GMC Acadia (2007-2020) Suspension Strut Bellows: A Complete Guide
That small, torn rubber boot on your GMC Acadia's suspension is a bigger deal than you think—here's what you need to know.
- A torn strut bellow is not an immediate problem, but it will cause the expensive strut to fail.
- Due to high labor costs, it is almost always more economical to replace the entire strut assembly rather than just the bellow.
- The 2007-2016 Acadia and 2017-2020 Acadia use different suspension parts; ensure you buy for the correct generation.
- Inspect your strut bellows at every oil change to catch tears early and plan for future repairs.
Is a Torn Strut Bellow a Problem?
Yes. While the bellow itself is a simple and inexpensive part, its failure is a direct cause of a much more expensive repair down the line. A torn, cracked, or missing strut bellow on your Acadia is a guarantee that the strut it's supposed to be protecting will fail prematurely. You won't feel any difference in your ride from a torn boot alone, but you are on borrowed time until the strut itself wears out. Inspecting these boots during routine maintenance, like an oil change, can save you from future headaches and costs.
GMC Acadia Generation and Part Differences
It is critical to know which generation of Acadia you own, as the parts are not interchangeable.
- First Generation (2007-2016, and 2017 "Limited"): This larger version of the Acadia has a well-established market for aftermarket parts.
- Second Generation (2017-2020): This is a smaller, redesigned vehicle with different suspension components.
Always verify the part fitment for your specific year and model before purchasing. Using a part from the wrong generation will not work.
Symptoms of a Failing Strut Bellow
The most obvious symptom is a visual one. Look behind your front wheels at the strut assembly. You will see the coil spring wrapping around the strut. The bellow is the flexible, accordion-like cover around the upper part of the strut shaft.
- Visual Damage: The boot is visibly torn, cracked, brittle, or completely missing.
- Leaking Strut: If you see oily, wet fluid covering the strut body, it's a sign the strut seal has already failed, likely due to a compromised bellow.
- Bouncy or Noisy Suspension: Once the strut fails from the lack of protection, you may notice a bouncy ride, clunking noises over bumps, and poor handling.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Bellow
For a simple protective part like a bellow, you don't necessarily need to buy the most expensive option. However, quality still matters, as you want it to last.
- Premium Aftermarket (e.g., KYB): KYB is a highly respected brand that is often an original equipment manufacturer for many car brands. Their bellows are known for high-quality materials that meet or exceed OEM specifications. This is a reliable choice for long-term durability.
- Standard Aftermarket (e.g., Skyward, other store brands): Budget-friendly brands offer a low-cost solution. While there is limited public information on the long-term durability of the Skyward brand specifically, it provides a functional replacement. For a part this critical to protecting a more expensive component, sticking with a known brand like KYB or the OEM AC Delco part is often a wise investment.
- OEM (AC Delco): The original GM part is also an excellent and often affordable choice, guaranteeing a perfect fit.
A Mechanic's Advice on Replacement
Replacing only the strut bellow is very labor-intensive. The entire strut assembly must be removed from the vehicle, and a special tool called a spring compressor must be used to safely remove the coil spring. This is a dangerous process if not done correctly. Because the labor is nearly identical to replacing the entire strut, most shops and experienced mechanics will recommend replacing the complete strut assembly (which includes a new strut, spring, mount, and bellow) if your Acadia has over 80,000 miles. This is often the most cost-effective and safest long-term repair.
Known Issues, Recalls, and Service Bulletins
While there are no specific recalls for the strut bellows on the 2007-2020 GMC Acadia, GM has issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related to diagnosing suspension noises and strut fluid leaks (e.g., TSB #050308002I, #15-00-89-004E). These bulletins instruct technicians on how to identify a true leak versus normal seepage, which is relevant as a torn bellow will eventually cause a true leak.
Cost to Replace GMC Acadia Strut Bellows
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Aftermarket Strut Bellow (Part Only) | $19.97 - $47.42 |
| OEM Strut Bellow (Part Only) | $12 - $25 |
| Shop Labor (Bellows Only) | $250 - $450 per side (Not Recommended) |
| Recommended: Complete Strut Assembly (Part) | $120 - $260 per side |
| Recommended: Shop Labor (Complete Strut) | $175 - $260 per side |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just replace the strut bellow and not the whole strut?
Technically, yes. However, the labor involved is extensive and requires special, dangerous tools to compress the spring. If you are paying for labor, the cost will be almost the same as replacing the entire strut assembly. For this reason, replacing the complete assembly is almost always the better value, especially on a higher-mileage vehicle.
What happens if I ignore a torn strut boot?
A torn boot will allow dirt and moisture to destroy the strut's piston seal. This will cause the strut to leak its internal fluid, rendering it useless. Your ride will become bouncy, handling will suffer, and you may experience clunking noises. You will eventually have to replace the entire strut, which is a more expensive repair.
Should I replace both front bellows at the same time?
Yes. If one bellow has failed due to age and environmental exposure, the other is likely in similar condition. Since the recommended repair is to replace the complete strut assemblies, they should always be replaced in pairs (both front struts) to ensure even handling and performance.
Is a KYB bellow better than an OEM AC Delco one?
Both are excellent choices. KYB is a trusted brand known for meeting or exceeding OEM quality, sometimes offering a slightly firmer performance feel. AC Delco is the original part and guarantees a perfect fit and original ride quality. For a bellow, either choice is a solid one; the decision often comes down to price and availability.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 20879998 84153144
First Generation (2007-2016) OEM Part: 20879998. Second Generation (2017-2020) OEM Part: 84153144.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- GMC Acadia:
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is a Torn Strut Bellow a Problem?
- GMC Acadia Generation and Part Differences
- Symptoms of a Failing Strut Bellow
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Bellow
- A Mechanic's Advice on Replacement
- Known Issues, Recalls, and Service Bulletins
- Cost to Replace GMC Acadia Strut Bellows
- Frequently Asked Questions
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