Trim Height Specifications
| RPO CODE | Service Preferred | Tolerance |
|---|
| Z Trim Height |
| All | 67 mm (2.64 in) | ±10 mm (0.4 in) |
| D Trim Height |
| All | 115 mm (16.4-16.8 in) | ±10 mm (0.4 in) |
| P Trim Height |
| FE2 & LF1 & QMY-F46 All | 827 mm (32.6 in) | ±12 mm (0.5 in) |
| FE2 & LF1 & QMY-F46 | 827 mm (32.6 in) | ±12 mm (0.5 in) |
| FE2 & LF1 & QJO/QRX-F46 | 831 mm (32.7 in) | ±12 mm (0.5 in) |
| FE2 & LF1 & QJO/QRX & F46 | 830 mm (32.7 in) | ±12 mm (0.5 in) |
| FE3 & LAU & QJO/QRX & F46 | 830 mm (32.7 in) | ±12 mm (0.5 in) |
| R Trim Height |
| FE2 & LF1 & QMY-F46 All | 849 mm (33.4 in) | ±12 mm (0.5 in) |
| FE2 & LF1 & QMY-F46 | 848 mm (33.4 in) | ±12 mm (0.5 in) |
| FE2 & LF1 & QJO/QRX & F46 | 853 mm (33.4 in) | ±12 mm (0.5 in) |
| FE2 & LF1 & QJO/QRX & F46 | 852 mm (33.5 in) | ±12 mm (0.5 in) |
| FE3 & LAU & QJO/QRX & F46 | 852 mm (33.5 in) | ±12 mm (0.5 in) |
Note. The following step must be completed before using the symptom tables.
Review the system description and operation in order to familiarize yourself with the system functions. Refer to the appropriate description and operation
- «Noise Diagnosis - Front Suspension»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__noise-diagnosis-front-suspension) for the front suspension
- «General Description»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-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.
Symptom List
Refer to a symptom diagnostic procedure from the following list in order to diagnose the symptom
- «Ride Diagnosis»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__ride-diagnosis)
- «Vehicle Leads/Pulls»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__vehicle-leadspulls)
- «Suspension Bottoms»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__suspension-bottoms)
- «Torque Steer»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__torque-steer)
- «Memory Steer»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__memory-steer)
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. 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 |
Torque Steer
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|
| DEFINITION: On a dry, smooth, flat road, the vehicle has a left or right steering force only during acceleration. |
| 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 determine if any additional steering input is required to maintain a straight ahead direction. 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. Is any additional steering input required to maintain a straight ahead direction. 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 and powertrain mounts for worn or damaged components and repair 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 find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 6 | |
| 6 | Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | |
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
| 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 Vehicle Certification, Tire Placard, Anti-Theft, and Service Parts ID Label . Unusual tire wear - Refer to Vibration Analysis - Tire and Wheel . Inspect the wheel nuts for looseness and tighten as necessary. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications . 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 | Inspect for front axle or transaxle noises. Refer to Symptoms - Automatic Transmission . 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 . Inspect the front suspension components for looseness. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications . 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 a listening device, if existing. Bounce the front of the vehicle, preferably by using a listening device, 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 tie rods - Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement . Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 11 |
| 11 | Inspect for damaged shock absorbers. Refer to Suspension Strut and Shock Absorber Testing - On Vehicle . 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 . 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 . 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 - 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 front 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 and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Inspect the rear suspension components for looseness. 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 find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 9 |
| 9 | Install a listening device, if existing. Bounce the rear of the vehicle, preferably by using a listening device, 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
J 8001: Dial Indicator Set
Note. The vehicle must rest on a level surface The vehicle must be stable. DO NOT rock the vehicle on the floor.
Inspection Procedure
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/hoistjack/#general-information) .
- Clean and inspect the ball joint seal for cuts or tears. If the ball joint seal is damaged, replace the ball joint or lower control arm as applicable for this vehicle.
- Install the J 8001: dial indicator, to measure the vertical lash of the ball joint.
