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Tahoe / Yukon Service Manual

Rear Shock Absorber Inspection

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
  2. Visually inspect each of the shock absorbers/struts for external fluid leaks. Refer to the following conditions 1, 2, 3, and 4 for visual inspection. Condition 1
Rear Shock Absorber Inspection — figure 1
Rear Shock Absorber Inspection — figure 1

Oil or fluid residue only on the bottom of the lower shock absorber/strut tube (1) or other area NOT originating from the shaft seal, is not a shock absorber/strut related problem. DO NOT replace the shock absorber/strut, look for other external leaks. Condition 2

Rear Shock Absorber Inspection — figure 2
Rear Shock Absorber Inspection — figure 2

Light film/residue on the shock absorber/strut tube (1), but not on the spring seat and originating from the shaft seal, is a NORMAL condition. DO NOT replace the shock absorber/strut. Condition 3

Rear Shock Absorber Inspection — figure 3
Rear Shock Absorber Inspection — figure 3

Oil drip or trail down the shock absorber/strut tube (1) and originating from the shaft seal, is an ABNORMAL condition. Replace the shock absorber/strut. Condition 4

Rear Shock Absorber Inspection — figure 4
Rear Shock Absorber Inspection — figure 4

An extreme wet film of oil covering the shock absorber/strut tube (1) and pooling in the spring seat and originating from the shaft seal, is an ABNORMAL condition. Replace the shock absorber/strut. Correction

  1. If conditions 1 or 2 are found, continue to step 3.
  2. If conditions 3 or 4 are found, replace shock absorber/strut.
  3. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
  4. If equipped with electronic suspension control system, ensure that the system is working properly and no DTC’s are present. If the system is working properly, continue to step 5.
  5. Use your hands in order to lift up and push down on each corner of the vehicle 3 times. Remove your hands from the vehicle. If the corner motion exceeds 2 cycles, replace the shock absorber/strut. If the shock absorber/strut does not exceed 2 cycles, NO repair is necessary.