How to Replace Equinox Struts

The Chevy Equinox is a relatively new crossover vehicle as of 2010, but even its struts will wear down over time. Good struts and shock absorbers are needed to maintain comfort on rocky/bumpy roads, as well as to keep the vehicle from falling apart. Removing and replacing struts on a Chevy Equinox is a similar process as with other vehicles. You will likely need to replace both struts at the same time.

Instructions

Removal

1

Raise the Equinox front end, using a floor jack, and support this end onto jack stands. Remove the wheel for the strut you are removing. Raise the jack under the control arm to support it.

2

Disconnect the brake hose bracket from the strut, removing its bolt with your wrench.

3

Unscrew, and remove, the upper nut for the stabilizer bar link, which is a vertically positioned rod that connects the link to the strut, using the wrench. Disconnect the end from the strut.

4

Mark the relationship between the strut and the steering knuckle, using white out or a thin paintbrush.

5

Remove the nuts and bolts that connect the strut to the steering knuckle, using the wrench.

6

Remove the upper fasteners for the strut, accessed from the engine compartment, while a second person supports the strut in the fender well. Have the assistant guide the strut out the fender well.

Installation

7

Guide the replacement strut up into the fender well and strut tower--you may need your assistant to do this. Once the mounting studs are in the tower holes, attach the nuts without tightening them all the way.

8

Connect the steering knuckle to the strut, using the strut flange and the marks from the knuckle. Insert the bolts, and tighten the nuts.

9

Reconnect the stabilizer bar link and the bracket for the brake hose with the corresponding bolts.

10

Reconnect the wheel; remove the floor jack from the control arm, and lower the vehicle off the jack stands, using the jack.

11

Tighten the upper mounting nuts for the strut, using your wrench.