2002 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE suspension

2-46
Level Control
Self-Adjusting
The self
-adjusting rear suspension is available on
C/K1500 vehicles and is available with the premium
smooth ride suspension package.
This type of level control will provide a leveled riding
position as well as improved handling under a variety
of passenger and loading conditions. A hydraulic
pump inside each rear shock absorber raises the rear
of the vehicle to the proper height, based on inputs
from the road surface, while the vehicle is being driven.
It takes approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) of driving
for the leveling to complete, depending on the road
surface conditions.
If the loaded vehicle is not moved for approximately
12 hours, the leveling system may bleed down to a
lower height. This can be especially apparent if a trailer
is left attached to a parked vehicle for long periods of
time. The vehicle must be driven to re
-level the vehicle.
If a self
-equalizing hitch is being used, the vehicle
should be driven approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) with
the trailer prior to adjusting (leveling) the hitch.
Locking Rear Axle
If your vehicle has this feature, your locking rear axle
can give you additional traction on snow, mud, ice,
sand or gravel. It works like a standard axle most of the
time, but when one of the rear wheels has no traction
and the other does, this feature will allow the wheel with
traction to move the vehicle.
Horn
To sound the horn, press the center pad on the
steering wheel.

4-32 After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has collected
on the underbody, chassis or under the hood.
These accumulations can be a fire hazard.
After operation in mud or sand, have the brake linings
cleaned and checked. These substances can cause
glazing and uneven braking. Check the body structure,
steering, suspension, wheels, tires and exhaust system
for damage. Also, check the fuel lines and cooling
system for any leakage.
Your vehicle will require more frequent service due to
off
-road use. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule for
additional information.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving. One
reason is that some drivers are likely to be impaired
-- by
alcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, or by fatigue.

4-52
CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear
GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can
break, and it can change the way your vehicle
handles. These could cause you to lose control
and crash. Also, overloading can shorten the
life of your vehicle.
Your warranty does not cover parts or components that
fail because of overloading.
This will help you decide how much cargo and installed
equipment your truck can carry.
Using heavier suspension components to get added
durability might not change your weight ratings. Ask
your dealer to help you load your vehicle the right way.
If you put things inside your vehicle
-- like suitcases,
tools, packages, or anything else
-- they go as fast as
the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly,
or if there is a crash, they'll keep going.
CAUTION:
Things you put inside your vehicle can strike
and injure people in a sudden stop or turn,
or in a crash.

Put things in the cargo area of your vehicle.
Try to spread the weight evenly.

Never stack heavier things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that some of them are
above the tops of the seats.

Don't leave an unsecured child restraint
in your vehicle.

When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.

Don't leave a seat folded down unless
you need to.
There's also important loading information for off-road
driving in this manual. See ªLoading Your Vehicle for
Off
-Road Drivingº in the Index.

4-61 Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how you plan to use your rig.
For example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature and how much your vehicle is used to
pull a trailer are all important. And, it can also depend
on any special equipment that you have on your vehicle.
Use one of the following charts to determine how much
your vehicle can weigh, based upon your vehicle model
and options.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming the
driver and one passenger are in the tow vehicle and it
has all the required trailering equipment. The weight of
additional optional equipment, passengers and cargo in
the tow vehicle must be subtracted from the maximum
trailer weight.Above the 5,000 lbs. (2 268 kg) trailer rating, the
handling/trailering suspension is required on C-1500
models and the handling/trailering or off
-road
suspension is required on K
-1500 models.
NOTICE:
Your vehicle was not designed to be used with
a fifth
-wheel hitch device. Using such a device
could result in damage to the vehicle.
These damages would not be covered by your
vehicle's warranty.

6-52 Tire Chains
CAUTION:
If your vehicle is a 1500 Series, don't use tire
chains. They can damage your vehicle because
there's not enough clearance. Tire chains used on a
vehicle without the proper amount of clearance can
cause damage to the brakes, suspension or other
vehicle parts. The area damaged by the tire chains
could cause you to lose control of your vehicle and
you or others may be injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your vehicle
and tire size combination and road conditions.
Follow that manufacturer's instructions. To help
avoid damage to your vehicle, drive slowly, readjust
or remove the device if it's contacting your vehicle,
and don't spin your wheels.
If you do find traction devices that will fit,
install them on the rear tires.
NOTICE:
If your vehicle is a 2500 Series, use tire chains
only where legal and only when you must.
Use chains that are the proper size for your
tires. Install them on the tires of the rear axle.
Don't use chains on tires of the front axle.
Tighten them as tightly as possible with the
ends securely fastened. Drive slowly and follow
the chain manufacturer's instructions. If you
can hear the chains contacting your vehicle,
stop and retighten them. If the contact continues,
slow down until it stops. Driving too fast or
spinning the wheels with chains on will damage
your vehicle.

Scheduled Maintenance
7-6Engine Oil and Chassis Lubrication
Scheduled Maintenance
Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the
GM Oil Life System (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first). Reset the system. The system
will show you when to change the oil
-- usually between
3,000 miles (5 000 km) and 10,000 miles (16 000 km)
since your last oil change. Under severe conditions, the
indicator may come on before 3,000 miles (5 000 km).
Never drive your vehicle more than 10,000 miles
(16 000 km) or 12 months without an oil and
filter change.Remember to reset the Oil Life System when the oil and
filter have been changed. See ªOil Life Systemº in the
Index for information on resetting.
An Emission Control Service.
Lubricate chassis components with each engine oil and
filter change. Lubricate the front suspension, ball joints,
steering linkage, transmission shift linkage and parking
brake cable guides. Ball joints should not be lubricated
unless their temperature is 10
F (
-12
C) or higher,
or they could be damaged.

7-21
Part C: Periodic
Maintenance Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall). You should let your dealer's
service department or other qualified service center
do these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. See ªService and Owner
Publicationsº in the Index.
Steering and Suspension Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook
-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out
-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which could
cause a heat build
-up in the floor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See ªEngine Exhaustº
in the Index.
Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the outside
of the radiator and air conditioning condenser. To help
ensure proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling
system and pressure cap is recommended at least once
a year.