Fuel Tank Strap

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the fuel tank mounting straps on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 engine, including fuel system depressurization and tank support.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Fuel tank strap (set of 2) × 2 — GM OEM 23175499 or equivalent
• Fuel line O-rings × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Strap mounting bolts × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake. Place wheel chocks at front wheels.
2. Ensure fuel tank is less than 1/4 full. If tank is more full, siphon fuel into approved container using proper fuel transfer equipment.
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and isolate from battery terminal.
4. Allow exhaust system to cool completely if vehicle was recently driven (minimum 1 hour).
5. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight at frame contact points. Verify stability before working underneath.
6. Position Class B fire extinguisher within immediate reach of work area.
7. Remove fuel filler cap to release any tank pressure.

Procedure

1. 1

   Relieve fuel system pressure
   Locate the fuel pump fuse in the underhood fuse block (fuse #87, 20A). Remove the fuel pump fuse. Attempt to start the engine and allow it to run until it stalls from fuel starvation. Crank the engine for an additional 3 seconds to ensure pressure is fully relieved. Turn ignition off. Attach fuel pressure gauge to Schrader valve on fuel rail to verify pressure is below 5 psi.
   ⚠️Do not skip pressure relief. Fuel system operates at 55-62 psi and will spray fuel if lines are disconnected while pressurized.
2. 2

   Disconnect fuel filler neck and vent lines
   Locate fuel filler neck hose at rear passenger side of tank. Loosen hose clamp securing filler neck hose to tank inlet using appropriate socket. Slide clamp back on hose and carefully twist and pull filler neck hose off tank. Locate EVAP vent line (smaller diameter line near filler) and disconnect by pressing release tab and pulling line free. Have shop towels ready to catch residual fuel.
3. 3

   Disconnect fuel supply and return lines
   Locate fuel feed line and EVAP purge line at front of fuel tank. Using appropriate fuel line disconnect tool for the quick-connect fittings, press tool into fitting collar and pull line straight off. Inspect O-rings in line ends and mark lines for correct reinstallation. Place drain pan under connections to catch fuel spillage. Allow 2-3 minutes for fuel to drain completely.
   ⚠Do not use screwdrivers or improvised tools to disconnect fuel lines as this will damage the quick-connect fittings and cause fuel leaks.
4. 4

   Disconnect electrical connectors
   Locate fuel pump module electrical connector on top of fuel tank (accessible from rear, driver side). Press release tab and disconnect connector. Disconnect fuel tank pressure sensor connector if equipped. Route wiring harness clear of tank removal path.
5. 5

   Position tank support
   Place transmission jack or dedicated fuel tank support stand under center of fuel tank. Raise jack until it makes firm contact with tank but does not lift tank. Secure tank to jack using retaining straps if available. Ensure jack is stable and centered under tank to prevent tipping during removal.
   ⚠️Tank must be properly supported before loosening straps. Unsupported tank will fall when straps are removed, causing serious injury.
6. 6

   Remove fuel tank strap mounting bolts
   Locate the two fuel tank straps running transversely under tank. Each strap has one mounting bolt at each end (4 bolts total). Apply penetrating oil to bolt threads if corrosion is present. Using appropriate socket and ratchet, remove the four mounting bolts securing both straps to frame. Note: Bolts thread into frame-mounted captive nuts. Remove passenger side strap first, then driver side strap.
   ⚠Straps may be under tension. Control straps as bolts are removed to prevent them from snapping down.
7. 7

   Remove tank straps
   With all mounting bolts removed, carefully lower and remove both fuel tank straps. Inspect straps for corrosion, cracks, or deformation. Inspect strap rubber insulators/cushions and replace if damaged. Check heat shield condition if equipped between strap and exhaust. Set old straps aside for comparison with new parts.
8. 8

   Lower and inspect fuel tank
   Slowly lower transmission jack approximately 6 inches to allow full inspection of tank top surface and mounting points. Verify all electrical connections and fuel lines are disconnected and clear. Inspect tank mounting surfaces on frame for corrosion or damage. Inspect heat shields for secure mounting and damage. Do not fully remove tank unless additional service is required.
   ⚠If tank or frame mounting surfaces show significant corrosion or damage, repair before installing new straps to prevent premature failure.
9. 9

   Prepare new straps and mounting hardware
   Compare new fuel tank straps to old straps to verify correct parts. Install rubber cushions/insulators onto new straps in correct positions. Apply anti-seize compound to threads of new mounting bolts. Verify new O-rings are available for fuel line connections during reassembly.
10. 10

    Install new fuel tank straps
    Raise fuel tank on transmission jack to approximately 1 inch below final installed height. Position driver side strap first, routing it over tank and aligning holes with frame mounting points. Start both mounting bolts by hand. Repeat process for passenger side strap. Ensure straps are not twisted and are properly seated in tank mounting channels. Raise tank to final position where strap holes align perfectly with frame mounting points.
11. 11

    Torque strap mounting bolts
    Using torque wrench, tighten all four fuel tank strap mounting bolts to specification. Tighten in cross pattern (driver front, passenger rear, driver rear, passenger front) to ensure even tank seating. Verify tank is seated properly against frame mounting points and is not cocked or misaligned.
    ⚠Do not overtighten mounting bolts as this can deform tank or crack mounting tabs. Use torque wrench for accurate specification.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect fuel lines
    Install new O-rings on fuel feed line and EVAP line fittings, lubricating lightly with clean engine oil. Push each line straight onto tank fitting until an audible click is heard. Pull back on each line to verify secure connection. Ensure lines are routed clear of exhaust components and sharp edges.
13. 13

    Reconnect filler neck and vent lines
    Slide filler neck hose fully onto tank inlet pipe. Position hose clamp over hose on inlet pipe and tighten to specification. Reconnect EVAP vent line by pushing straight onto fitting until click is heard. Verify secure connection by pulling on line.
    Torque spec

    Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect electrical connectors
    Reconnect fuel pump module electrical connector, ensuring it clicks fully into place. Reconnect fuel tank pressure sensor connector if equipped. Verify wiring harness is secured with factory clips and routed away from exhaust and sharp edges.
15. 15

    Remove tank support and lower vehicle
    Carefully lower and remove transmission jack from under fuel tank. Verify tank is securely held by straps before fully removing jack. Visually inspect all connections one final time. Lower vehicle from jack stands to ground.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect negative battery cable to battery terminal.
2. Reinstall fuel pump fuse in underhood fuse block.
3. Install fuel filler cap securely.

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position (do not start) for 5 seconds, then OFF. Repeat 3 times to prime fuel system and build pressure.
• Inspect all fuel line connections, filler neck, and tank seams for fuel leaks. Use flashlight to carefully check all connection points.
• Start engine and allow to idle for 2 minutes. Monitor for fuel odor or visible leaks.
• With engine running, inspect underside of vehicle one final time for any fuel drips or leaks. Shut off engine if any leaks are detected.
• Test drive vehicle and monitor fuel gauge operation. Listen for any unusual sounds from fuel tank area during acceleration and deceleration.
• After test drive, perform final inspection of all fuel system connections with vehicle on level ground.
• If any fuel odor or leaks are detected at any point, do not drive vehicle. Investigate and repair immediately.

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