Diagnosis and Replacement of Shock Absorber and Strut Due to Fluid Leak – GM Passenger Cars and Trucks

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Service Bulletin Bulletin No.: 05-03-08-002I
Date: April, 2021
INFORMATION
Subject: Information on Diagnosis and Replacement of Shock Absorber and Strut Due to
Fluid Leak
Models: 2021 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Trucks (including Medium Duty)
Attention: This bulletin applies to the following Regions/Countries: North America, Europe,
Uzbekistan, Russia, Middle East, Iraq, Israel, Palestine, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile,
Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, Japan, Cadillac Korea (South
Korea), GM Korea Company, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines,
Australia/New Zealand, Egypt, Other Africa, South Africa
This bulletin has been revised to add the 2018–2021 Model Years, update the Attention
statement to add involved Regions/Countries and add a Note under Correction. Please
discard Corporate Bulletin Number 05-03-08-002H.
This bulletin is intended to help identify the severity of
shock absorber and strut fluid seepage. Improper
diagnosis may lead to components being replaced that
are within the manufacturer’s specification. Shock
absorbers and strut assemblies are fluid-filled
components and will normally exhibit some seepage.
Seepage is defined as oil film or dust accumulation on
the exterior of the shock housing. Shock absorbers and
struts are not to be replaced under warranty for
seepage. Use the following information to determine if
the condition is normal acceptable seepage or a
defective component.
Important: Electronically controlled shock absorbers
(MR) may have a tendency to attract dust to this oil film.
Often this film and dust can be wiped off and will not
return until similar mileage is accumulated again.
Inspection Procedure
Note: The shock absorber or strut assembly DOES
NOT have to be removed from the vehicle to perform
the following inspection procedure.
Use the following descriptions and graphics to
determine the serviceability of the component.
Page 2 April, 2021 Bulletin No.: 05-03-08-002I
Shock Absorbers
2360533
Do Not Replace shock absorbers displaying
condition 1 or 2 levels of seepage.
1. Oil or fluid residue only on the bottom or top of the
shock absorber and not originating from the shaft
seal (the upper part of the lower shock tube).
2. Light film/residue on approximately 1/3 (a) or less
of the lower shock tube (A) and originating from the
shaft seal.
Replace shock absorbers displaying conditions 3
and 4 levels of leaks.
3. Oil drip or trail down the lower shock tube and
originating from the shaft seal.
4. An extreme wet film of oil covering more than 1/3
(b) of the lower shock tube and originating from the
shaft seal.
Bulletin No.: 05-03-08-002I April, 2021 Page 3
Coil-over Shock Absorber
2360536
Do Not Replace coil-over shock absorbers
displaying condition 1 or 2 levels of seepage.
1. Oil or fluid residue only on the bottom of the lower
shock absorber tube or the coil-over shock
absorber components and not originating from the
shaft seal (located at the top of the coil-over
shock tube).
2. Light film/residue on the shock absorber tube, but
not on the spring seat and originating from the
shaft seal.
Replace coil-over shock absorbers displaying
conditions 3 and 4 levels of leaks.
3. Oil drip or trail down the lower shock tube and
originating from the shaft seal.
4. An extreme, wet film of oil covering the shock
absorber tube and pooling in the spring seat and
originating from the shaft seal.
Page 4 April, 2021 Bulletin No.: 05-03-08-002I
Struts
2362740
Do Not Replace Struts displaying condition 1 or 2
levels of seepage.
1. Oil or fluid residue only on the bottom of the strut
tube or on other strut components and not
originating from the shaft seal.
2. Light film/residue on the strut tube, but not on the
spring seat and originating from the shaft seal.
Replace Struts displaying conditions 3 and 4
levels of leaks.
3. Oil drip or trail down the strut tube and originating
from the shaft seal (located at the top of the
strut tube).
4. Extreme wet film of oil covering the strut tube and
pooling in the spring seat and originating from the
shaft seal.
Correction
Use the information published in SI for diagnosis and
repair.
Use the applicable published labor operation.
Note: Do not replace the shocks as pairs if only one
shock has been found to be the cause of the customers
concern.

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