🔧 Equinox - Front Strut Replacement

This job replaces the front strut assembly, which supports the suspension, controls bounce, and keeps the tire planted on the road. On your Equinox, the safest beginner-friendly method is to replace the complete strut assembly instead of compressing the spring yourself.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Use a complete strut assembly if possible. The coil spring is under heavy tension.
• Do not loosen the center strut nut unless the spring is safely compressed with the correct tool.
• Support the vehicle with jack stands before removing any suspension parts.
• Keep hands clear when separating the strut from the steering knuckle.
• After the repair, the vehicle will need a wheel alignment.
• If equipped with ABS sensor wiring or brake hose brackets on the strut, move them carefully and do not stretch them.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Lug wrench
• Ratchet
• 15mm socket
• 18mm socket
• 21mm socket
• Torque wrench
• Breaker bar
• Penetrating oil
• Trim clip tool
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Spring compressor (specialty)
• Pry bar
• Safety glasses
• Gloves

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assembly - Qty: 2, replace in pairs
• Front strut mount and bearing - Qty: 2, if not included with the assembly
• Front sway bar link - Qty: 2, if damaged during removal
• Strut-to-knuckle bolts and nuts - Qty: 2 sets, recommended
• Upper strut mount nuts - Qty: 3 per side, recommended

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Loosen the front lug nuts slightly before lifting the vehicle.
• Work on one side at a time so the opposite side can be used as a reference.
• If your replacement strut is a complete assembly, no spring compressor is needed.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise the front of the vehicle

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the front of the vehicle.
• Support it securely with jack stands under the proper lift points.
• Remove the wheel using a lug wrench.

Step 2: Free the attached lines and brackets

• Use a trim clip tool or flat-blade screwdriver to release any brake hose or wiring brackets attached to the strut.
• Do not let the brake hose hang by itself.

Step 3: Separate the strut from the knuckle

• Spray the lower fasteners with penetrating oil first.
• Use an 18mm socket and breaker bar to remove the lower strut bolts.
• If the knuckle sticks to the strut, use a pry bar gently to separate them.
• Keep the brake hose relaxed.

Step 4: Remove the upper strut mount nuts

• Open the hood and locate the top of the strut tower.
• Use a 15mm socket and ratchet to remove the upper strut mount nuts.
• Hold the strut from below so it does not drop when the last nut comes off.

Step 5: Remove the strut assembly

• Lower the old strut assembly out of the wheel well.
• If it will not clear, turn the steering knuckle slightly by hand.

Step 6: Install the new strut assembly

• Position the new strut into the tower and start the upper nuts by hand.
• Use a 15mm socket to snug the upper nuts, but do not fully torque them yet.
• Align the lower strut holes with the knuckle.

Step 7: Reattach the lower strut bolts

• Install the lower bolts using an 18mm socket.
• Torque to 175 Nm (129 ft-lbs) for the lower strut-to-knuckle bolts.
• Then torque the upper strut mount nuts to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reinstall brackets, wheel, and lower the vehicle

• Reattach the brake hose and wiring brackets using a trim clip tool.
• Install the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts using a lug wrench.
• Lower the vehicle with the floor jack.
• Torque the lug nuts in a star pattern with a torque wrench to 140 Nm (103 ft-lbs).

---

✅ After Repair

• Check that the wheel turns freely and nothing is rubbing.
• Bounce the front of the vehicle lightly and listen for clunks.
• Test drive slowly first, then at normal road speed.
• Schedule a front-end alignment as soon as possible.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: ₹14,000-₹28,000 for both front struts

DIY Cost: ₹8,000-₹16,000 for both front struts

You Save: ₹6,000-₹12,000 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run ₹2,500-₹6,000/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.