Front End Steering Rebuild Kits
Package kits bundle the wearing front end parts for this truck in one order, usually for less than buying them one by one.
2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD Suspension Diagram
This interactive diagram shows the front suspension, steering, driveline and rear suspension of the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4x4. Hover over or tap any part to see what it does, the signs that it is worn, and the replacement parts we carry that fit your truck, down to the side and position.
2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD Suspension Diagram (Full Chassis)
2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD Front Suspension and Steering Diagram
2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD Rear Suspension Diagram
We carry parts for it Not stocked yet Hover or tap any part.
The 2007 to 2013 Silverado 1500 4WD uses independent front suspension with upper and lower control arms. A coil spring sits on each strut, and the strut passes through the fork of the upper arm to a tower on the frame. A rack and pinion steers the front wheels, and CV axles drive them from a frame mounted differential. The rear is a solid axle on leaf springs with staggered shocks.
We carry replacement parts for 38 of the 43 components on this diagram, 211 parts in all. See every part for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD.
Packages and kits
Shock Absorber Sets
Front and rear shock sets for the whole truck.
Complete Suspension Bushing Kits
One kit with the suspension bushings for the whole truck.
Leveling Kits and Strut Spacers
Spacers on top of the strut raise the front of the truck to level it with the rear.
Lift Kits
Complete lift kits with new crossmembers, knuckles and blocks.
Lowering Kits
Front and rear lowering kits for the street.
Front Suspension
1 Upper Ball Joint (driver and passenger side)
The upper ball joint sits on top of the upper control arm. Its stud drops through the top ear of the knuckle, with the nut underneath.
Signs of wear: Clunking over bumps, wandering steering, uneven tire wear, or play when the wheel is rocked top to bottom.
Tip: On this truck the joint comes with the arm in most cases, so a new upper arm is the usual repair.
See all Front Upper Ball Joint parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
2 Lower Ball Joint (driver and passenger side)
The lower ball joint presses into the lower control arm. Its stud points down through the bottom ear of the knuckle.
Signs of wear: Clunks over bumps, a loose feel in the front end, or play when the wheel is rocked top to bottom with the truck on a jack.
Tip: Match the joint to your arm. K6541 is for the cast iron arm and K500007 is for the aluminum arm. They are not the same length.
See all Front Lower Ball Joint parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
3 Upper Control Arm (driver and passenger side)
A curved, forked arm that holds the top of the knuckle. It wraps around the coil spring, and its two inner bushings pivot on cam bolts on the outside of the frame rail.
Signs of wear: Clunks, torn inner bushings, a worn ball joint, or an alignment that will not hold.
Tip: GM built this arm in forged steel, stamped steel and aluminum, and the ball joint taper differs between them. Check which one is on your truck before you order.
See all Front Control Arm parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
4 Lower Control Arm (driver and passenger side)
The large A-shaped arm under the knuckle. It carries the bottom of the strut, the sway bar link and the lower ball joint. Two bushings hold it in pockets on the frame.
Signs of wear: Clunks over bumps, torn bushings, a worn ball joint, or tires that wear on the edges.
Tip: Trucks with aluminum knuckles use an aluminum lower arm. The cast iron arm does not fit them.
See all Front Control Arm parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
5 Upper Control Arm Bushing (driver and passenger side)
Two rubber bushings let the upper arm pivot on its cam bolts.
Signs of wear: Cracked or torn rubber, clunks on turn-in, or an alignment that wanders.
Tip: Mark the cam bolts before you pull them, so the alignment starts close.
See all Front Control Arm Bushings parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
6 Lower Control Arm Bushing (driver and passenger side)
A forward and a rearward bushing hold the lower arm in its frame pockets.
Signs of wear: Clunks when you brake or take off, torn rubber, or a front end that shifts over bumps.
Tip: Tighten the bolts with the truck at ride height so the rubber is not twisted.
See all Front Control Arm Bushings parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
7 Alignment Cam Kit
Cam bolts through the upper arm bushings set caster and camber.
Signs of wear: Tire wear that an alignment cannot correct, or cam bolts that are seized or have slipped.
Tip: Leveling kits and lift kits often need more range than the factory cams give.
See all Front End Alignment Kit parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
8 Steering Knuckle (driver and passenger side)
The knuckle joins the two ball joints, carries the hub and the brake, and has the steering arm that the tie rod bolts to.
Signs of wear: Damage from a hit, or worn tapered holes for the ball joint or tie rod studs.
