🔧 Struts - Front Strut Replacement

Assumption: front struts. On your Equinox, the front suspension uses a strut assembly, so this repair replaces the complete unit to restore ride control and reduce noise, bouncing, and uneven tire wear.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the vehicle with jack stands; never work under a car held only by a jack.
• Use extreme care with the compressed coil spring. A strut spring stores a lot of energy and can cause serious injury.
• Disable the brake pedal and steering only as needed while the suspension is apart.
• If equipped with electronic ride or steering sensors, keep wiring and connectors unplugged only as long as needed.
• Battery disconnect is not required for basic front strut replacement unless a connector or sensor repair is needed.

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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
• 21mm socket
• 18mm socket
• 15mm socket
• 13mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Penetrating oil
• Strut spring compressor (specialty)
• Trim tool
• Paint marker

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assembly - Qty: 2
• Front strut mount hardware - Qty: 2
• Front sway bar link nuts - Qty: 2
• Front strut-to-knuckle bolts and nuts - Qty: 4
• Front cowl trim clips - Qty: 1 set

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Loosen the front wheel lug nuts slightly before lifting.
• Wear eye protection before any suspension work.
• Plan for a post-repair wheel alignment. A strut replacement changes suspension geometry.
• Replace struts in pairs.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the vehicle

• Use the floor jack to lift the front of the vehicle at the proper lift point.
• Place jack stands under the front support points and lower the vehicle onto them.
• Remove the front wheels with the 21mm socket.

Step 2: Disconnect attached components

• Spray the strut hardware with penetrating oil.
• Use the 18mm socket to remove the sway bar link nut from the strut.
• Use the 13mm socket to remove any brake hose or ABS wire brackets attached to the strut.
• Keep hoses relaxed and untwisted.

Step 3: Mark the strut position

• Use a paint marker to mark the relationship between the strut and steering knuckle.
• This helps with reassembly and keeps the alignment closer until the final alignment.

Step 4: Remove the lower strut bolts

• Use the 21mm socket and breaker bar to remove the two lower strut-to-knuckle bolts.
• Support the knuckle as the last bolt comes out so the axle and brake hose are not stressed.

Step 5: Remove the upper strut mount nuts

• Open the hood and remove the upper strut mount nuts with the 13mm socket.
• Hold the strut from below while removing the last nut so it does not drop.

Step 6: Remove the strut assembly

• Lift the complete strut assembly out of the wheel well.
• If it sticks, gently guide the knuckle outward with your hand while lifting the strut free.

Step 7: Transfer parts if needed

• If you bought a complete strut assembly, skip this step.
• If reusing parts, use the strut spring compressor to compress the coil spring before removing the top mount.
• Remove the center nut with the correct socket from the assembly.
• Transfer the mount and isolators only if they are in good condition.
• Never remove the top nut without compressing the spring.

Step 8: Install the new strut assembly

• Position the new strut into the tower and start the upper nuts by hand using the 13mm socket.
• Align the lower strut holes with the steering knuckle.
• Install the lower strut bolts and nuts using the 21mm socket.
• Torque the lower strut-to-knuckle bolts to 175 Nm (129 ft-lbs).
• Torque the upper strut mount nuts to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reattach the removed components

• Use the 18mm socket to reinstall the sway bar link nut.
• Use the 13mm socket to reinstall the brake hose and ABS wire brackets.
• Torque the sway bar link nut to 65 Nm (48 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Reinstall the wheel and lower the vehicle

• Reinstall the wheel and snug the lug nuts by hand with the 21mm socket.
• Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack, remove the jack stands, and lower it to the ground.
• Torque the wheel lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Start the vehicle and listen for clunks or rubbing.
• Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock and check that hoses and wires move freely.
• Test drive slowly at first, then recheck for loose hardware.
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as soon as possible.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $300-$700 (parts only)

You Save: $600-$800 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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