Changing Struts on 2011 Chevy Equinox

My daughter is a 22 year student at the University of Alberta in Edmonton where she is enrolled in a Bachelor of Education program to become a teacher. She drives a 2011 Chevy Equinox which allows her to get to classes as well as come back home in Lacombe, AB to see Mom and Dad from time to time.

In August of 2024, we noticed that the ride in her Equinox had been getting pretty rough. We took the Equinox into the shop where we got a quote for $1600 to replace her front struts. After YouTubing how to replace the front struts, my daughter and I figured that we could probably do it ourselves. Not only would we save a few dollars, we thought that it would be a fun project to work on together before she returned to Edmonton for the school year.

Given that the vehicle was 13 years old at the time, there was a significant amount of rust on the old nuts and bolts. WD-40 was a staple tool for us on this project. The photos submitted were all taken in 2024, long before I knew anything about this contest! My daughter (as displayed in the cover photo) was thoroughly impressed with WD-40!! Bolts that were rusted in place and immovable miraculously were able to turn after the WD-40! We honestly would not have been able to complete this project without it!!

All in all, this project was a great experience for both of us and it was a fun way to spend time together. Who knows, when my daughter graduates, she might even be able to teach a mechanics class!!