fairorth

I have a 2021 C8 with z51, mag ride, and front lift. 10 months ago I got a lowering kit (Paragon) and had it professionally installed. Everything worked perfectly, my lift engages in my driveway so I probably used it 100 times since I installed the kit,

About 4 weeks ago I started to get warning message to service the lift and also messages that the lift was inoperable. I took it into my chevy dealership and, after a long waiting period, I was told this morning that lowering the car voided the suspension warranty and they would not do anything on the lift unless I restored the car back to its stock height.

I am wondering if anyone else is having any issues with the lift system either with a stock height or a lowered car, and also does anyone have any other experiences with Chevy and warranty issues for lowered cars.

Thank you.

Marc

oldC5

You only have two option return car to stock height and get car fixed or find another dealer that will fix it without restoring car height.Good luck.

RobsVette04

Man that sucks, but makes sense! Warranties are tricky, and dealers will always look for a way out. Will be skipping lowering mine now.

To answer your question, no front lift issues here, used probably 50 times on a 300+ mile car.

C8Rob

I've not had this problem, but my experience is that most dealers will try to get out of doing a warranty claim if possible. That's why it is sometimes better to not modify or add aftermarket parts during the warranty period. I'm going with one of their wheel options, even though I might could do better otherwise, but I don't want any trouble with the warranty if something should happen.

blueapplepaste

The bolded doesn't make any sense. If the warranty is voided, then returning it to stock should still mean a voided warranty. But if they're willing to service it with the OEM springs installed, even if problem was caused when lowering springs were installed, then the warranty wasn't actually voided.

Regardless, I'd first try taking it to another dealership if that's an option.

If not, then just remove the springs and reinstall the OEM ones and get things fixed.

Chotis Bill

Is it possible you are just low on fluid and just need to top it up?

Rapid Z

I’m not surprised at all.

Atlantan

About 5K miles on the Paragon lowering collars, I use the lift often at places I frequent, just to be safe, and no issues to report thus far.

Kevin A Jones

That's a thought break, Sorry. Unfortunately, that's a risk of making moderations to your vehicle.

PopsC8

"dealers will always look for a way out." - Last I heard (about 5 minutes ago) dealers love warranty work. They get paid by the manufacturer, not the owner. Easy money. I'm guessing the dealer doesn't have a qualified tech and is afraid of problems the tech could cause by working on something he's not familiar with. Take it to another dealer. No need to mention the 1" collars. Butt that's just me.

tloon

Correct. So you put it back to stock, and take it back to them so they will look at it. Then they say it will cost $1K to fix the lift now because the damage occurred while you had it lowered, and voided the waranty.

progtp

I work at a dealer and they LOVE warranty work. It usually pays way more than it takes to do the job.

As mentioned above I don't think they have the skills to tackle the issue. Try another dealer.

RKCRLR

I agree the problem isn't because dealers don't like warranty work. However, for the dealer to get reimbursed for warranty work, the repair has to be approved by GM. It is quite possible that the tech contacted the tech line for support and the subject came up the the car was lowered. At that point GM could have put the kibosh on warranty coverage.

Skid Row Joe

You're definitely in a pickle, since Chevrolet now has a GMVIS report on your car, which is a permanent record. Good luck on whatever you decide to do. 👍

2muchhp

Regarding the idea that you take it to another dealer, I believe it is likely a reason code for not covering a modified lift has already been entered on the computer applicable to this vehicle VIN. They know everything, such as when I am 100 miles past a scheduled oil change or something small like that - as I get reminder notifications via email.

Next dealer agreeing to work on it may not be allowed to cover it.

Anybody have thoughts about this?

BTW I lowered my car and have the lift and zero problems so far at 21, 000 miles. I believe the look of the stance makes it a worthwhile mod.

fairorth

Yes, this is exactly what happened in this case. The dealership here in Austin reached out to GM C8 technical support to get approval to replace the lift kit and it was C8 support rejected the work. I volunteered the information about the lowering kit with the caveat that it was done 10 months ago and had worked perfectly many many times but that did not sway them.

RobsVette04

The car is modified, so any work they choose to do...liability could fall back on them. They are in the business to do warranty work on stock vehicles, sure, but not modified vehicles.

Skid Row Joe

Have you asked them for an estimate on how much $ it might cost to fix the system?

RKCRLR

If they are willing to cover the work under warranty if the lowering kit is removed then your best bet is probably to do what they suggest and remove the lowering kit and bring it back to them. You can probably leave the rear lowered until the issue is resolved. You can be sure though that they will be looking for any reason to charge you for the work if they believe the problem was associated with the lowering kit. As others mentioned, make sure the reservoir is at the proper level and that there aren't any leaks. Others have mentioned that getting the banjo fittings to seal can be a PITA so I'd inspect that area carefully. It could be that the original installer didn't get them fully sealed.

fairorth

This is definitely my next step. As the following poster suggested, my plan now is to remove the collars and readjust the springs so everything is back to stock, then get the lift fixed and give it some time. At that point I guess I will need to come to a committed decision to go back and re-lower the car (is re-lower a word anyone has ever typed before?).

Marc