Trim Height Specifications
| Model | Option | Service Allowed | Service Preferred | D Trim Height |
|---|
| Z Trim Height |
| All Z Trim Height 1500 specs are ±14 mm/2500 specs are ±6 mm. |
| C1500 Tahoe/Yukon | All | 77-105 mm (3.0-4.1 in) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | ±14 mm (0.55 in) |
| C1500 Suburban, Yukon XL | All | 77-105 mm (3.0-4.1 in) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | ±14 mm (0.55 in) |
| C1500 Escalade | All | 77-105 mm (3.0-4.1 in) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | ±14 mm (0.55 in) |
| C1500 Avalanche | All | 77-105 mm (3.0-4.1 in) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | ±14 mm (0.55 in) |
| C1500 Tahoe/Yukon | W/Z56 and PPV | 70-98 mm (2.8-3.9 in) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | ±14 mm (0.55 in) |
| K1500 Tahoe/Yukon | Z95 and HP2 | 87-115 mm (3.4-4.5 in) | 101 mm (4.0 in) | ±14 mm (0.55 in) |
| K1500 Tahoe/Yukon | With Z95 or HP2 | 77-105 mm (3.0-4.1 in) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | ±14 mm (0.55 in) |
| K1500 Suburban, Yukon XL | Z95 | 87-115 mm (3.4-4.5 in) | 101 mm (4.0 in) | ±14 mm (0.55 in) |
| K1500 Suburban, Yukon XL | W/Z95 | 77-105 mm (3.0-4.1 in) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | ±14 mm (0.55 in) |
| K1500 Escalade, Escalade ESV | Z95 | 87-115 mm (3.4-4.5 in) | 101 mm (4.0 in) | ±14 mm (0.55 in) |
| K1500 Escalade, Escalade ESV | W/Z95 | 77-105 mm (3.0-4.1 in) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | ±14 mm (0.55 in) |
| K1500 Avalanche, Escalade EXT | Z95 | 87-115 mm (3.4-4.5 in) | 101 mm (4.0 in) | ±14 mm (0.55 in) |
| K1500 Avalanche, Escalade EXT | W/Z95 | 77-105 mm (3.0-4.1 in) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | ±14 mm (0.55 in) |
| C/K2500 Suburban, Yukon XL | All | 110-122 mm (4.3-4.8 in) | 116 mm (4.5 in) | ±14 mm (0.55 in) |
- Review the system description and operation in order to familiarize yourself with the system functions.
- Refer to the appropriate description and operation: «General Description»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt900-2006-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__general-description) for the front suspension «General Description»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt900-2006-2014/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system__general-description) for the rear suspension «General Description»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt900-2006-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-wheels__general-description) for 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 «Vehicle Certification, Tire Placard, Anti-Theft, and Service Parts ID Label»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt900-2006-2014/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information) .
