This procedure replaces the front strut mount assemblies on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8, including strut removal, mount replacement, and reinstallation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Strut mount assembly (front) × 2 — ACDelco 901-071 or equivalent
• Strut mount bearing (if not included) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Upper strut retaining nuts (recommended) × 6 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack at manufacturer-specified lift points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight, positioned under frame rails
6. Remove front wheels completely
7. Spray all strut mounting bolts and nuts with penetrating oil, allow 15-30 minutes to soak
8. Mark strut orientation to knuckle with paint or marker for alignment reference during reinstallation

Procedure

1. 1

   Access upper strut tower mounting area
   Open the hood. Locate the three upper strut mount nuts on top of the strut tower in the engine bay. They are accessed from above and will be visible near the front fender on each side. Clean debris from around the nuts.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar link connection to the strut assembly. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft from rotating while removing the upper sway bar link nut with a wrench. Disconnect the link from the strut. Allow the link to hang freely or support with wire.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the bottom of the strut to the steering knuckle. These are large bolts that pass horizontally through both components. Support the strut from below with a jack or have an assistant hold it. Remove both strut-to-knuckle bolts completely. Retain hardware if reusable.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy (approximately 20-25 lbs). Support it to prevent it from falling when the lower bolts are removed.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts153 Nm (113 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove upper strut tower nuts
   From the engine bay, remove the three nuts securing the top of the strut to the strut tower. Have an assistant support the strut from below, or use a jack positioned under the strut. Once all three nuts are removed, carefully lower the strut assembly down and out of the wheel well.
   ⚠Do not allow the strut to drop freely when the last nut is removed. Control its descent to avoid damage to brake lines, ABS sensors, or other components.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Secure strut in vice
   Transfer the strut assembly to a clean workbench. Mount the strut securely in a vice using a strut vice adapter or table vice with protective jaw covers. Clamp the strut body (not the shaft) to prevent damage. Ensure the assembly is stable and vertical.
6. 6

   Install spring compressor
   Install the spring compressor tool according to manufacturer instructions. Ensure the compressor hooks are seated evenly on opposite sides of the spring coils, with at least 3 coils engaged on each side. Verify the compressor is properly aligned and seated before proceeding.
   ⚠️Ensure spring compressor is properly rated for this spring load (minimum 1500 lbs capacity) and is correctly installed per tool manufacturer instructions. Improper installation can cause violent spring release.
7. 7

   Compress spring
   Gradually tighten the spring compressor in alternating increments (2-3 turns on one side, then 2-3 turns on the opposite side) to compress the spring evenly. Continue until the spring is compressed enough that there is visible clearance between the upper spring seat and the spring (approximately 1-2 inches of compression). The upper mount should move freely when adequate compression is achieved.
   ⚠️Compress the spring SLOWLY and EVENLY. Never compress one side fully before the other. Watch for signs of compressor slippage or misalignment.
8. 8

   Remove upper strut shaft nut and mount
   Use a wrench or socket on the strut shaft center nut while holding the shaft from rotating (shaft may have a hex feature or require a strut rod socket). Remove the upper nut completely. Carefully remove the upper strut mount, bearing plate, and upper spring seat. Note the orientation and order of all components for reassembly.
9. 9

   Install new strut mount
   Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush. Install the new upper spring seat, bearing (if separate), and strut mount assembly in the reverse order of removal. Ensure all components are oriented correctly - the mount tabs must align with the strut tower bolt holes. Thread the new upper nut onto the strut shaft but do not fully tighten yet.
10. 10

    Decompress spring and torque shaft nut
    Hold the strut shaft from rotating and tighten the upper nut to the manufacturer specification (typically 45-55 Nm / 33-41 lb-ft, though not provided in your torque list - consult service manual for exact value). Once secured, slowly and evenly release the spring compressor in alternating increments until the spring is fully seated against the upper and lower spring seats. Remove the spring compressor tool.
    ⚠Release spring tension gradually and evenly. Verify spring is properly seated in both upper and lower seats before fully releasing compressor.
11. 11

    Reinstall strut assembly to vehicle
    Position the strut assembly into the wheel well from below, guiding the upper mount studs through the strut tower holes. Align the lower strut bracket with the steering knuckle using your alignment marks. Install the three upper strut tower nuts finger-tight. Insert the two strut-to-knuckle bolts and install nuts finger-tight.
12. 12

    Torque upper strut tower nuts
    From the engine bay, torque the three upper strut tower nuts in a star pattern to specification. Ensure the mount sits flush against the strut tower.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Torque strut-to-knuckle bolts
    Torque the two strut-to-knuckle bolts to specification. Ensure the knuckle is fully seated against the strut bracket before final torque.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts153 Nm (113 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Reconnect the sway bar link to the strut. Hold the shaft with an Allen key while torquing the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install the front wheels and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the wheels contact the ground but not fully weighted. Torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side - both strut mounts should be replaced as a pair
2. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification
3. Double-check that no tools or parts were left in the engine bay or wheel wells
4. Close hood securely

Verification

• Start the engine and turn the steering wheel fully left and right while stationary - listen for any abnormal noises from the strut mount area
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area - verify normal steering response and no unusual noises over bumps
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque all strut mounting fasteners to specification
• Have a professional alignment performed - strut mount replacement affects camber and caster angles
• Visually inspect the strut tower nuts after first drive to ensure no loosening has occurred

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