suspension

Strut Bearing

for 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3L V8 EcoTec3 L83 · RWD

Difficulty

Advanced

Time

3.2 h

Tools

Steps

✓Fact-checked. Built from OLP's spec database, then independently fact-checked line by line with every correction applied. Master-tech sign-off by Chris Hackleman is queued. Cross-check torque values against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. How our data is made.

This procedure replaces the strut bearing (upper strut mount bearing) on the front suspension of a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 engine.

Warnings

⚠️This is a SAFETY-CRITICAL procedure. Strut spring compressors store enormous energy and can cause death or severe injury if used incorrectly. If you are not experienced with spring compressors, STOP and seek professional service.

⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight on a level, solid surface.

⚠️Never loosen the strut shaft nut without properly compressing the spring with a spring compressor. The spring can violently release causing severe injury or death.

⚠Suspension work affects vehicle steering and handling. Any errors in this procedure can result in loss of vehicle control, crashes, or wheel separation. If you have any doubts, consult a professional.

⚠Worn strut bearings may have caused uneven tire wear or affected alignment. Consider an alignment check after completion.

Tools required

Floor jack and jack stands rated for vehicle weightEssential

Torque wrench (30-200 Nm range)Essential

Strut spring compressorEssential

18mm, 19mm, 21mm, 22mm combination wrenchesEssential

18mm, 19mm, 21mm deep socketsEssential

1/2 inch breaker barEssential

Ratchet set with extensionsEssential

Allen key set (for sway bar link shaft)

Pry bar or pickle fork for ball joint separationEssential

Wire brush for cleaning threads

Anti-seize compound

Penetrating oil

Marker or paint pen for alignment marks

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Parts

Strut bearing assembly (upper strut mount) × 2 — Use OEM specification or equivalent (Moog K160267, AC Delco 901-063)
Cotter pin for ball joint nut × 2 — Replace if removed

