🔧 Traverse - Shock Absorber Replacement

On your Traverse, the rear uses shock absorbers, and the front uses strut assemblies (a strut is a shock + spring unit). Replacing worn shocks/struts restores ride control, reduces bouncing, and improves braking/handling.

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

Assumption: Stock suspension; replacing rear shocks and/or front struts.

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Support the Traverse with jack stands—never rely on a floor jack.
• 🛑 If doing front struts: the coil spring stores energy; use a spring compressor or install complete strut assemblies to avoid spring transfer.
• 🛑 Keep hands clear of pinch points when lowering/raising the suspension.
• 🛑 After front strut work, a 4-wheel alignment is required.
• 🛑 Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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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, pair)
• Wheel chocks
• Lug wrench or 19mm socket
• Socket set: 10mm, 13mm, 15mm, 18mm, 21mm, 24mm
• Wrench set: 13mm, 15mm, 18mm, 21mm
• Breaker bar (1/2")
• Torque wrench (10–250 ft-lbs range)
• Pry bar
• Rubber mallet
• Penetrating oil
• Paint marker
• Trim clip tool
• Needle-nose pliers
• Spring compressor (specialty)
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear shock absorbers - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front complete strut assemblies - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front strut mount nuts - Qty: 6
• Front strut-to-knuckle bolts and nuts - Qty: 4
• Rear shock mounting bolts/nuts - Qty: 4

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels if lifting the front (and vice-versa).
• Loosen lug nuts with a 19mm socket before lifting.
• Spray shock/strut fasteners with penetrating oil and wait 5–10 minutes.
• If installing complete strut assemblies, you do not need to compress the spring. (A complete assembly comes pre-built.)

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and remove wheels

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift at the proper jacking point.
• Set the Traverse on jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum, pair).
• Remove the wheels using a 19mm socket.

Step 2: Rear shock removal (one side at a time)

• Support the rear suspension arm lightly with the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) so it doesn’t drop when the shock is removed.
• Remove the lower shock bolt using an 18mm socket and 18mm wrench.
• Remove the upper shock fastener(s) using a 15mm socket (some setups use nut/bolt; use the matching 15mm wrench as needed).
• Work the shock out by hand; use a pry bar gently if it’s stuck.

Step 3: Rear shock installation

• Install the new shock in place by hand, starting with the upper mount.
• Install the lower bolt while adjusting height with the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to align holes.
• Tighten fasteners with a torque wrench (10–250 ft-lbs range):
  • Rear lower shock bolt: Torque to 100 Nm (74 ft-lbs)
  • Rear upper shock fastener(s): Torque to 50 Nm (37 ft-lbs)
• Tip: Tighten with suspension near ride height.

Step 4: Front strut removal (repeat per side)

• Unclip any strut/knuckle mounted wiring brackets (ABS/brake hose routing) using a trim clip tool or needle-nose pliers. Do not stretch the brake hose.
• Mark the strut-to-knuckle relationship with a paint marker for a close starting point before alignment.
• Remove the stabilizer (sway) link from the strut using an 18mm socket and 18mm wrench.
• Support the knuckle lightly with the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Remove the two strut-to-knuckle bolts using a 21mm socket and 21mm wrench. Use a breaker bar (1/2") if tight.
• Under the hood, remove the strut mount nuts using a 13mm socket while holding the strut from below.
• Remove the strut assembly from the wheel well.

Step 5: Front strut installation (complete strut assembly recommended)

• Position the new strut in the tower and hand-thread the top nuts using a 13mm socket.
• Align the strut to the knuckle and install the two lower bolts using a 21mm socket and 21mm wrench.
• Reconnect the sway bar link using an 18mm socket and 18mm wrench.
• Reattach all brackets/clips using a trim clip tool or needle-nose pliers.
• Torque fasteners with a torque wrench (10–250 ft-lbs range):
  • Front strut mount nuts: Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs)
  • Front strut-to-knuckle bolts: Torque to 155 Nm (114 ft-lbs)
  • Front stabilizer link nut: Torque to 65 Nm (48 ft-lbs)
• Tip: If holes won’t line up, raise the knuckle slightly.

Step 6: Reinstall wheels and lower

• Install wheels and snug lug nuts using a 19mm socket.
• Lower the Traverse and torque lug nuts with a torque wrench (10–250 ft-lbs range): Torque to 190 Nm (140 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Test drive at low speed first; listen for clunks and confirm steering feels normal.
• Re-check for any loose brackets or rubbing brake hoses.
• If you replaced front struts, schedule a 4-wheel alignment immediately.
• After 50–100 miles, re-check lug nut torque using a torque wrench.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $900-$2,200 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $250-$900 (parts only)

You Save: $650-$1,300 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 3-6 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.