Tar-like substance on coil springs

[DBPA2024]

Hi guys, I am new to this forum as I just recently bought a 2011 Tahoe LT Z71 here in Panama.
Checking on the (all original) suspension I found a thick, tar-like substance that seems to be coming off the top of the front springs.
What is this and is it of major concern?
Thanks for any advice/comment.
Greets from Panamá
Daniel

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics of the truck, please.

That would not be normal, but the top of the shock in one photo is clean, so I don't think that it is directly related to the shock itself. Normally, there is a rubber dust protector sleeve that sits on the top of that assembly facing downward that shields the shock's piston from foreign materials. I can see the remains of one in one of your photos.

 

[OR VietVet]

Welcome to the forum from Oregon.

Looks like what @Joseph Garcia said and/or the isolator rubber at the top or....hell, who knows. Break off a piece and get it analyzed.

 

[gooffeyguy]

That second Pic makes me think it's the splash boot mentioned above that has disintegrated

 

[DBPA2024]

Thanks guys for your comments.
Here is a photo of my Tahoe. It’s been kept quite original - but with 140k mls and wear and tear there will be some work to do to keep it rolling …
Will check further in the substance on the springs.
Will keep you updated

 

[DBPA2024]

Thanks guys for your comments.
Here is a photo of my Tahoe. It’s been kept quite original - but with 140k mls and wear and tear there will be some work to do to keep it rolling …
Will check further in the substance on the springs.
Will keep you updated

 

[strutaeng]

Bienvenido al foro Amigo! Muy bonita camioneta!

I think there are some rubber isolators on top of the coil spring. Maybe they have melted for some strange reason? IDK

Saludos desde Texas!

 

[B-train]

I agree with @Joseph Garcia in that they look like the OEM dust boots that hang down inside the spring. It looks like rubber degradation to me from an environment of high heat and humidity

 

[petethepug]

Looks like the rubber boot drove through acetone, chlorine or alcohol. Run a Geiger counter over it. Radiation will do that too.

 

[petethepug]

Is the engine bay really clean? Could be engine degreaser that cooked it.

 

[DBPA2024]

Yeah, the engine bay is super clean. The previous owner had the whole car washed regularly and thoroughly. Looks like the degreaser could have destroyed these rubber boots. As I am looking for a mild lift kit (max. 4") I will have the suspension checked anyway.
Are these rubber boots necessary and should I look for replacement?

 

[Joseph Garcia]

The rubber boots keep dirt particles from getting into the stock's piston and damaging the seal. Yes, you should have a boot to protect against this.

 

[petethepug]

Whenever you do the lift on the the truck they’ll replace the boots. Good catch. It’s in really good condition for Panama’s exotic weather.