🔧 Front Strut Assembly - Replacement

Assumption: this is for the front strut assemblies on your Sierra. The front suspension uses a loaded strut assembly, so the spring is under heavy pressure and must be handled carefully. Replacing both sides at the same time helps keep the ride height and handling even.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 3-5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• The coil spring is under extreme pressure. Do not disassemble a loaded strut without a spring compressor.
• Support the lower control arm before removing the strut so the suspension does not drop suddenly.
• Keep hands and body clear while lowering or raising the control arm.
• Use jack stands on solid ground. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
• No battery disconnect is 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 truck weight)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Breaker bar
• 1/2-inch drive ratchet
• 15mm socket
• 18mm socket
• 21mm socket
• 22mm socket
• Torque wrench
• Paint marker
• Bungee cord or wire
• Spring compressor (specialty)
• Ball joint separator (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assembly - Qty: 2
• Front strut mount nuts - Qty: 6
• Lower strut bolt hardware - Qty: 2
• Stabilizer link nuts - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels.
• Loosen the front wheel lug nuts before lifting the truck.
• Replace struts in pairs to keep handling balanced.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the vehicle

• Use the floor jack to raise the front of your Sierra.
• Place jack stands under the frame and lower the truck onto them.
• Remove the front wheel with the 21mm socket.

Step 2: Disconnect the sway bar link

• Use the 18mm socket and breaker bar to remove the stabilizer link nut from the strut.
• If the stud spins, hold it with the correct wrench while loosening the nut.

Step 3: Support the control arm

• Place the floor jack under the lower control arm and raise it slightly.
• This keeps the suspension from dropping when the strut bolts are removed.

Step 4: Remove the lower strut bolt

• Use the 21mm socket and breaker bar to remove the lower strut-to-knuckle bolt.
• Mark the bolt position with a paint marker if needed.
• Keep the jack steady.

Step 5: Remove the upper strut nuts

• Open the hood.
• Use the 15mm socket to remove the upper strut mount nuts.
• Hold the strut from below while removing the last nut so it does not drop.

Step 6: Remove the strut assembly

• Lower the control arm slightly with the floor jack.
• Work the strut out of the wheel well.
• If needed, use the ball joint separator (specialty) only if extra suspension movement is required.

Step 7: Install the new strut assembly

• Position the new strut into the wheel well.
• Start the upper mount nuts by hand using the 15mm socket.
• Align the lower mount with the knuckle and install the lower bolt by hand.

Step 8: Torque the fasteners

• Torque the upper strut mount nuts to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs) using the torque wrench.
• Torque the lower strut bolt to 175 Nm (129 ft-lbs) using the torque wrench.
• Torque the stabilizer link nut to 95 Nm (70 ft-lbs) using the torque wrench.

Step 9: Reassemble the wheel and lower the truck

• Reinstall the wheel with the 21mm socket.
• Tighten the lug nuts snug, then lower the truck.
• Torque the lug nuts to 190 Nm (140 ft-lbs) with the torque wrench.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the truck and test drive slowly at first.
• Listen for clunks or rubbing noises.
• Check that the steering wheel is centered.
• Get a wheel alignment after replacing front struts.
• If ride height looks uneven, recheck fastener torque and part seating.

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💰 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 3-5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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