Symptom List
Refer to a symptom diagnostic procedure from the following list in order to diagnose the symptom
- «Ride Diagnosis»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt900-2006-2014/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__ride-diagnosis)
- «Vehicle Leads/Pulls»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt900-2006-2014/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__vehicle-leadspulls)
- «Body Leans or Sways in Corners»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt900-2006-2014/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__body-leans-or-sways-in-corners)
- «Suspension Bottoms»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt900-2006-2014/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__suspension-bottoms)
- «Memory Steer»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt900-2006-2014/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__memory-steer)
- «Noise Diagnosis - Front Suspension»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt900-2006-2014/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__noise-diagnosis-front-suspension)
- «Noise Diagnosis - Rear Suspension»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt900-2006-2014/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__noise-diagnosis-rear-suspension)
- «Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Inspection»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt900-2006-2014/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis)
- «Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Inspection»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt900-2006-2014/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis)
- «Suspension Strut and Shock Absorber Testing - On Vehicle»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt900-2006-2014/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__suspension-strut-and-shock-absorber-testing)
- «Wheel Bearings Diagnosis»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt900-2006-2014/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__wheel-bearings-diagnosis)
- «Radial Tire Lead/Pull Correction»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt900-2006-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-wheels__radial-tire-leadpull-correction)
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 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 the following: 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 . 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 the following: 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 needed to rotate the left wheel or the right wheel. Refer to Disc Brake System Diagnosis . 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 Wheel Alignment Measurement . 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
| 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 the vehicle leans or sways in corners. Does the vehicle operate normally? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
| 3 | Inspect the following components for wear or damage: Rear Coil Springs Front Coil Springs Are the components worn or damaged? | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Inspect the stabilizer shaft link for wear or damage. Repair as necessary. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 2 |
| 5 | Replace the springs as necessary. 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 |
Suspension Bottoms
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|
| DEFINITION: A loud bang or thump that can usually be felt and/or heard when the vehicle is driven over bumps. This condition is commonly noticed when the vehicle trim height is too low. |
| 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 suspension bottoms. Does the vehicle operate normally? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
| 3 | Inspect for vehicle overloading and correct the overloading condition as necessary. Refer to Vehicle Certification, Tire Placard, Anti-Theft, and Service Parts ID Label for specifications. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Inspect the following components: Inspect the shock absorbers. Refer to Suspension Strut and Shock Absorber Testing - On Vehicle . Inspect for damaged coil springs, torsion bar or leaf springs and replace as necessary. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Inspect the vehicle trim height. Refer to Trim Height Inspection . Did you complete the trim height inspection procedure? | 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 |
Memory Steer
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|
| DEFINITION: A lead or pull in the direction the driver previously turned the vehicle. Additionally, after turning in the opposite direction, the vehicle will want to lead or pull in that direction. |
| 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 | Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . 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 7 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Inspect for binding strut bearings. Disconnect the strut from the steering knuckle. If the strut is abnormally difficult to rotate, repair or replace the upper bearing mount. Did you find and complete the repair? | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Inspect for binding in the lower ball joints. If joint is binding, replace the joint. Did you find and complete the repair? | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 6 |
| 6 | Inspect the wheel alignment and adjust as necessary. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement . Did you complete the wheel alignment? | Go to Step 7 | |
| 7 | Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | |
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 Vehicle Certification, Tire Placard, Anti-Theft, and Service Parts ID Label . Inspect for unusual tire wear. Refer to Vibration Analysis - Tire and Wheel . Inspect the wheel nuts for looseness. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications . Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Inspect the rear axle for rear axle noises. Refer to Symptoms - Rear Drive Axle . 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 . Inspect the rear suspension components for looseness and tighten as necessary. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications . 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 Suspension Strut and Shock Absorber Testing - On Vehicle . Did you complete the inspection? | 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 |
Special Tools
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt900-2006-2014/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
- Clean and inspect the ball joint seal for cuts or tears. If the ball joint seal is damaged, replace the ball joint or the lower control arm as applicable for this vehicle.
- Support the lower control arm with a floor stand as far outboard as possible and raise the suspension until the lower control arm moves 25 mm (1 in).
- Install the J 8001: dial indicator, or suitable dial indicator, to measure the vertical lash in the ball joint.
- Lift the knuckle towards the lower control arm and record the dial indicator measurement.
- If the dial indicator reading is more than 0.50 mm (0.020 in), replace the ball joint or the lower control arm as applicable for this vehicle.
J 8001: Dial Indicator Set
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt900-2006-2014/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
- Clean and inspect the ball joint seal for cuts or tears. If the ball joint seal is damaged, replace the ball joint or upper control arm as applicable for this vehicle.
- Support the lower control arm with a floor stand as far outboard as possible and raise the suspension until the lower control arm moves 25 mm (1 in).
- Install the J 8001: dial indicator, or suitable dial indicator, to measure the vertical lash in the ball joint.
- Apply downward force to the upper control arm and zero the indicator.
- Apply upward force to the upper control arm and check the dial indicator. Record the measurement
- If the dial indicator reading is more than 0.50 mm (0.020 in), replace the ball joint or the upper control arm as applicable for this vehicle.
