Assumption: This guide is for the front strut assemblies on your Sierra.

🔧 Front Strut Assembly Replacement - Repair

The front struts support the front suspension, control bounce, and keep the tires planted. On your Sierra, the strut assembly is a load-bearing part, so replacing it takes care and proper support of the suspension.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• The front suspension is under spring tension. Do not disassemble the strut spring without a spring compressor.
• Support the vehicle with jack stands on solid ground. Never work under a truck supported only by a jack.
• Use caution around brake hoses, ABS wiring, and steering components.
• If equipped with any ride-height or electronic suspension components, disconnect the battery before unplugging related connectors.
• After installation, get a professional wheel alignment.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (2-ton or higher)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Breaker bar
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• 18mm socket
• 21mm socket
• 24mm socket
• 15mm wrench
• 19mm wrench
• Trim clip tool
• Penetrating oil
• Spring compressor (specialty)

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assembly - Qty: 2
• Front strut mounting nuts - Qty: 6
• Stabilizer link nuts - Qty: 2
• Alignment after installation - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on a level surface and set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels.
• Loosen the front lug nuts slightly before lifting the truck.
• If the truck has a wheel speed sensor wire clipped to the strut area, note its routing before removal.
• Work on one side at a time so you can use the other side as a reference.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the front end

• Use the floor jack to raise the front of the truck at the proper lift point.
• Place the truck securely on jack stands.
• Remove the front wheel with the 21mm socket.
• Shake the truck gently to confirm it is stable.

Step 2: Disconnect components attached to the strut

• Use the 15mm wrench or 18mm socket to remove the sway bar end link nut from the strut if it is attached there.
• Use the trim clip tool to release any brake hose or ABS wire retainers clipped to the strut.
• Move the hoses and wires aside carefully without stretching them.

Step 3: Remove the lower strut fasteners

• Use the 18mm socket and breaker bar to remove the lower strut bolts and nuts.
• If the bolts are tight, spray penetrating oil and let it soak a few minutes.
• Support the knuckle so it does not drop suddenly when the bolts come out.

Step 4: Remove the upper strut fasteners

• Open the hood and locate the top of the strut tower.
• Use the 15mm socket to remove the upper strut mounting nuts.
• Hold the strut assembly with one hand while removing the last nut.
• Lower the strut assembly out of the wheel well.

Step 5: Install the new strut assembly

• Position the new strut assembly in the strut tower by hand.
• Start the upper mounting nuts by hand first using the 15mm socket.
• Align the lower mount with the steering knuckle.
• Install the lower bolts using the 18mm socket.
• Torque the upper strut nuts to 50 Nm (37 ft-lbs).
• Torque the lower strut fasteners to 175 Nm (129 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Reattach brake hose and sway bar hardware

• Reinstall any brake hose or ABS wire clips with the trim clip tool.
• Reattach the sway bar end link using the 15mm wrench or 18mm socket.
• Torque the sway bar end link nut to 95 Nm (70 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Reinstall the wheel and lower the truck

• Put the wheel back on and install the lug nuts by hand.
• Use the 21mm socket to snug the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern.
• Lower the truck with the floor jack.
• Torque the lug nuts to 190 Nm (140 ft-lbs).

---

✅ After Repair

• Start the truck and turn the steering wheel lock to lock to check for interference.
• Look for loose hoses, wires, or fasteners.
• Test drive slowly at first and listen for clunks or rubbing.
• Schedule a wheel alignment as soon as possible.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $350-$700 (parts only)

You Save: $550-$900 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-4 hours.

---

🎯 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.