Strut Mount - Rear

This procedure replaces the rear strut mount (upper strut bearing and insulator assembly) on the 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 engine, which is critical for proper suspension function and vehicle safety.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear strut mount assembly × 1 — ACDelco 901-070 or equivalent OEM
• Strut mount bearing (if not included with mount) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Strut upper insulator × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at approved jacking point on frame
5. Support vehicle securely with jack stands under frame rails, ensuring vehicle is stable
6. Remove rear wheel completely
7. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes
8. Verify you have correct replacement strut mount for your specific suspension configuration

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear axle assembly
   Position a floor jack under the rear axle or control arm near the strut location to support the weight of the suspension. Raise jack just enough to take load off the strut but do not lift the vehicle. This prevents the suspension from dropping when the strut is disconnected.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link if equipped
   If the sway bar link interferes with strut removal, remove the lower nut securing it to the control arm or axle bracket. Hold the stud shaft with an Allen key while loosening the nut to prevent spinning. Set hardware aside in a clean container.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove lower strut mounting bolts
   Locate the bolts securing the lower portion of the strut to the axle housing, control arm, or mounting bracket. Use a breaker bar if needed to break torque, then remove bolts completely. Support the strut by hand as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠The strut will become loose once the lower bolts are removed. Maintain control of the assembly.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts144 Nm (106 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Access upper strut tower mounting nuts
   From inside the vehicle cargo area or under rear seat area (depending on cab configuration), locate the access panel or carpet covering the strut tower. Remove any trim clips, fasteners, or fold back carpet to expose the upper strut mounting nuts on the strut tower.
5. 5

   Remove upper strut tower mounting nuts
   While supporting the strut assembly from below, remove the upper mounting nuts from the strut tower. On most configurations, there are 3 nuts securing the strut mount. Keep these nuts as they will be reused. Carefully lower the strut assembly out of the vehicle from below.
   ⚠Have an assistant support the strut from below, or ensure your jack is positioned to catch the assembly as it releases from the upper mount.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Secure strut in vise or holding fixture
   Clamp the strut body securely in a bench vise or strut holding fixture. Protect the strut body with soft jaws or rags. Position the strut vertically with the shaft pointing upward for easier spring compressor installation. Ensure the vise holds the strut firmly without damaging it.
7. 7

   Install spring compressor
   Install a quality coil spring compressor according to manufacturer instructions. Ensure compressor jaws or hooks are properly seated in the coil spring and positioned 180 degrees apart for balance. Verify the compressor is rated for your spring load. Begin compressing the spring gradually, alternating sides if using dual compressors.
   ⚠️Compressed springs store enormous energy. Verify spring compressor is properly installed and rated for the load. Compress evenly and slowly. Keep your face and body clear of the spring plane.
8. 8

   Remove strut shaft nut
   Once spring is sufficiently compressed (spring no longer contacts upper mount when mount moves freely), hold the strut shaft with a wrench or Allen key to prevent rotation. Remove the upper strut shaft nut. The nut may be very tight; use appropriate size tools to avoid rounding.
   ⚠️Do not remove the shaft nut until the spring is fully compressed and upper mount moves freely. Verify spring tension is relieved before proceeding.
9. 9

   Remove old strut mount components
   Remove the upper strut mount assembly, bearing plate, and any spacers or insulators. Note the exact order and orientation of all components as you disassemble. Take photos if helpful. Inspect the strut shaft for damage, corrosion, or bending. Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush.
10. 10

    Install new strut mount assembly
    Install new components in reverse order of removal: upper insulator, bearing (if separate), and strut mount. Ensure all components are oriented correctly with alignment marks or tabs properly positioned. Verify the bearing rotates smoothly and mount sits flat against the spring seat.
11. 11

    Install and torque strut shaft nut
    Thread the strut shaft nut onto the cleaned threads. Hold the shaft to prevent rotation and torque the nut to manufacturer specification (typically 50-65 Nm, but verify with your strut mount instructions as this torque is not in the database). Verify mount is seated properly and components do not bind.
    ℹ️The strut shaft nut torque is specific to the strut/mount assembly. Consult the replacement strut mount instructions for exact specification.
12. 12

    Release spring compressor
    Slowly and evenly release tension on the spring compressor. Ensure the spring seats properly in both the upper mount and lower spring seat. Verify the mount bearing can rotate freely and the spring is not binding. Once fully released, remove the spring compressor completely.
    ⚠Release spring tension gradually and evenly. Watch for proper spring seating. If spring appears misaligned, re-compress and adjust.
13. 13

    Install strut assembly to vehicle
    Guide the strut assembly back into position from below. Align the upper mount studs with the holes in the strut tower. You may need to raise the suspension slightly with the floor jack to align the lower mounting points. Install upper mounting nuts hand-tight first, then install lower mounting bolts hand-tight.
14. 14

    Torque upper and lower strut fasteners
    Torque the upper strut tower nuts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) in a star pattern to ensure even seating. Then torque the lower strut mounting bolts to 144 Nm (106 lb-ft). Ensure all fasteners are properly engaged and torqued.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Strut Bolts144 Nm (106 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reconnect sway bar link and install wheel
    If sway bar link was disconnected, reconnect it and torque the nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft) while holding the shaft with an Allen key. Install the wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower vehicle until tire just contacts ground but weight is still on jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Final torque and lower vehicle
    Torque wheel lug nuts to 169 Nm (125 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle completely to the ground. Reinstall any interior trim panels or carpet that were moved to access the upper strut tower.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are properly torqued including upper mount nuts, lower strut bolts, and wheel lug nuts
2. Reinstall all interior trim panels and ensure they are properly secured
3. Remove wheel chocks and verify parking brake releases properly
4. Perform verification steps before returning vehicle to service

Verification

• Before driving, bounce the rear of the vehicle several times and listen for unusual noises indicating improper installation
• Verify strut mount bearing allows steering/articulation without binding or noise
• Test drive at low speed in a safe area and verify proper handling and no clunking or rattling from rear suspension
• Check for any fluid leaks from strut body (indicates possible damage during service)
• Have vehicle alignment checked by a professional, as suspension work can affect alignment settings
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving

More procedures for this vehicle