Tip: Some trucks have aluminum knuckles, and those need the matching aluminum lower arm.
We don't carry a steering knuckle for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
9 Strut Bumper (driver and passenger side)
A foam bumper on the strut rod, right under the top mount. It cushions the strut at full compression.
Signs of wear: A hard bang over big bumps, or a split or missing cover.
Tip: It is inside the coil, so the strut has to come out to replace it.
See all Front Bump Stops parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
10 Front Strut (driver and passenger side)
The front shock sits inside the coil spring. Its bottom bolts to the lower arm with two small bolts, and it passes up through the fork of the upper arm to the tower on the frame.
Signs of wear: Bouncing after a bump, nose dive, oil on the body, or cupped tires.
Tip: A complete strut assembly with the spring and mount saves using a spring compressor. Trucks with electronic ride control need their own strut.
See all Front Shock Absorber parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
11 Front Coil Spring (driver and passenger side)
The front spring is a coil on the strut, held between a lower seat on the strut body and the top mount. This truck has no torsion bars.
Signs of wear: A sagging corner, a nose that sits low, or a broken coil.
Tip: Springs are matched to the cab and options, so use the one listed for your truck. Never take a strut apart without a proper compressor.
See all Front Coil Springs parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
12 Coil Spring Seat (driver and passenger side)
A rubber seat with a sleeve sits at the top of the coil under the mount, and a flat isolator sits on the lower seat, so the coil does not ring against the metal.
Signs of wear: Creaks or pops when you turn the wheel, or a crumbled seat when the strut is apart.
Tip: Replace them whenever the strut comes apart.
See all Front Coil Spring Isolator Pads parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
13 Strut Mount (driver and passenger side)
The top mount bolts up through the frame tower on three studs and holds the top of the strut.
Signs of wear: A clunk from the top of the strut, or a torn rubber center.
Tip: The mount differs on trucks with an automatic leveling system.
See all Front Strut Mount parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
14 Front Sway Bar
The bar crosses under the truck behind the differential, below the front driveshaft. Its arms wrap outboard of the frame rails and run forward to the rear legs of the lower arms, tying the two sides together to reduce body roll.
Signs of wear: Body roll, or a clunk if the bar has shifted in its bushings.
Tip: Stock bars come in 30, 32, 34 and 36 mm, so measure yours before buying bushings.
See all Front Sway Bar parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
15 Sway Bar Bushing
Two bushings in brackets hold the bar to the bottom of the frame rails and let it twist.
Signs of wear: A squeak or thump from the front end, or a bar that moves side to side.
Tip: The bushing has to match the bar size. Check the stamp on the old bushing or measure the bar.
See all Front Sway Bar Bushings parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
16 Sway Bar Link (driver and passenger side)
A long bolt with a sleeve and rubber bushings joins the bar end to the rear leg of the lower arm.
Signs of wear: A rattle over small bumps, or torn bushings.
Tip: The bolt goes in from below. Tighten it only until the bushings are snug, because crushing them shortens their life.
See all Front Sway Bar Endlinks parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
17 Front Differential Bushing (driver and passenger side)
Four rubber bushings, one at each end of the two differential brackets, isolate the frame mounted front differential from the crossmembers.
Signs of wear: A clunk when you shift into four wheel drive or when you get on and off the throttle.
Tip: Support the differential with a jack before you loosen the bolts.
See all Front Differential Bushings parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
18 Front Differential Bracket (driver and passenger side)
A long bracket on each side runs front to back under the differential, from the front lower arm crossmember to the rear one. It has a bushing at each end, and the differential bolts to its middle.
Signs of wear: Cracks near the bushing, or a differential that sits crooked.
Tip: The left and right brackets are different parts.
See all Front Differential Bushings parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
Steering
19 Outer Tie Rod End (driver and passenger side)
The outer end threads onto the inner tie rod. Its stud points up into the knuckle's steering arm, with the nut on top.
Signs of wear: Loose steering, wandering, or uneven wear on the tire edges.
Tip: Count the turns as you unscrew the old end. Hybrid models use a different end.
See all Front Outer Tie Rod End parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
20 Inner Tie Rod (driver and passenger side)
The inner rod screws into the end of the steering rack, inside the boot.
Signs of wear: Play in the steering that stays after the outer ends are new, or a knock over bumps.
Tip: The boot has to come off first. Replace it if it is torn. Hybrid models use a different rod.
