Shock Absorbers, Strut Cartridges And Strut Assemblies

NOTE: You are not required to replace shocks or struts in axle sets. However, when replacing a shock or strut due to the conditions that follow, you may suggest replacement of the other shock or strut on the same axle for one or more of the following: improved performance or preventive maintenance; part is close to the end of its useful life; to extend tire life; to balance ride and handling; or to improve stopping distance. When replacing steering and/or suspension components which may affect an alignment angle, you are required to check and adjust alignment as needed. Refer to the OEM specifications. Under no circumstances should a technician bend struts or strut housings. A vehicle's load-carrying and handling abilities are limited by its suspension, tires, brakes, and driveline. Installing coil over shocks or any other load assist device does not increase the vehicle's load capacity. See the vehicle owner's manual for more details. If vehicle is equipped with OEM coil over shocks, apply the conditions for coil springs from the Springs: Coil, Leaf, and Torsion Bar section of the Steering and Suspension guidelines. If the vehicle is equipped with add-on coil over shocks, you may suggest replacement with standard shocks for a spring-related condition.

Condition	Code	Procedure
50,000 miles or greater on OEM Shocks or Struts	1	Suggest Replacement
NOTE: Applies only to OEM hydraulic fluid and/or gas charged shocks and struts, NOT electronically controlled units.
Attaching hardware broken	A	Require repair or replacement of hardware
Attaching hardware corroded, affecting structural integrity	A	Require replacement of hardware
Attaching hardware missing	C	Require replacement of hardware
Attaching hardware not functioning	A	Require repair or replacement of hardware
Attaching hardware threads damaged	A	Require repair or replacement of hardware
Attaching hardware threads stripped (threads missing)	A	Require replacement of hardware
Binding	A	Require replacement
Body dented	A	Further inspection required
NOTE: Require replacement of units where dents restrict shock or strut piston rod movement. If dents don't restrict movement, no service is suggested or required. Especially critical on mono-tube shocks.
Body punctured	A	Require replacement
Brake hose bracket bent	B	Require repair or replacement
Brake hose bracket missing	C	Require replacement
Brake hose bracket threads damaged	A	Require repair or replacement
Brake hose bracket threads stripped (threads missing)	C	Require replacement
Compression bumper missing	C	Require replacement of compression bumper
Compression bumper split	1	Suggest replacement of compression bumper
Damping (none)	A	Require replacement
Dust boot (bellows) missing	C	Require replacement of boot
NOTE: If boot is not available as a separate component, suggest replacement of shock or strut (reason code 2). This condition can lead to damage of the piston rod, which causes piston rod seal wear.
Dust boot (bellows) split	A	Require replacement of boot
NOTE: If boot is not available as a separate component, suggest replacement of shock or strut (reason code 2). This condition can lead to damage of the piston rod, which, in turn, causes premature piston rod seal wear.
Dust boot (bellows) torn	A	Require replacement of boot
NOTE: If boot is not available as a separate component, suggest replacement of shock or strut (reason code 2). This condition can lead to damage of the piston rod, which, in turn, causes premature piston rod seal wear.
Dust shield broken	2	Suggest replacement
NOTE: This condition can lead to damage of the piston rod, which, in turn, causes premature piston rod seal wear.
Dust shield missing	2	Suggest replacement
NOTE: This condition can lead to damage of the piston rod, which, in turn, causes premature piston rod seal wear.
Gland nut (strut housing cap) is not removable using appropriate tool	A	Require replacement of nut and/or housing
NOTE: Only required if replacing cartridge.
Gland nut (strut housing cap) threads damaged	A	Require repair or replacement of nut
Housing dented	A	Further inspection required
NOTE: Require replacement of units where dents restrict shock or strut piston rod movement. If dents don't restrict movement, no service is suggested or required. Especially critical on mono-tube shocks.
Housing punctured	A	Require replacement
Jounce bumper missing	C	Require replacement of jounce bumper
Jounce bumper split	1	Suggest replacement of jounce bumper
Leaking oil, enough for fluid to be running down the body	A	Require replacement
NOTE: If the strut cartridge has been replaced previously, the oil on the strut housing may be filler oil. The technician must identify the source of the oil.
Noisy	2	Further inspection required
NOTE: If noise is isolated to shock or strut, suggest replacement.
Piston rod bent	A	Require replacement
Piston rod broken	A	Require replacement
Piston rod has surface defect	2	Suggest replacement
Piston rod threads damaged	A	Require repair or replacement
Piston rod threads stripped (threads missing)	A	Require replacement
Seized	A	Require replacement
Shock missing	C	Require replacement
Strut housing bent	A	Require replacement
Strut housing cap (gland nut) is not removable using appropriate tool	A	Require replacement of nut and/or housing
NOTE: Only required if replacing cartridge.
Strut housing cap (gland nut) threads damaged	A	Require repair or replacement of nut
Strut housing cap (gland nut) threads stripped (threads missing)	A	Require replacement of nut
Strut housing severely corroded, affecting structural integrity	A	Require replacement
Strut housing threads damaged	A	Require repair or replacement
Strut housing threads stripped (threads missing)	A	Require replacement
Tire cupping	A	Further inspection required
NOTE: Although shocks or struts may have contributed to tire cupping, an inspection is needed of the entire suspension system. If the shock or strut is found to be contributing to the tire cupping, require replacement.