For 1990-2009 cars

Caution: Failure to observe the following procedure when handling energy absorbers could cause personal injury.

• | Do not apply heat to an energy absorber.

• | Do not weld in the area of an energy absorber.

• | Do not attempt to repair a damaged energy absorber. Always replace the damaged energy absorber with a new part.

• | If an energy absorber is bound-up as a result of a collision such that it cannot extend, take precautions to avoid spring-back when bending sheet metal. Provide a positive restraint, such as a chain or cable to hold the bumper in the position it is in. Wear approved safety glasses and using a 3mm (1/8 inch) drill bit, drill a small hole in the piston tube near the bumper bracket to relieve gas pressure. Remove the energy absorber after gas pressure has been relieved.

• | If an energy absorber is to be scrapped, relieve the gas pressure prior to disposal of the part. Make an indentation with a center punch in the small cylinder section of the energy absorber.

Notice: An energy absorber that has a dislodged blowout plug (due to an above 8 km/h (5 mph) impact) could have insufficient absorber action in impacts below 8 km/h (5 mph). Complete diagnosis procedures must be followed after a collision to prevent excessive vehicle damage in any future low speed impacts.

Observe the following components for evidence of visible distortion:

• | The bumper bracket

• | The piston tube

• | The frame bracket

• | The cylinder tube

Scuffing of the piston tube occurs when the unit is stroked. This is considered normal.

Replace the unit if the unit shows obvious damage.