See all Front Inner Tie Rod End parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
21 Rack and Pinion Boot (driver and passenger side)
A rubber bellows at each end of the rack keeps dirt and water away from the inner tie rod and the rack.
Signs of wear: A split boot, or fluid inside the boot, which means the rack seal is leaking.
Tip: A torn boot ruins the inner tie rod quickly, so replace it as soon as you see it.
See all Steering Rack Bellow parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
22 Steering Rack
This truck steers with a rack and pinion. There is no pitman arm, idler arm or center link. The pinion is on the driver side.
Signs of wear: Fluid leaks, a dead spot in the steering, or a heavy feel at one point of the turn.
Tip: We list the boots, bushings and tie rods. Hybrid models have an electric rack.
We don't carry a steering rack for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
23 Rack Mount Bushing
Two bushings in the rack mounting ears and a ring round the rack tube isolate the rack from the frame.
Signs of wear: The steering wheel moves but the wheels are slow to follow, or the rack visibly shifts when the wheel is turned.
Tip: Have someone turn the wheel while you watch the rack housing.
See all Steering Rack Bushings parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
Driveline
24 Front CV Axle (driver and passenger side)
A CV shaft bolts to the differential with six bolts and drives each front hub.
Signs of wear: Clicking in tight turns, grease on the inside of the wheel, or a torn boot.
Tip: Both sides use the same part. Replace a shaft as soon as a boot tears.
See all CV Joint Parts - Front parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
25 Front Driveshaft U-Joint at Axle
The U-joint at the differential end of the front driveshaft.
Signs of wear: A clunk when you engage four wheel drive, or a vibration in four wheel drive.
Tip: Mark the shaft before you take it off so it goes back in phase.
See all U Joint parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
26 Front Driveshaft U-Joint at Transfer Case
The U-joint at the transfer case end of the front driveshaft.
Signs of wear: A clunk when you engage four wheel drive, or rust dust at the joint.
Tip: Replace both front joints together, since they have the same miles.
See all U Joint parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
27 Rear Driveshaft U-Joint at Transmission
The U-joint at the front of the rear driveshaft.
Signs of wear: A clunk when you shift into gear, or a vibration that grows with speed.
Tip: Mark the shaft before you take it off so it goes back in phase.
See all U Joint parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
28 Rear Driveshaft U-Joint at Axle
The U-joint at the rear axle end of the driveshaft.
Signs of wear: A squeak at low speed, a clunk on takeoff, or a vibration at highway speed.
Tip: Some trucks have a two piece shaft with a third joint and a center bearing.
See all U Joint parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
Rear Suspension
35 Rear Leaf Spring (driver and passenger side)
A leaf spring on each side sits on top of the axle and carries the rear of the truck. The spring runs outside the frame rail.
Signs of wear: A sagging rear, broken leaves, or a truck that leans to one side.
Tip: Leaf springs ship by freight, so call us for a replacement.
We don't carry a rear leaf spring for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
36 Leaf Spring Bushing (driver and passenger side)
Bushings in the spring eyes and the shackle let the spring flex and quiet the rear end.
Signs of wear: Squeaks over bumps, or a clunk on takeoff.
Tip: Tighten the bolts with the weight of the truck on the springs.
See all Rear Leaf Spring Bushings parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
37 Leaf Spring Shackle (driver and passenger side)
The shackle links the rear eye of the spring to its bracket, so the spring can change length as it flexes.
Signs of wear: A clunk at the rear of the spring, a bent shackle, or worn bolt holes.
Tip: Lift and lowering shackles change ride height. They do not change spring rate.
See all Rear Leaf Spring Shackles parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
38 Leaf Spring Shackle Bracket (driver and passenger side)
This bracket bolts to the outside of the frame rail and holds the top of the shackle.
Signs of wear: Rust through the bracket, which is common on trucks from salt states. The truck may sit crooked or clunk.
Tip: Check the frame behind it for rust while it is off.
See all Rear Leaf Spring Shackles parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
39 Axle U-Bolts (driver and passenger side)
Two U-bolts on each side clamp the spring to the pad on the axle.
Signs of wear: Loose nuts, a shifted axle, or a broken center bolt.
Tip: Use new U-bolts any time they are removed, and tighten them in steps.
We don't carry a axle u-bolts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
40 Rear Shock (driver and passenger side)
The rear shocks are staggered, with the passenger shock ahead of the axle and the driver shock behind it. Both lean inboard to brackets on the crossmembers.
