🔧 Front Strut Replacement

Assumption: this is for the front struts on your Equinox. Strut replacement restores ride quality and steering control, and on this SUV it also requires disconnecting the stabilizer link, brake hose bracket, and separating the strut from the steering knuckle.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 4-6 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the vehicle securely with jack stands before removing either front wheel.
• Do not let the brake caliper or brake hose hang by the hose.
• Use caution around the coil spring inside the strut assembly; spring compression requires a spring compressor.
• If your Equinox has electronic stability control, keep the steering wheel centered while working.
• Disconnecting the battery is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for vehicle weight)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• 21mm socket
• 18mm socket
• 15mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 10mm socket
• Ratchet
• Extensions
• Open-end wrench set
• Strut spring compressor (specialty)
• Trim tool
• Paint marker

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assembly - Qty: 2, replace in pairs
• Front strut mount and bearing - Qty: 2, replace in pairs if not included with assembly
• Front stabilizer link nuts - Qty: 2
• Front strut-to-knuckle bolts and nuts - Qty: 4
• Front wheel lug nuts - Qty: 10, as needed if damaged

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground.
• Set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels.
• Loosen the front lug nuts before lifting.
• If replacing both sides, do one side at a time so you can compare bolt positions.
• Mark the knuckle before removal.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and support the vehicle

• Use the floor jack to lift the front of the vehicle at the proper lift point.
• Place jack stands under the front support points and lower the vehicle onto them.
• Remove the front wheel with the 21mm socket.

Step 2: Disconnect the strut attachments

• Use the 15mm socket or matching wrench to remove the stabilizer link nut from the strut.
• Use the 10mm socket to remove the brake hose bracket from the strut.
• Use the 13mm socket to remove any wiring or ABS line bracket attached to the strut.

Step 3: Mark the strut-to-knuckle position

• Use a paint marker to mark the relationship between the strut and knuckle.
• This helps keep the alignment close enough to drive to a shop after repair.
• Take a quick photo first.

Step 4: Separate the strut from the knuckle

• Use the 18mm socket and a breaker bar to remove the lower strut-to-knuckle bolts.
• Support the knuckle so the axle and brake hose are not strained.
• Torque on reassembly: 115 Nm (85 ft-lbs) for the lower strut-to-knuckle fasteners.

Step 5: Remove the upper strut mount nuts

• Open the hood.
• Use the 13mm socket to remove the upper strut mount nuts.
• Hold the strut with one hand while removing the last nut so it does not drop.
• Torque on reassembly: 50 Nm (37 ft-lbs) for the upper mount nuts.

Step 6: Remove the strut assembly

• Lower the complete strut assembly out of the wheel well.
• If the new part is a complete assembly, skip to Step 8.
• If reusing the spring and mount, continue to Step 7.

Step 7: Transfer the spring and mount

• Install the strut in a spring compressor and compress the spring evenly.
• Use the appropriate socket and wrench set to remove the top shaft nut.
• Transfer the spring, seat, insulators, and mount to the new strut in the same orientation.
• Torque on reassembly: 60 Nm (44 ft-lbs) for the strut shaft nut, unless your replacement strut specifies otherwise.

Step 8: Install the new strut assembly

• Position the strut in the tower and hand-start the upper mount nuts with the 13mm socket.
• Align the lower strut with the knuckle marks you made earlier.
• Install the lower bolts with the 18mm socket and snug them down.
• Torque the upper mount nuts to 50 Nm (37 ft-lbs).
• Torque the lower strut-to-knuckle bolts to 115 Nm (85 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall brackets and wheel

• Reinstall the brake hose bracket with the 10mm socket.
• Reinstall the ABS or wiring bracket with the 13mm socket.
• Reinstall the stabilizer link using the 15mm socket.
• Install the wheel and snug the lug nuts with the 21mm socket.
• Torque the lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Repeat on the other side if needed

• If replacing both front struts, repeat the same process on the opposite side.
• Replace struts in pairs so the ride height and handling stay balanced.

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✅ After Repair

• Lower the vehicle and bounce each front corner to settle the suspension.
• Check that all fasteners are tight and the brake hose is routed correctly.
• Test drive slowly first and listen for clunks or rubbing.
• Get a professional front-end alignment as soon as possible.
• Alignment is required after strut work.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $900-$1,600 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $250-$700 (parts only)

You Save: $650-$900 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 4-6 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.