Service Bulletin

Bulletin No.: 05-03-08-002J
Date: August, 2024

INFORMATION
Subject:

Information on Diagnosis and Replacement of Shock Absorber and Strut Due
to Fluid Leak

Models:

2025 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 2022-2025 Model Years and the first two
Important statements. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 05-03-08-002I.
Important: This technical service bulletin (TSB) can only be completed by certified repair facilities who have met all
specific training, tool and equipment requirements pertaining to the vehicle Brand and Model serviced. Repairs must
be performed by a technician who has successfully completed the required training.
Important: Service agents must comply with all International, Federal, State, Provincial, and/or Local laws
applicable to the activities it performs under this bulletin, including but not limited to handling, deploying,
preparing, classifying, packaging, marking, labeling, and shipping dangerous goods. In the event of a
conflict between the procedures set forth in this bulletin and the laws that apply to your dealership, you
must follow those applicable laws.
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.

Copyright 2024 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

Page 2

August, 2024

Bulletin No.: 05-03-08-002J

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.: 05-03-08-002J

August, 2024

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

August, 2024

Bulletin No.: 05-03-08-002J

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 customer’s
concern.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these
technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper
service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job
properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your
vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the
information.

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