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 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 a 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 . Replace the strut or shock absorber. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement (2500 Series) for the front suspension or Shock Absorber Replacement (1500) or Shock Absorber Replacement (2500) for the 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. |
| IMPORTANT |
|---|
| Inspect the vehicle trim height in order to correct any possible causes of shock/strut failures. Refer to Trim Height Inspection . |
Wheel Bearings Diagnosis
| 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 | Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer 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 . Inspect for tire or wheel damage. Refer to Tire and Wheel Assembly Runout Measurement - On-Vehicle . 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? | 0.127 mm (0.005 in) | Go to Step 6 | System OK |
| 6 | Replace the wheel bearing. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement (2500) or Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement (1500) . 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
Note. Before performing any of the following adjustment procedures, inspect the entire suspension system for worn or damaged suspension components. Replace those components before any measurements or adjustments are performed. Also check for any collision damage.
Trim Height Measurements
Trim height is a predetermined measurement relating to vehicle ride height. Incorrect trim heights can cause the vehicle to bottom over bumps, damage to the suspension components, and symptoms similar to wheel alignment problems. Check the trim heights when diagnosing suspension concerns and before checking the wheel alignment.
Perform the following before measuring the trim heights
- Ensure the vehicle is on a level surface, such as an alignment rack.
- Set the tire pressures to the pressure shown on the certification label. Refer to «Vehicle Certification, Tire Placard, Anti-Theft, and Service Parts ID Label»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt900-2006-2014/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information) .
- Ensure that the suspension is fully supporting the vehicle.
- If the vehicle is equipped with automatic level control, ensure that the system is functioning properly.
- Check for installed after market accessories or modifications that could affect trim height measurements: Tire and wheel sizes other than production Lifting or lowering kits Wheel Opening Flares Ground Effects
- Ensure that the passenger and rear compartments are empty, except for the spare tire.
- Check the fuel level. Add additional weight if necessary to simulate a full tank of fuel. (One U.S. gallon of gasoline weighs approximate 6.5 lbs. One liter of gasoline weighs 0.70 kg.)
- Close all doors, lift gate/trunk and the hood.
- Remove the alignment rack floating pins.
Z Height Measurement
Note. For vehicles equipped with torsion bars, check the Z height before performing the alignment.
The Z height dimension measurement determines the proper ride height for the front end of the vehicle. Vehicles equipped with torsion bars use adjust arms in order to adjust the Z height dimension. Vehicles without torsion bars have no adjustment and could require replacement of suspension components.
- Jounce the front suspension of the vehicle by pushing the vehicle down and lifting up.
- Allow the vehicle to settle and take a measurement.
- Point A is the contact surface of the steering knuckle for the levels.
- Set the top edge of the level on the reference surface of the steering knuckle (C) and extend the level directly under the front end of the front attachment bolt of the lower control arm (A).
- While keeping the level in contact with the knuckle reference surface, adjust the level up/down until the bubble indicates it is horizontally level.
- Measure the distance between the center of the bolt and the top of the level for your first measurement
- Keep the top edge of the level on the reference surface of the steering knuckle (C) and move the level directly under the rear end of the rear attachment bolt of the lower control arm (B).
- Measure the distance between the center of the bolt and the top of the level for your second measurement.
- Average the measurements between the step 6 and step 8.
- Record the measurement.
Z Height Adjustment
- For vehicles equipped with a torsion bar suspension, turn the bolt (1) that contacts the torsion bar adjusting arm as needed.
- For vehicles without torsion bars, replace worn or damaged components as necessary.
D Height Measurement
- Jounce the rear suspension of the vehicle by pushing the vehicle down and lifting up.
- Allow the vehicle to settle and take a measurement.
- Measure between the axle bracket and jounce bumper mount bracket as shown in graphic.
- If any of these measurements are out of specifications, inspect for the following conditions: Worn or damaged suspension components Collision damage
Illustration Tool Number/ Description J 8001 Dial Indicator Set J 39570 Chassis Ear
