Suspension - Vehicle Leans Right/left/Low On One Side
TECHNICALBulletin No.: 07-03-06-001C
Date: April 20, 2010
Subject: Vehicle Leans Left, Front Sits Low on One Side (Measure Z Height and if Z Height is Out of Specification, Replace Front Springs)
Models:
2006-2010 Chevrolet Colorado
2006-2010 GMC Canyon
Equipped with 2WD Only and Z85 Coil Spring Front Suspension Package
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to add a labor operation number for 2010. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 07-03-06-001B (Section 03 - Suspension).
Condition
Some customers may comment that the vehicle appears to lean on one side. In most cases, the left front of the vehicle sits lower than the right front.
Correction
Measure the Z height of the vehicle (both left-hand side and right-hand side). Perform the following steps before measuring Z height:
- Ensure that the vehicle is on a level surface, such as an alignment rack.
- Set the tire pressures to the pressure shown on the certification label. Refer to Vehicle Certification, Tire Placard, Anti-Theft, and Service Parts ID Label.
- Ensure that the suspension is fully supporting the vehicle.
- Ensure that the passenger and rear compartments are empty, except for the spare tire.
- Verify the fuel level. Add additional weight if necessary to simulate a full tank of fuel (One U.S. gallon of gasoline weighs approximately 6.5 lbs. One liter of gasoline weighs 0.70 kg).
- Close all doors, lift gate/trunk and the hood.
- Remove the alignment rack floating pins.
Z Height Measurement
Note
The Z height dimension measurement determines the proper ride height for the front end of the vehicle.
1. Jounce the front suspension of the vehicle by pushing the vehicle down and lifting up.
2. Allow the vehicle to settle and take a measurement.
Note
Perform steps 3-9 for both sides of the vehicle.
3. Point A is the contact surface of the steering knuckle for the levels.
4. Set the top edge of the level on the reference surface of the steering knuckle (c) and extend the level directly under the front end of the front attachment bolt of the lower control arm (a).
5. While keeping the level in contact with the knuckle reference surface, adjust the level up/down until the bubble indicates it is horizontally level.
6. Measure the distance between the center of the bolt and the top of the level for your first measurement.
7. Keep the top edge of the level on the reference surface of the steering knuckle (c) and move the level directly under the rear end of the rear attachment bolt of the lower control arm (b).
8. Measure the distance between the center of the bolt and the top of the level for your second measurement.
9. Average the measurements between step 6 and step 8.
10. Record the measurement. If the Z heights are within specification, Do Not change the springs. If the Z height on the LH side is out of specification and is lower than the Z height on the RH side, replace the LH side spring. Refer to Front Spring Replacement in SI.
Parts Information
Warranty Information
Important
Make sure that Z height measurements are recorded before (as received) and after the coil spring replace.
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use the table above.
Disclaimer