Signs of wear: Bouncing, oil on the body, or a rear end that hops on rough roads.
Tip: Trucks with electronic ride control need their own shock.
See all Rear Shock Absorber parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
41 Rear Bump Stop (driver and passenger side)
A rubber bumper under each frame rail stops the axle at full compression.
Signs of wear: Harsh bottoming, or a missing or split bumper.
Tip: It is a sign of tired springs if the bumper is always in contact.
We don't carry a rear bump stop for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
Brakes and Hubs
29 Front Hub and Bearing (driver and passenger side)
A sealed hub and bearing bolts to the knuckle with three bolts. It has six wheel studs on a 5.5 inch circle.
Signs of wear: A hum that changes when you swerve, or play in the wheel.
Tip: The axle nut has to come off first, and it takes a 36 mm socket.
See all Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
30 Front Brake Rotor (driver and passenger side)
A vented 330 mm rotor sits on the hub.
Signs of wear: A pulsing pedal, grooves, or a thickness under the minimum.
Tip: Check the size stamped on your rotor. This listing is for the 330 mm brake.
See all Front Brake Rotor parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
31 Front Brake Caliper (driver and passenger side)
A floating two piston caliper bolts to the knuckle and clamps the pads on the rotor.
Signs of wear: A pull to one side, a dragging wheel, or fluid on the inside of the wheel.
Tip: Calipers changed during the 2008 model year. Check the notes on the listing.
See all Front Brake Caliper parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
32 Front Brake Pads (driver and passenger side)
Two pads per wheel, one on each side of the rotor.
Signs of wear: Squealing, grinding, or a longer stop.
Tip: Pads come in versions for the solid abutment clip and the clip with a square hole. Check yours.
See all Front Brake Pads parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
33 Rear Brake Drum or Rotor (driver and passenger side)
Most of these trucks have rear drums, and that is what is drawn. Others left the factory with 345 mm rear discs, so the rotors and calipers are listed here too.
Signs of wear: A pulsing pedal when you brake lightly, or a drum worn past its limit.
Tip: Look through the wheel before you order. A 2007 or 2008 truck uses a different drum from a 2009 and later truck.
See all Rear Brake Drum parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
34 Rear Brake Shoes or Pads (driver and passenger side)
Drum trucks use two shoes per wheel, which also serve as the parking brake. Disc trucks use pads, plus small parking brake shoes inside the rotor hat.
Signs of wear: Grinding, a low pedal, or a parking brake that will not hold.
Tip: Shoes are shown pulled out of the drum.
See all Rear Brake Shoes parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
Body and Mounts
42 Body Mounts
Rubber mounts on the frame outriggers isolate the cab and box from the frame.
Signs of wear: Clunks from under the cab, or a cab that shifts when you brake.
Tip: Do one side at a time, and raise the body only as far as you need to.
See all Body Mount Bushings Kit parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
43 Transmission Mount
The mount sits on a bolt-on crossmember and carries the rear of the transmission.
Signs of wear: A clunk when you shift into gear, or a vibration at idle.
Tip: Support the transmission before you take the crossmember out.
See all Transmission Mount parts for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
Questions about the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD suspension
What are the most common front end wear items on a 2013 Silverado 1500?
Lower ball joints and outer tie rod ends lead the list. Upper control arms with worn bushings and ball joints are also common. Check them with the wheels off the ground, because a worn joint shows up as play you can feel by hand.
Does the 2013 Silverado 1500 4x4 have torsion bars?
No. The 2007 to 2013 new body 1500 uses a coil spring on a strut at each front corner, and leaf springs at the rear. Torsion bars were on the older Classic body and on the HD trucks.
Does it have a pitman arm and idler arm?
No. This truck steers with a rack and pinion, so the wear items are the inner and outer tie rods and the rack boots.
Why are there two different lower ball joints for this truck?
GM used a cast iron lower arm and an aluminum lower arm. The ball joints differ in length, and the arms are not interchangeable with every knuckle. Check which arm is on your truck before you order.
Which years share this suspension?
The 2007 to 2013 new body Silverado and Sierra 1500 4WD share this layout. The 2007 Classic does not. Parts can still change by cab, engine and options, so the parts shown here are the ones listed for the 2013 4WD truck.
Printable 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD suspension diagrams
Numbered diagrams to print or save for the shop. The numbers match the numbered parts on the interactive diagram.
