1).
- Replace the front springs to correct the front trim height as necessary.
- Use your hands in order to lift the rear bumper of the vehicle up approximately 38 mm (1.5 in). Gently remove your hands in order to allow the vehicle to lower.
- Use your hands in order to push the front bumper of the vehicle down approximately 38 mm (1.5 in). Remove your hands in order to allow the vehicle to rise.
- Measure the K dimension for the left and right side of the vehicle 560 mm (22 in) from the centerline of the REAR wheel (2).
- Replace the rear springs to correct the rear trim height as necessary.
Scheme 10
Scheme 10: Measuring the Z Dimension (Front Suspension)
- Use your hands in order to lift the front bumper of the vehicle up approximately 38 mm (1.5 in). Gently remove your hands in order to allow the vehicle to lower.
- Use your hands in order to push the front bumper of the vehicle down approximately 38 mm (1.5 in). Remove your hands in order to allow the vehicle to rise.
- Measure the Z dimension for the left and right side of the vehicle. The Z dimension is the vertical distance measured between the centerline of the lower control arm bolt (1) and the bottom of the ball joint.
- Replace the front springs to correct low front trim height as necessary.
Measuring the D Dimension (Rear Suspension)
- Use your hands in order to lift the rear bumper of the vehicle up approximately 38 mm (1.5 in). Gently remove your hands in order to allow the vehicle to lower.
- Use your hands in order to push the rear bumper of the vehicle down approximately 38 mm (1.5 in). Remove your hands in order to allow the vehicle to rise.
- Measure the D dimension for the left and right side of the vehicle. The D dimension for front wheel drive vehicles is the vertical distance measured between the frame rail and the rear axle. The D dimension for all wheel drive vehicles is the vertical distance measured between the horizontal centerline of the lower control arm bolt (1) and the bottom of the ball joint (2).
- Replace the rear springs to correct low rear trim height as necessary.
Special Tools
Special Tools Illustration Tool Number/Description J 39570 Chassis Ears J 8001 Dial Indicator
