Service News
Copyright By Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A. - Printed 30/01/2019


Various models


Versions: All models
44
002.19
4410 0 000 AA FRONT-REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS
Hydraulic oil bleeds/leaks - Network Information


Cancels and replaces SN 44.01.15 for Fiat Freemont and Lancia Thema, Voyager and Flavia models

CLAIMED FAULT

Hydraulic oil bleeds/leaks from one or both front / rear shock absorbers.

Oil fouling on front / rear shock absorbers and/or surrounding components.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The shock absorber rod gasket is designed to allow a small amount of oil to pass, in order to lubricate the rod and prevent wear of the gasket itself.

More or less noticeable amounts of marks/smears on the shock absorber do not necessarily indicate oil leak problems.

More often than not, marks/smears indicate seepage; if there is a leak, very noticeable drips will be visible on the shock absorber.

Seepage does not impair the component's performance, but an oil leak does do so.

Therefore, unless the Customer complaints of an obvious fault (shock absorber failure, impairment of car performance, etc.), the procedure described below should be adopted.

OPERATION CYCLE

Perform a visual inspection to ensure that the fouling is NOT caused by external sources (fuel, engine fluids, external contaminants, etc.).

If the oil comes from the shock absorber, proceed as follows:

  • Clean the component.
  • Perform an on-road test drive (choose roads which stress the shock absorber).
  • Check visually for oil on the shock absorber.
  • If no oil leaks are found DO NOT replace the component.
  • If oil leaks are found, check their extent then proceed as described in table 1 below.

If appropriate, agreement should be reached with the Customer to check the component which is the subject of the complaint after about 1000 km.

Table 1

 

Detected condition

  

Operation
 

Slight or minimal oil leak WITHOUT loss of performance and/or obvious signs of failures (A and B – Fig.1)

  

DO NOT replace any components
 

Slight or minimal oil leak/drips WITH loss of performance and/or obvious signs of failures (A and B – Fig.1)

  

Replace the component
 

Oil drips or large amounts of oil WITH or WITHOUT loss of performance and/or obvious signs of failures (C and D – Fig.1)

  

Replace the component

Fig. 1


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