🔧 LaCrosse - Strut Replacement

On your LaCrosse, the front suspension uses complete strut assemblies (strut + coil spring + top mount). Replacing worn struts restores ride control, braking stability, and helps stop clunks and bouncing.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 3-6 hours

Assumption: You mean the front strut assemblies; rear uses shocks.

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Coil springs store huge energy—use a coil spring compressor correctly or buy complete quick-struts to avoid compressing springs.
• ⚠️ Support the car on jack stands—never rely on a floor jack.
• ⚠️ Keep fingers clear of pinch points at the steering knuckle and strut mount.
• ⚠️ If you disconnect any brake/ABS wire clips, route them exactly as original to prevent rubbing.
• ⚠️ A wheel alignment is required after front strut replacement.

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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 (1/2")
• Torque wrench (3/8")
• Socket set (8mm-24mm)
• Wrench set (8mm-24mm)
• Hex key set (metric)
• Pry bar (24")
• Hammer (2 lb)
• Needle-nose pliers
• Trim clip tool
• Penetrating oil
• Paint marker
• 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 (complete quick-struts recommended) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front strut mount nuts - Qty: 6
• Front strut-to-steering knuckle bolts and nuts - Replace in pairs - Qty: 4
• Front sway bar end links - Optional if worn/noisy - Qty: 2
• Rear shock absorbers - If you meant “rear struts,” these are shocks; replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear upper/lower shock hardware - As needed - Qty: 1 set

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
• Crack the front lug nuts loose 1/2 turn using a lug wrench before lifting.
• Spray penetrating oil on the strut-to-knuckle bolts and sway-bar end link nut using penetrating oil.
• Mark the strut-to-knuckle area with a paint marker to help keep alignment close enough to drive to an alignment shop.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and remove the front wheel

• Use a floor jack to lift the front jack point, then support with jack stands.
• Remove the wheel using a lug wrench or socket set.

Step 2: Unclip hoses and wiring from the strut

• Remove the brake hose/ABS wire retaining clips from the strut using needle-nose pliers and a trim clip tool.
• Keep clips organized for reassembly.

Step 3: Disconnect the sway bar end link from the strut

• Remove the end link nut using the correct socket and wrench.
• If the stud spins, hold it with a hex key (metric) while turning the nut with a wrench.

Step 4: Support the steering knuckle

• Place a floor jack lightly under the lower control arm/knuckle area to keep it from dropping when bolts are removed.

Step 5: Remove the strut-to-steering knuckle bolts

• Remove the two lower strut bolts/nuts using a breaker bar (1/2") and the correct socket set.
• If the knuckle grips the strut, use a strut spreader tool (specialty) and a pry bar (24") to separate it.
• Do not pull on the CV axle.

Step 6: Remove the upper strut mount nuts

• Open the hood.
• Support the strut from below, then remove the upper mount nuts using a socket set.
• Carefully drop the strut out through the wheel well.

Step 7: If NOT using quick-struts, transfer the spring (advanced)

• Install a coil spring compressor (specialty) onto the spring, opposite sides, with hooks fully seated. Tighten evenly.
• Remove the center/top nut using a socket set while holding the shaft with the appropriate hex key (metric) if needed.
• Move the spring and isolators to the new strut in the same orientation, then slowly release the compressor.
• If anything looks crooked, stop and reset.

Step 8: Install the new strut assembly

• Position the strut in the tower and hand-thread the upper mount nuts using a socket set.
• Slide the strut into the steering knuckle using a pry bar (24") if needed, then install the lower bolts/nuts using a socket set.
• Reconnect the sway bar end link using a wrench set.
• Reinstall all hose/wire clips using needle-nose pliers and a trim clip tool.

Step 9: Tighten hardware (use factory specs)

• Tighten the upper strut mount nuts using a torque wrench (3/8"): Torque to GM factory specification.
• Tighten the strut-to-knuckle bolts/nuts using a torque wrench (1/2"): Torque to GM factory specification (often high torque; do not “guess-tight”).
• Tighten the sway bar end link nut using a torque wrench (3/8"): Torque to GM factory specification.

Step 10: Reinstall the wheel and repeat on the other side

• Reinstall the wheel using a socket set.
• Lower the car using a floor jack and remove jack stands.
• Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern using a torque wrench (1/2"): Torque to GM factory specification.
• Repeat Steps 1–10 on the other front side (replace struts in pairs).

Step 11 (If you meant rear “struts”): Replace the rear shocks

• Lift the rear and support with jack stands, remove rear wheel using a socket set.
• Support the rear suspension arm with a floor jack.
• Remove the lower shock bolt using a breaker bar (1/2") and socket set.
• Remove the upper shock fasteners (access varies; may be in trunk/behind trim) using a trim clip tool and socket set.
• Install the new shock and tighten using a torque wrench (1/2"): Torque to GM factory specification.

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✅ After Repair

• Road test at low speed first. Listen for clunks and confirm the steering returns smoothly.
• Recheck that brake hose/ABS wiring is clipped and not rubbing the tire.
• Get a professional alignment as soon as possible (same day is best).
• After 50–100 miles, recheck lug nut torque using a torque wrench (1/2").

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $900-$1,800 (parts + labor + alignment)

DIY Cost: $300-$900 (parts only, plus alignment)

You Save: $600-$900 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 3-5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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