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Preparation

Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
Chock rear wheels securely
Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
Lift front of vehicle using proper jacking points and support on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
Remove front wheels completely
Spray penetrating oil on strut tower nuts, strut-to-knuckle bolts, and ball joint nut if corrosion is visible. Allow 15-30 minutes to penetrate
Take photos of strut orientation and mounting position for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1
Disconnect sway bar link from strut
Locate the sway bar link connection at the lower end of the strut assembly. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft of the link while loosening the upper nut with a wrench. Remove the nut completely and separate the link from the strut. Allow the link to hang from the sway bar.
Torque spec
Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
2
Separate ball joint from steering knuckle
Locate the upper or lower ball joint connection to the steering knuckle (depending on vehicle configuration). Remove the cotter pin from the ball joint castle nut using pliers or wire cutters. Loosen and remove the ball joint nut. Use a pickle fork or ball joint separator tool to separate the ball joint taper from the knuckle. Do not strike the knuckle directly to avoid damage.
⚠The ball joint taper is under load. The knuckle may drop suddenly when separated. Support the knuckle assembly or use caution to avoid hand injury.
Torque spec
Ball Joint Nut110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
3
Remove strut-to-knuckle mounting bolts
Locate the two large bolts securing the bottom of the strut to the steering knuckle. These are typically through-bolts with nuts on the back side. Support the strut assembly with one hand or have an assistant hold it. Remove both bolts completely. The strut will now be free from the knuckle but still attached at the top strut tower.
⚠The strut assembly is heavy and will pivot at the top mount once disconnected from the knuckle. Support it to prevent damage to brake lines or other components.
Torque spec
Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts153 Nm (113 lb-ft)
4
Access and remove strut tower mounting nuts
Open the hood and locate the strut tower assembly inside the engine compartment. You will see three nuts securing the top of the strut mount to the strut tower. Mark the position of the strut mount relative to the tower for reinstallation reference. Remove all three strut tower nuts using an 18mm socket and ratchet. Do NOT remove the center shaft nut at this time.
⚠️Do NOT loosen or remove the center strut shaft nut at this stage. This nut retains the compressed spring and removing it without a spring compressor will cause violent spring release.
Torque spec
Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5
Remove strut assembly from vehicle
With the top nuts removed, carefully guide the entire strut assembly down and out from the wheel well. You may need to pivot and angle the assembly to clear brake lines, ABS sensors, and other components. Place the strut assembly on a clean, stable workbench for disassembly.
6
Install spring compressor
Position the strut assembly vertically in a vise or secure location. Install the strut spring compressor following the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Ensure the compressor hooks are evenly positioned on opposite sides of the spring and fully engaged with the coils. Begin compressing the spring slowly and evenly, alternating between compression points to maintain even pressure. Compress until the spring is no longer under tension against the upper mount (you should see a gap and the mount should move freely).
⚠️CRITICAL SAFETY STEP: Ensure spring compressor is properly seated and rated for the spring force. Compress evenly on both sides. An improperly installed compressor can slip, causing the spring to violently release. Follow the compressor manufacturer's instructions exactly.
7
Remove strut shaft nut and disassemble
With the spring fully compressed and no tension on the upper mount, use a wrench to hold the strut shaft (usually requires a 19mm wrench on flats at the top of the shaft) while removing the shaft nut with another wrench or socket. Remove the nut, then lift off the upper strut mount assembly, bearing, and any spacers or washers. Note the order and orientation of all components for reassembly. Inspect the old bearing for wear, noise, or binding.
8
Install new strut bearing and mount
Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush. Install the new strut bearing and upper mount assembly in the exact reverse order of removal, ensuring all components are oriented correctly. The bearing should rotate smoothly without binding. Install any washers or spacers in their original positions. Thread the shaft nut onto the strut shaft hand-tight.
9
Torque strut shaft nut
Hold the strut shaft with a wrench on the flats while torquing the shaft nut to specification. The spring should still be compressed at this point. After torquing, verify the upper mount is properly seated and all components are correctly positioned.
ℹ️The strut shaft nut torque spec listed as 'Strut Bolts' at 144 Nm (106 lb-ft) applies to the center shaft nut. Verify this matches your service manual as shaft nut specs can vary.
Torque spec
Strut Bolts144 Nm (106 lb-ft)
10
Release spring compressor
Slowly and evenly release the spring compressor, alternating sides to maintain even pressure. As you release tension, the spring will seat against the upper and lower mounts. Once fully released and the spring is properly seated in both mount pockets, carefully remove the spring compressor tools.
⚠Release spring tension slowly and evenly. Listen and watch for any abnormal sounds or movement indicating improper seating.
11
Reinstall strut assembly to vehicle
Lift the strut assembly up into the wheel well, guiding the upper mount studs through the holes in the strut tower. Align the mount according to the marks made during disassembly. Install the three strut tower nuts and hand-tighten them. Align the lower strut to the steering knuckle and insert the strut-to-knuckle bolts. Install nuts on the back side and hand-tighten.
12
Torque strut mounting fasteners
Torque the three strut tower nuts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) in a star pattern for even loading. Then torque the two strut-to-knuckle bolts to 153 Nm (113 lb-ft). Ensure all fasteners are properly seated before torquing.
Torque spec
Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts153 Nm (113 lb-ft)
13
Reconnect ball joint
Align the ball joint stud with the hole in the steering knuckle. Install the ball joint nut and torque to 110 Nm (81 lb-ft). Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball joint stud. Bend the cotter pin ends to secure it properly.
⚠If the cotter pin hole does not align after torquing, tighten the nut further (never loosen) until the next slot aligns with the hole.
Torque spec
Ball Joint Nut110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
14
Reconnect sway bar link
Align the sway bar link with the mounting point on the strut. Install the nut while holding the link shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation. Torque the nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
Torque spec
Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
15
Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
Install the front wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tires just touch the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Torque the wheel lug nuts to 169 Nm (125 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands. Perform final lug nut torque verification after lowering completely.
Torque spec
Wheel Lug Nuts190 Nm (140 lb-ft)

Reassembly

Repeat all steps for the opposite side strut bearing if needed
Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification, particularly the safety-critical strut tower nuts, strut-to-knuckle bolts, and ball joint nut
Check that the cotter pin is properly installed and secured on the ball joint
Ensure no tools or parts were left in the engine compartment or wheel wells

Verification

With the vehicle on the ground, bounce each corner of the front end to verify the strut operates smoothly without noise
Turn the steering wheel fully left and right while stationary (engine running for power steering) and listen for any clicking, popping, or grinding noises from the new strut bearings
Perform a short test drive at low speed in a safe area, making gentle turns in both directions to verify proper operation and no abnormal noises
Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
Schedule a professional wheel alignment check, as suspension work and worn bearings may have affected alignment settings

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