Volkswagen New Beetle. Manual - part 2116

 

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Volkswagen New Beetle. Manual - part 2116

 

 

no, go to SYMPTOMS - SUSPENSION GENERAL DIAGNOSIS .  

2. Verify that the customer's concern is present. Does the vehicle operate normally? If yes, system is okay. 

If no, go to next step.  

3.  

Inspect each shock absorber for external fluid leakage. Is a strut or shock absorber leaking? If yes, go to 
step 5 . If no, go to next step.  

4. Use your hands in order to lift up and push down each corner of the vehicle 3 times. Remove your hands 

from the vehicle. Locate a shock or strut that exceeds 2 cycles. Did you locate shock or strut that exceeds 
2 cycles? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step 6 .  

5.  

Replace the shock absorber. After replacing shock absorber, go to next step.  

6. Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? If yes, system is okay. If 

no, go to step 3 .  

SUSPENSION BOTTOMS 

DEFINITION: A loud bang or thump that can usually be felt and/or heard when the vehicle is driven over 
bumps. This condition is commonly noticed when the vehicle trim height is too low.  

1. Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections? If yes, go to next step. If 

no, go to SYMPTOMS - SUSPENSION GENERAL DIAGNOSIS .  

2. Verify that the suspension bottoms. Does the vehicle operate normally? If yes, system okay. If no, go to 

next step.  

3. Check for vehicle overloading and correct the overloading condition as necessary. Did you find and 

correct the condition? If yes, go to step 6 . If no, go to next step.  

4. Inspect the shock absorbers, coil springs, and torsion bars for damage or wear and repair as necessary. 

Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step 6 . If no, go to next step.  

5. Inspect the vehicle trim height. Refer to TRIM HEIGHT INSPECTION PROCEDURE . Did you 

complete the trim height inspection procedure? If yes, go to next step.  

6. Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? If yes, system is okay. If 

no, go to step 3 .  

TRIM HEIGHT INSPECTION PROCEDURE 

Trim Height Measurements 

Trim height is a predetermined measurement relating to vehicle ride height. Incorrect trim heights can cause 
bottoming out over bumps, damage to the suspension components and symptoms similar to wheel alignment 
problems. Check the trim heights when diagnosing suspension concerns and before checking the wheel 

NOTE:

A light film of oil on the top portion of the shock reservoir is normal. 

NOTE:

Inspect the vehicle trim height in order to correct any possible causes of 
shock/strut failures. Refer to TRIM HEIGHT INSPECTION PROCEDURE . 

 

2004 Hummer H2 

2003-04 SUSPENSION General Diagnosis - H2

  

alignment. Perform the following before measuring the trim heights:  

1. Set the tire pressures to the pressure shown on the certification label.  

2. Check the fuel level. Add additional weight if necessary to simulate a full tank.  

3. Make sure the rear compartment is empty except for the spare tire.  

4. Make sure the vehicle is on a level surface, such as an alignment rack.  

Z Height Measurement 

1. Lift the front bumper of the vehicle up about 38 mm (1.5 in).  

2. Remove your hands.  

3. Allow the vehicle to settle into position.  

4. Repeat this jouncing operation 2 more times for a total of 3 times.  

5. Measure from the pivot bolt center line (3) down to the lower corner (5) of the lower ball joint (1) in 

order to obtain the Z height measurement (4). See Fig. 4 . 

Fig. 4: Z Height Measurement 
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP. 

6. Push the front bumper of the vehicle down about 38 mm (1.5 in).  

7. Remove your hands.  

8. Allow the vehicle to rise.  

9. Repeat the operation for a total of 3 times.  

10. Measure the Z dimension.  

11. Measure the Z dimension. The true Z height dimension number is the average of the high and the low 

 

2004 Hummer H2 

2003-04 SUSPENSION General Diagnosis - H2

  

measurements. See TRIM HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS .  

Z Height Adjustment 

1. For vehicles equipped with a torsion bar suspension turn the bolt (1) that contacts the torsion arm 

clockwise to raise the and counterclockwise to lower the height adjustment. One revolution of the bolt (1) 
into the nut increases the Z height by approximately 6.0 mm (0.2 in). See Fig. 5 . 

Fig. 5: Z Height Adjustment 
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP. 

2. For vehicles without torsion bars, replace damaged or worn components as necessary.  

D Height Measurement 

1. With the vehicle on a flat surface, lift upward on the rear bumper 38 mm (1.5 in).  

2. Remove your hands.  

3. Allow the vehicle to settle into position.  

4. Repeat the jouncing operation 2 more times for a total of 3 times.  

5. The D height is obtained by measuring the distance between the edge of the jounce cup along the jounce 

bumper center line and the jounce pad on the rear axle. See Fig. 6 

NOTE:

The D height dimension measurement determines the proper rear end ride 
height. There is no adjustment procedure. Repair may require replacement of 
suspension components. 

 

2004 Hummer H2 

2003-04 SUSPENSION General Diagnosis - H2

  

Fig. 6: D Height Measurement 
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP. 

6. The true D height dimension number is the average of the high and the low measurements. Refer to 

TRIM HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS .  

7. If these measurements are out of specifications, inspect for the following conditions: 

z

Sagging front suspension Refer to Torsion Bar Replacement in Front Suspension.  

z

Sagging rear coil springs Refer to COIL SPRING REPLACEMENT .  

z

Proper air suspension operation.  

z

Worn rear suspension components.  

z

Improper tire inflation.  

z

Improper weight distribution.  

z

Collision damage.  

VEHICLE LEADS/PULLS 

Definition: At a constant highway speed on a typical straight road, lead/pull is the amount of effort required at 
the steering wheel to maintain the vehicle's straight path. 

 

2004 Hummer H2 

2003-04 SUSPENSION General Diagnosis - H2

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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