Be Careful When Replacing Front Strut/Shocks

[2Cool2Fool]

I decided to replace both from struts on my 2016 Yukon. This is the third time I've replaced these combination spring/shock assemblies on Yukons or Tahoes, but I ran into a problem that hopefully will prevent you from having the same problem I had.

I bought a pair of after-market (OEM replacement 'QuickStruts) from NAPA - because I couldn't find the combination units available online from Delco or GM. The first one installed with no problem. However, the second unit had a manufacturing defect that I didn't discover until I tried to install it.

Here's what I learned (the hard way): One of the top mounting studs MUST perfectly align with the center of the lower shock mounts. The attached picture doesn't show it exactly because of the perspective of the photo - but if those two points points don't light up closely (+/- a couple of degrees), the installation will be all but impossible. So when you buy your new strut assemblies - open each box of each and check the alignment.

When I called my local NAPA store, fortunately, they had two of the same assemblies in stock - and they sent a driver to my house on Saturday with both units - one of which was fine - and swapped it for the defective unit.

I hope this saves someone a significant hassle.

 

[ReaperHWK]

Just FYI as well GM doesn’t sell that as a unit. You need to buy the shock separately if you want OEM and remove the shock by compressing the spring.

Since the springs are pretty big you can fit 2 sets of spring compressors on there(meaning 4 of them) and it will be pretty safe. Done it before. Even if 3 failed it would probably hold long enough for you scream the lords name in vain and dive behind a concrete wall.

 

[swathdiver]

Let us know how long they last. We haven't seen much life from the Monroe struts.

We build ours from scratch with GM OE parts.

 

[waterman]

Let us know how long they last. We haven't seen much life from the Monroe struts.

We build ours from scratch with GM OE parts.

Hello,

What brand struts do you have? My 2015 Denali has a leaking front strut

 

[Doubeleive]

the bilstieins I put on the silverado have been holding up well (as expected)

 

[B-train]

Hello,

What brand struts do you have? My 2015 Denali has a leaking front strut

I would recommend just going to an online GM parts store and ordering per your vin number. Replace in pairs the strut, and mount if it seems bad - I've never replaced a mount on mine with over 160K on it though.

Your other option is car-part.com for low mileage auto salvaged items. If you don't want to keep the autoride system up front, you can look for front struts from just about any GM truck or SUV and swap them out. Then install the resistors to keep the light off. This is your cheapest option, but you can also get the exact struts you have now to plug and play.

Also to note: 2007 - 2020 are all the same. The parts catalog will say differently, but it's just a change due to a new model from 2015 on. I put 2019 struts with 40k on them in my 2008 Denali with the resistors, they fit perfectly and ride great.

The aftermarket stuff doesn't seem to hold up from my experience. I only stick with OEM now for the most part.

 

[Doubeleive]

I would recommend just going to an online GM parts store and ordering per your vin number. Replace in pairs the strut, and mount if it seems bad - I've never replaced a mount on mine with over 160K on it though.

Your other option is car-part.com for low mileage auto salvaged items. If you don't want to keep the autoride system up front, you can look for front struts from just about any GM truck or SUV and swap them out. Then install the resistors to keep the light off. This is your cheapest option, but you can also get the exact struts you have now to plug and play.

Also to note: 2007 - 2020 are all the same. The parts catalog will say differently, but it's just a change due to a new model from 2015 on. I put 2019 struts with 40k on them in my 2008 Denali with the resistors, they fit perfectly and ride great.

The aftermarket stuff doesn't seem to hold up from my experience. I only stick with OEM now for the most part.

pretty sure the struts they used are not z55, which likely means the yukon does not require them, which means you can use a good quality shock like bilsteins which may outlast the vehicle

 

[swathdiver]

Hello,

What brand struts do you have? My 2015 Denali has a leaking front strut

The factory ACDelco struts. As for a Denali with Z95 Magneride, I don't think there's anything better than GM Original Equipment unless you know who makes them for GM/ACDelco.