Suspension - Rear Shock Absorber Leakage (Canada)

Retailer Technical Journal 21333
Rear shock absorber,
Leakage at low temperatures
CANADA ONLY!

Date 03-15-2010

Reference: VIDA, VSTG

Note!
If using a printed copy of this Retailer Technical Journal, first check for the latest online version.





AFFECTED VEHICLES:

DESCRIPTION:

Reports have been received stating that cars during the customer preparation service (CPS), after being parked outdoors in extreme cold temperature, may have oil leaks from the rear shock absorbers when the car is being lifted on a hoist and the rear wheels are hanging free.

This symptom has been reported on standard (STD) shock absorbers. Some replaced shock absorbers have been analyzed and found to be OK, except a low oil level.

The leakage is caused by the extreme cold temperature, which causes the oil to be viscous. The shock absorbers are designed to work at extreme low temperatures but can leak when extended to full length at extreme low temperatures.





IMPORTANT! THIS IS ONLY AN EXTREME COLD MARKET ISSUE AND THIS IS WHY THIS RTJ ONLY APPLIES TO THE CANADIAN MARKET! If this is found on vehicles outside of Canada, this RTJ does not apply!





MATERIALS:

SERVICE:

Whenever a vehicle is lifted on a hoist for any reason, avoid lifting the car on a hoist with the rear wheels hanging free if the car is still colder than approximately -25° C (-13° F). If possible, park the car indoors for a while before lifting the car on a hoist, or use a different type of hoist where the rear wheels are not hanging free.

Following these hoisting procedures in extreme cold temperatures will prevent this leakage from happening. There should not be a reason to replace shock absorbers unless this hoisting procedure was improperly performed in extreme cold temperatures.

Only if a vehicle exhibits this leakage after the vehicle has been driven in extremely low temperatures, upgrade the vehicle with nivomat shock absorbers. If this problem occurs in a warm market, do NOT install nivomats! Replace those shock absorbers with whatever the vehicle came with from the factory!

For replacement of the shock absorbers, see VIDA:
INFORMATION
REPAIR
Removal, Replacement, and Installation
Springs and wheels
Shock absorbers, ant-roll and bar leveling
Shock absorber
Shock absorber rear, replacing





WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION