Shock/Strut Concern Analysis (22-7033)

WARNING: This page is about the Explorer Base, 2.0L Eng VIN 9, which is a different variant/trim than selected.

Publication date: 2022-02-28
Reference number: 22-7033
Supersedes refnos: 20-7019

SHOCK/STRUT CONCERN ANALYSIS

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 22-7033, Date of Issue: February 28, 2022

FORD:

All Models

Superceded Bulletin(s): 20-7019, Date of Issue: February 28, 2022

SUMMARY

This article supersedes GSB 20-7019 to update the Service Procedure and vehicle model years affected.

Use this document to assist in determining shock and strut warranty coverage for oil leakage conditions.

SERVICE INFORMATION

Warranty parts return analysis has indicated that a high percentage of shocks and struts replaced do not exhibit a warrantable condition. One example is when both sides are replaced when only one side requires replacement. Another example is replacing a shock/strut for the presence of an oily residue rather than when an actual leak exists. Lubricants used during the assembly process can attribute to some residual oily residue below the shaft of the shock/strut. The shaft seal on shocks and struts must also allow a small amount of oil past to keep the shaft lubricated, therefore it is normal to see some oily residue on up to 1/3 of the body of the shock/strut below the shaft. This is an automotive industry standard used by most automobile manufacturers.

Diagnostic best practices:

Incorrect: Replacing the shock/strut in pairs when the issue is only found on a single component.
Correct: Only replace components with clear evidence of a failure.
Incorrect: Determining that any oil residue indicates a need to replace the component.
Correct: Not all oil residue indicates failed shock/strut. External seepage is allowed on up to 1/3 of the body length of the shock/strut. (non-warrantable)

Figure 1 represents a normal amount of oily residue observed below the strut shaft on less than or equal to 1/3 the length of the strut body. (non-warrantable)

Figure 1 - Good strut (non-warrantable)

Figure 2 represents leaking struts with oil or oily residue on greater than 1/3 the length of the strut body that should be replaced. (warrantable)

Figure 2 - Bad strut (warrantable)

Figure 3 represents a normal amount of oily residue observed below the shock shaft on less than or equal to 1/3 the length of the shock body (non-warrantable)

Figure 3 - Good shock (non-warrantable)

Figure 4 represents leaking shocks with oil or oily residue on greater than 1/3 the length of the shock body that should be replaced. (warrantable)

Figure 4 - Bad shock (warrantable)

NOTE: This information is not intended to replace or supersede any warranty, parts and service policy, workshop manual (WSM) procedures or technical training or wiring diagram information.