🔧 Front Strut Replacement

Replacing the front struts on your Equinox restores ride control, reduces bouncing, and can fix clunks or uneven tire wear. This job requires removing the front suspension components and safely supporting the steering knuckle while the strut is out.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the vehicle with jack stands on solid ground. Never rely on a jack alone.
• The coil spring is under high pressure. Use a proper spring compressor if transferring the spring to new struts.
• Do not let the brake hose or wheel speed sensor wire hang by tension.
• An alignment is required after front strut replacement.
• If the upper strut mount or bearing is worn, replace it now.

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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
• Torque wrench
• 21mm socket
• 18mm socket
• 15mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 18mm wrench
• 15mm wrench
• Strut spring compressor (specialty)
• Ball joint separator tool
• Paint marker
• Rubber mallet

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assembly - Qty: 2
• Front strut mount - Qty: 2
• Front strut bearing - Qty: 2
• Front strut dust boot and bumper - Qty: 2
• Front strut hardware kit - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels.
• Loosen the front lug nuts before lifting.
• Replace both front struts in pairs.
• Mark fastener positions first.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the vehicle

• Use a floor jack to lift the front of the vehicle.
• Place jack stands under the proper front support points.
• Remove the front wheels with a 21mm socket.

Step 2: Disconnect the strut attachments

• Use a 13mm socket to remove the brake hose bracket fastener from the strut.
• Use a 15mm socket and 15mm wrench to remove the sway bar link from the strut if it is attached there.
• Disconnect any ABS wire clips from the strut body by hand.
• Do not stretch the brake hose.

Step 3: Separate the strut from the steering knuckle

• Use a paint marker to mark the strut-to-knuckle position.
• Use an 18mm socket and 18mm wrench to remove the lower strut bolts.
• Support the steering knuckle so it does not drop.
• Use a rubber mallet if the bolts are stuck.
• Torque on reassembly: 175 Nm (129 ft-lbs)

Step 4: Remove the upper strut nuts

• Open the hood and locate the top of the strut tower.
• Use a 13mm socket to remove the upper strut mount nuts.
• Hold the strut with one hand while removing the last nut.
• Lift the strut assembly out of the wheel well.
• Torque on reassembly: 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs)

Step 5: Transfer the spring and mount if needed

• If you bought complete strut assemblies, skip this step.
• If reusing the spring, use a strut spring compressor to compress the coil spring evenly.
• Use a 15mm socket to remove the top strut nut.
• Transfer the spring, mount, bearing, boot, and bumper to the new strut.
• Make sure the spring end sits in the correct pocket.
• Compress the spring slowly and evenly.

Step 6: Install the new strut assembly

• Position the strut into the strut tower by hand.
• Start the top nuts by hand with a 13mm socket.
• Align the lower strut ears with the steering knuckle.
• Install the lower bolts using an 18mm socket and 18mm wrench.
• Torque the upper nuts to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs)
• Torque the lower strut bolts to 175 Nm (129 ft-lbs)

Step 7: Reattach brackets and final assembly

• Use a 13mm socket to reinstall the brake hose bracket.
• Reinstall the sway bar link with a 15mm socket and 15mm wrench if removed.
• Reinstall any ABS wire clips.
• Put the wheel back on and snug the lug nuts with a 21mm socket.
• Torque the lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 ft-lbs)

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✅ After Repair

• Lower the vehicle carefully.
• Bounce the front end lightly and listen for clunks.
• Check that the brake hose and ABS wire move freely.
• Drive slowly at first and verify steering feel.
• Get a professional front-end alignment as soon as possible.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $900-$1,500 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $250-$600 (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.