- Gently lift or pry between the knuckle and the lower control arm to induce ball joint movement, record the measurement
- If dial indicator is reading more than 0.5 mm (0.02 in), replace the ball joint or lower 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 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 Strut, Strut Component, or Spring Replacement or Shock Absorber Replacement .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'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 . Inspect for tire or wheel damage. Did you find and correct the condition? | | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | 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 5 | Go to Step 2 |
| 5 | Replace the wheel bearing. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement or Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement . Did this complete the repair? | | Go to Step 6 | |
| 6 | Road test the vehicle to verify the repair. Does the vehicle operate normally? | | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
Trim Height Measurements
Trim height is a predetermined measurement relating to vehicle ride height. Incorrect trim heights can cause bottoming out 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
- 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/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/hoistjack/#general-information) .
- Check the fuel level. Add additional weight if necessary to simulate a full tank.
- Ensure the rear compartment is empty except for the spare tire.
- Ensure the vehicle is on a level surface, such as an alignment rack.
- Close the doors.
- Close the hood.
- All dimensions are measured vertical to the ground. Trim heights should be within 13 mm (0.5 in) to be considered correct.
Scheme 11
Scheme 11: Measuring the P and R Dimension
Use the following procedure to check the P and R dimensions
- Use your hands to lift the front bumper approximately 38 mm (1.59 in).
- Remove your hands and allow the vehicle to lower.
- Use your hands to jounce the front of the vehicle downward approximately 38 mm (1.59 in).
- Remove your hands and allow the vehicle to rise.
- The dimension P for the left and right side of the vehicle is measured from the bottom lip of the wheel opening to the ground, measured at the center line of the front wheel.
- Compare the measurement to the specification table. Refer to «Trim Height Specifications»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__trim-height-specifications) .
- If the measurement is outside of the specified range, replace the front springs. Refer to «Strut, Strut Component, or Spring Replacement»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
- Use your hands to lift the rear bumper approximately 38 mm (1.59 in).
- Remove your hands and allow the vehicle to lower.
- Use your hands to jounce the rear of the vehicle downward approximately 38 mm (1.59 in).
- The dimension R for the left and right side of the vehicle is measured from the bottom lip of the wheel opening to the ground, measured at the center line of the rear wheel.
- Compare the measurement to the specification table. Refer to «Trim Height Specifications»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__trim-height-specifications) .
- If the measurement is outside of the specified range, replace the rear springs. Refer to «Strut, Strut Component, or Spring Replacement»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Z Height Measurement
The Z height dimension measurement determines the proper ride height for the front end of the vehicle. There is no adjustment procedure. Repair may require replacement of suspension components.
- Lift the front bumper of the vehicle up about 38 mm (1.5 in).
- Gently remove your hands. Let the vehicle settle.
- Repeat this operation for a total of 3 times.
- Measure from the pivot bolt center line down to the lower corner of the lower ball joint in order to obtain the Z height measurement.
- Push the front bumper of the vehicle down about 38 mm (1.5 in).
- Gently remove your hands.
- Allow the vehicle to settle into position.
- Repeat the jouncing operation 2 more times for a total of 3 times.
- Measure the Z dimension.
- The true Z height dimension number is the average of the high and the low measurements. Refer to «Trim Height Specifications»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__trim-height-specifications) .
D Height Measurement
The D height dimension measurement determines the proper rear end ride height. There is no adjustment procedure. Repair may require replacement of suspension components.
- With the vehicle on a flat surface, lift upward on the rear bumper 38 mm (1.5 in).
- Gently remove your hands. Allow the vehicle to settle into position.
- Repeat the jouncing operation 2 more times for a total of 3 times.
- Measure the vertical distance between the center line of the inboard rear lower control arm bolt and center line of the outboard rear lower control arm bolt.
- Push the rear bumper downward to 38 mm (1.5 in).
- Gently remove your hands. Allow the vehicle to settle into position.
- Repeat the jouncing operation 2 more times for a total of 3 times.
- Measure the D height dimension.
- The true D height dimension number is the average of the high and the low measurements. Refer to «Trim Height Specifications»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__trim-height-specifications) .
- If these measurements are out of specifications, inspect for the following conditions: Improper weight distribution Collision damage Worn or damaged suspension components
