Uniform Inspection and Communication Standards

A - Part no longer performs intended purpose

B - Part does not meet a design specification (regardless of performance)

C - Part is missing

1 - Part is close to the end of its useful life (just above discard specifications, or weak; failure likely to occur soon, etc.)

2 - To address a customer need, convenience, or request (to stiffen ride, enhance performance, eliminate noise, etc.)

3 - To comply with maintenance recommended by the vehicle’s Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)

4 - Technician’s recommendation based on substantial and informed experience

Attaching hardware broken

A

Require repair or 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

Further inspection required

NOTE: If greaseable, grease joint. If problem persists or joint is non-greaseable, require replacement.

Grease boot cracked

B

Require replacement of boot

NOTE: If boot is not available as a separate component, suggest replacement of idler arm (reason code 2). Cracked grease boot will allow contaminants to enter joint and will accelerate wear.

Grease boot missing

C

Require replacement of boot

NOTE: If boot is not available as a separate component, suggest replacement of idler arm (reason code 2). Lack of grease boot will allow contaminants to enter joint and will accelerate wear.

Grease boot torn

A

Require replacement of boot

NOTE: If boot is not available as a separate component, suggest replacement of idler arm (reason code 2). Torn grease boot will allow contaminants to enter joint and will accelerate wear.

Grease fitting broken

A

Require replacement of grease fitting

Grease fitting missing

C

Require replacement of grease fitting

Grease fitting won't seal

A

Require replacement of grease fitting

Grease seal missing

C

Require replacement of seal

NOTE: If seal is not available as a separate component, suggest replacement of idler arm (reason code 2). Missing grease seal will allow contaminants to enter joint and will accelerate wear.

Grease seal torn

A

Require replacement of seal

NOTE: If seal is not available as a separate component, suggest replacement of idler arm (reason code 2). Torn grease seal will allow contaminants to enter joint and will accelerate wear.

Greaseable joint will not take grease

2

Suggest replacement of grease fitting

NOTE: If greaseable joint will not take grease after replacing the grease fitting, suggest replacement of idler arm.

Looseness at frame bracket end

B

Require repair or replacement

NOTE: If manufacturer's procedures and specifications exist, use those procedures and specifications; otherwise, use an approved inspection method such as the dry park check. NOTE: Looseness is defined as movement that creates excessive toe change.

Looseness at link end (perceptible horizontal movement)

1

Suggest replacement

NOTE: If manufacturer's procedures for inspection exist, use those procedures; otherwise, use an approved inspection method such as the dry park check. CAUTION : Do not use pliers or pry bar to check ball and socket movement. Use only moderate hand pressure.

Looseness at link end that is excessive

B

Require replacement

NOTE: Excessive looseness is defined as significant enough to affect vehicle handling or structural integrity. If manufacturer's procedures for inspection exist, use those procedures; otherwise, use an approved inspection method such as the dry park check. CAUTION : Do not use pliers or pry bar to check ball and socket movement. Use only moderate hand pressure.

Mounted out of position (center link not parallel)

B

Require repositioning

Nut on stud loose

A

Require repair or replacement

NOTE: Check for bent stud or damaged taper hole.

Seized

A

Require replacement

Stud bent

B

Require replacement

NOTE: Check for damaged taper hole.

Stud broken

A

Require replacement

NOTE: Check for damaged taper hole.

Taper hole elongated

A

Require replacement

NOTE: Check for damaged stud.

Threads damaged

A

Require repair or replacement

Threads stripped (threads missing)

A

Require replacement

NOTE: Check for damaged taper hole.

Wear exceeds manufacturer's specifications

B

Require replacement

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.

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

A

Require replacement of nut and/or appropriate tool 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.