🔧 Acadia - Strut Replacement

On your Acadia, “struts” can mean the front MacPherson strut assemblies (common) and/or the rear shock/strut units (varies by suspension). The exact steps and torque specs change depending on whether you’re doing the front or rear, and whether you’re swapping in a complete pre-assembled unit or reusing your coil spring.

Before I give the exact step-by-step with correct torque specs, I need 2 quick details: (1) Front struts, rear, or all four? (2) Are you installing complete pre-assembled “quick strut” assemblies, or reusing your springs (requires a spring compressor)?

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2.5-5.0 hours (pair)

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Support the Acadia with jack stands on the pinch welds/subframe; never rely on a jack.
• ⚠️ If reusing springs: a coil spring compressor stores serious energy—keep hands/face out of the spring path and compress evenly. (A spring compressor clamps the coil so it can be removed safely.)
• ⚠️ Do not let the steering knuckle hang by the brake hose/ABS wire; support it with a bungee cord.
• ⚠️ Mark camber bolt positions (if equipped) before loosening; alignment will be required after front strut work.
• 🔋 Battery disconnect is typically not required for this mechanical job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Breaker bar 1/2"
• Torque wrench 3/8"
• Torque wrench 1/2"
• Socket set 3/8" (10mm-19mm)
• Socket set 1/2" (15mm-24mm)
• Deep socket set (15mm-21mm)
• Wrench set (10mm-24mm)
• Torx bit set (T20-T50)
• Pry bar
• Needle-nose pliers
• Hammer (2 lb)
• Punch set
• Penetrating oil
• Paint marker
• Bungee cord
• Coil spring compressor (specialty)
• Strut spreader tool (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assemblies - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front strut mount/bearing kit - Replace in pairs - Qty: 1
• Front strut dust boot & bump stop kit - Replace in pairs - Qty: 1
• Front sway bar end links - Optional if worn - Qty: 2
• Rear shocks/struts - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear upper shock mounts/bushings - Optional if worn - Qty: 1
• Replacement strut-to-knuckle bolts/nuts - Optional if one-time-use on your setup - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks on the opposite axle.
• Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn using a breaker bar and correct lug socket before lifting.
• Spray penetrating oil on lower strut bolts and sway bar end link nuts; let it soak 10–15 minutes.
• If doing front struts, plan on a professional alignment afterward.
• If you are reusing springs, inspect the spring for cracks and the top mount bearing for grinding.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm which struts you’re replacing

• Reply with: front, rear, or all four.
• Reply with: quick struts (complete assemblies) or reuse springs (spring compressor).

Step 2: Lift and secure the Acadia

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the correct corner.
• Place jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum) under the proper support points and lower onto them.
• Remove the wheel using the correct lug socket and a breaker bar 1/2".

Step 3: Take reference marks (front only)

• Use a paint marker to mark the relationship of the strut-to-knuckle area (and cam bolts if present).
• Helps you drive to alignment safely.

Step 4: Pause here to avoid wrong torque specs

• Once you answer the 2 questions above, I’ll give the exact removal/installation steps for your axle (front vs rear) and include all required Torque to XX Nm (YY ft-lbs) values for every fastener.

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✅ After Repair

• Double-check that brake hoses/ABS wires are clipped back into their brackets.
• Road test at low speed first; listen for clunks over bumps.
• If front struts were replaced, get a 4-wheel alignment as soon as possible.
• Recheck lug nut torque after 25–50 miles using a torque wrench.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $900-$2,000 (parts + labor, varies by axle and parts type)

DIY Cost: $300-$900 (parts only, varies by axle and parts type)

You Save: $600-$1,100 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2.5-5.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.