Buick Enclave / GMC Acadia / Chevy Traverse Struts: What You Need to Know Before You Buy
Worn struts on your Enclave, Acadia, or Traverse? Learn the critical trim differences, replacement costs, and how to buy the right part the first time.
The Short Answer
If you're replacing struts on a Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, or Chevy Traverse, the single most important thing to confirm before ordering is whether your specific trim has standard hydraulic struts or electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC) struts — they are not interchangeable, and getting it wrong is an expensive mistake.
| Vehicle | Platform | CDC Trims | Special-Fitment Trims | Typical Part Cost (per pair) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buick Enclave | GM C1 | Avenir | — | $300–$2,200+ |
| GMC Acadia | GM C1 | Denali | AT4 | $300–$2,200+ |
| Chevy Traverse | GM C1 | — | Z71 | $300–$2,200+ |
Cost ranges reflect standard hydraulic strut pairs on the low end and air suspension strut sets on the high end. Labor is extra. Use the part finder below for exact pricing on your vehicle. ---
Why These Three Vehicles Share So Much DNA — and Where It Gets Complicated
Buick, GMC, and Chevrolet are all GM brands — General Motors, the Detroit-based corporation traded on the NYSE. So it's no surprise that the Enclave, Acadia, and Traverse all ride on the same GM C1 platform and roll off the same assembly line at the GM Lansing Delta Township facility in Michigan. The Traverse and Acadia moved to their third generation for the 2024 model year. The Enclave followed for 2025, and it made history as the first North American Enclave not powered by a V6 — the new generation uses a turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder (LK0) engine instead. Shared platform means shared suspension architecture, which means many strut components do cross over between these three vehicles. But "many" is not the same as "all," and the exceptions will ruin your day if you ignore them. ---
The Two Strut Types: This Is Where Most Buyers Go Wrong
There are two fundamentally different strut systems on these vehicles, and they are never interchangeable:
Standard Hydraulic Struts
These are conventional passive dampers — no electronics, no sensors. They're found on base and mid-level trims across all three vehicles. They're also significantly less expensive to replace. A quality front or rear pair typically runs in the $150–$450 per strut range for parts alone. ### Electronic CDC Struts (Option Code F45)
CDC stands for Continuous Damping Control. These struts have an electrical connector on the body and actively adjust damping in real time based on road conditions and driver inputs. Higher trims like the Acadia Denali and Enclave Avenir are the ones to watch for here. If you put standard hydraulic struts on a CDC-equipped vehicle, the system will flag a fault code, the electronic damping will go offline, and stability control systems that rely on CDC data can be affected. It's not just a comfort issue — it's a safety concern. How to confirm which type you have: Look for an electrical connector on the existing strut body. No connector = standard hydraulic. Connector present = CDC. You can also check your original window sticker for "Continuous Damping Control" or option code F45. ---
Special-Trim Fitments: AT4, Z71, and Avenir
Beyond the CDC question, three trims use struts that are unique to their own suspension geometry:
- GMC Acadia AT4 — the off-road-oriented package uses struts engineered specifically for that setup. They don't cross-fit with standard Acadia configurations. - Chevy Traverse Z71 — same story. The Z71's suspension geometry is different enough that the struts are their own part. - Buick Enclave Avenir — primarily flagged here because of the CDC system, but always worth double-checking fitment independently. If you have one of these trims, be especially careful with parts searches that pull up generic "fits Traverse" or "fits Acadia" results. A VIN-specific lookup is the only reliable way to shop. ---
Air Suspension: A Different Category Entirely
Some trims on these crossovers came equipped with air suspension struts rather than conventional coil-over units. If your vehicle has air struts, you're not shopping in the same aisle as everyone else. Air suspension strut sets for these GM crossovers — front pairs or rear pairs — are available from specialists like ARNOTT (which uses Continental rubber airbags in its new units) and Dorman. These are the brands stocked for this application. Remanufactured options from ARNOTT offer a lower entry price versus new sets, which is worth considering if budget is a real constraint. Air suspension replacement typically runs $1,700–$2,200+ for a pair, which is a significant investment. That's before labor. The upside: a quality replacement set from a reputable brand restores the original ride quality far better than converting to passive coil-overs, which some shops suggest as a "cheaper" fix. In my experience, conversion kits often degrade the way these vehicles were specifically tuned to ride — and on a luxury-leaning platform like the Enclave, that's a noticeable downgrade. ---
Signs Your Struts Are Ready for Replacement
These crossovers are heavy vehicles — curb weights typically run 4,200–4,700 lbs depending on trim and generation. That weight works hard on suspension components. Watch for:
- Bouncy, floaty ride that doesn't settle quickly after bumps
- Nose-dive under braking more pronounced than it used to be
- Excessive body roll in corners
- Cupping or scalloping on tire tread (a telltale sign of poor damping)
- Clunking or knocking over rough pavement
- Steering that feels vague or less responsive than normal
A worn strut on a 4,500-lb three-row crossover isn't just an annoyance — it extends stopping distances and compromises the vehicle's ability to respond in emergency maneuvers. Don't sit on this one. ---
Standard vs. Air Suspension: Which Replacement Route Makes Sense? | Factor | Standard Hydraulic | Air Suspension |
| Parts cost (pair) | ~$300–$900 | ~$1,700–$2,200+ |
|---|---|---|
| DIY difficulty | Moderate (spring compressor required) | High (system bleed/reset often needed) |
| OE ride feel restored? | Yes, for standard-equipped vehicles | Yes, when replacing like-for-like |
| Available brands | Multiple | ARNOTT, Dorman (for these applications) |
| Alignment required after? | Yes | Yes |
DIY or Shop? Be Honest With Yourself
Front struts on these crossovers require a spring compressor to disassemble the strut assembly. That tool can cause serious injury if used incorrectly — it's not a place to improvise. If you're comfortable with suspension work and have the right equipment, it's a manageable job. If not, a professional installation is worth every dollar. Rear struts are generally more approachable for a confident DIYer, but you'll still need a post-job wheel alignment regardless of which end you're working on. Budget $80–$150 for that alignment — skipping it will cost you in tires. ---
How to Make Sure You Order the Right Part
- Know your trim level — not just "Enclave" but specifically: Essence? Avenir? Base? That determines CDC vs. standard. 2. Check for the electrical connector on your current struts before ordering. 3. Confirm your model year — the 2025 Enclave is third-gen; earlier years are second-gen with different fitments. 4. Use a VIN-specific lookup — it's the only way to eliminate guesswork, especially on AT4, Z71, or Denali trims. 5. Buy in pairs — always front pair or rear pair, never a single strut.
Why buy from AutoBuffy
- Fitment check: add your vehicle and we confirm the part fits before you buy. If it doesn't fit because of our listing, you get a free return and a full refund, including original shipping.
- 24-month limited warranty on new parts bought on autobuffy.com.
- Real reviews: rated 4.9 by 19,069 verified customers.
- 30-day returns on unused parts in the original packaging.
- Free shipping on orders $50+. Orders placed before 12:00 PM ET (Mon-Fri) ship the same business day.
- Questions about an order? Call 888-477-2530 or email help@autobuffy.com.
Find the right strut for your Enclave, Acadia, or Traverse
Guaranteed fit, ships free
FAQ / People Also Ask
They share the same GM C1 platform and are built at the same Michigan plant, so some struts do cross-fit across model years and trims — but NOT always. Standard hydraulic and CDC electronic struts are never interchangeable, and special trims like the AT4, Z71, and Avenir use unique fitments. Always verify by VIN before ordering.
Comments
Loading comments...
Comments are moderated by the AutoBuffy team.