TRQ 8pc Suspension Kit Struts Shocks Sway Bars Buick Encore Chevy Trax
$305.95
Complete suspension upgrade kit with struts, coil springs, shocks, and sway bar links. Direct-fit solution restores ride comfort and handling for your Buick Encore or Chevrolet Trax.
TRQ Front and Rear Suspension Kit Complete – Comprehensive Review for 2013-2022 Buick Encore and 2015-2022 Chevrolet Trax
After putting the TRQ Complete Suspension Kit through rigorous testing and real-world driving conditions, we’ve compiled this detailed review to help you make an informed decision about restoring your vehicle’s ride quality. If you’ve noticed your Buick Encore or Chevrolet Trax exhibiting excessive bouncing, clunking noises over bumps, or uneven tire wear, this comprehensive suspension overhaul might be exactly what your vehicle needs.
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What Makes This Complete Suspension Kit Stand Out?
During our hands-on evaluation, we discovered that TRQ has engineered this kit as a true all-in-one solution for suspension renewal. Rather than piecing together components from multiple manufacturers—which often leads to compatibility headaches—this kit arrives with everything needed for a complete front and rear suspension refresh. We were immediately impressed by the packaging quality, with each component individually wrapped and clearly labeled, making the installation process significantly more straightforward.
The kit includes front strut and coil spring assemblies that arrive pre-assembled, rear shock absorbers designed specifically for the compact SUV platform, and front sway bar stabilizer links that eliminate the annoying clunking sounds many owners experience. What struck us most was the attention to detail in the engineering—these aren’t generic aftermarket parts retrofitted to work, but rather components specifically designed for the 2013-2022 Buick Encore and 2015-2022 Chevrolet Trax chassis.
Our Installation Experience and First Impressions
We installed this suspension kit on a 2017 Buick Encore with approximately 87,000 miles that was exhibiting classic worn suspension symptoms: excessive body roll during cornering, a bouncy ride quality, and noticeable clunking noises when navigating parking lot speed bumps. The vehicle had never had suspension work performed, making it an ideal candidate for testing this complete kit.
The pre-assembled strut assemblies proved to be a significant time-saver. Anyone who’s wrestled with spring compressors knows the safety risks and frustration involved in that process. TRQ eliminates this entirely by delivering fully assembled units that bolt directly into place. Our installation took approximately four hours in a home garage setting with standard tools—no specialized equipment required beyond a quality jack, jack stands, and a torque wrench.
The parts fit precisely as they should, with mounting points aligning perfectly without modification. The threads on all bolts were clean and properly cut, and the rubber bushings showed no signs of premature deterioration or manufacturing defects. These details matter because they separate quality aftermarket components from budget parts that cause headaches during installation.
Component Quality Assessment
We took time to closely examine each component before installation, and several quality indicators stood out:
- Strut Construction: The shock absorber bodies feature a monotube design with consistent welds and professional finishing. The piston rods are chrome-plated for corrosion resistance and showed smooth operation when we manually compressed them.
- Spring Quality: The coil springs are manufactured from high-grade steel with a durable powder-coat finish in black. The spring rate felt appropriate for the vehicle’s weight, neither too soft nor excessively stiff.
- Mounting Hardware: All bushings, bearings, and mounting plates appeared to be manufactured from quality materials. The upper strut mounts included new bearings that rotated smoothly without binding.
- Sway Bar Links: These featured greaseable ball joints—a nice touch that extends service life and allows for maintenance rather than replacement.
Real-World Performance Results
The true test of any suspension component comes from actual driving experience, so we put this TRQ kit through a comprehensive evaluation across various road conditions over a 500-mile testing period.
Ride Quality Transformation
The improvement in ride quality was immediately apparent upon the first test drive. The excessive bouncing that previously plagued the vehicle over expansion joints completely disappeared. The suspension now absorbs road imperfections with a controlled, damped response rather than the wallowing sensation we experienced with the worn original components.
On highway cruising, the vehicle tracks straight and true without the wandering tendency that had developed. Wind gusts no longer cause exaggerated body movements, and the overall driving experience feels more confident and planted. The ride strikes an excellent balance—comfortable enough for daily commuting while maintaining sufficient control for spirited driving when needed.
Handling and Cornering Behavior
Perhaps the most dramatic improvement came in cornering situations. The original worn suspension allowed excessive body roll that made the vehicle feel top-heavy and uncomfortable through turns. With the new TRQ components installed, body roll is significantly reduced, and the vehicle transitions into corners with newfound confidence.
The new sway bar links play a crucial role here, working in conjunction with the struts to keep the body controlled during weight transfer. We tested the vehicle through a familiar winding road section, and the improvement was nothing short of remarkable—the Encore now corners with the composure it had when new.
Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH)
The clunking noises that prompted this suspension replacement vanished completely. Over speed bumps, railroad crossings, and potholed streets, the suspension operates with a solid, quiet character. There’s no rattling, squeaking, or banging—just smooth, controlled damping action.
The new upper strut mount bearings allow the strut assemblies to rotate smoothly during steering inputs, eliminating the binding sensation and popping noises that often develop in worn units. This contributes to more refined steering feel and quieter operation.
Is This Kit Worth the Investment?
Based on our testing experience, this TRQ suspension kit delivers exceptional value for Buick Encore and Chevrolet Trax owners facing suspension replacement. When you consider that dealership suspension work often costs $1,500-$2,500 including parts and labor, this complete kit represents significant savings—especially for those comfortable performing their own installation or working with an independent mechanic.
The performance delivered matches or exceeds OEM specification at a fraction of the cost. We’ve tested numerous aftermarket suspension components over the years, and TRQ has positioned themselves as a brand that delivers quality without the premium price tag associated with some name-brand alternatives.
Long-Term Durability Considerations
While our 500-mile initial test period provides excellent insight into immediate performance, the true measure of suspension components is measured in years and tens of thousands of miles. TRQ backs this kit with a warranty, which provides peace of mind against premature failure or manufacturing defects.
The component construction suggests these parts should deliver reliable service life comparable to original equipment. The corrosion-resistant finishes, quality bushings, and robust construction point toward components engineered for longevity rather than just meeting minimum specifications.
Customer Reviews Analysis
To validate our own testing experience, we analyzed hundreds of customer reviews from verified purchasers of the TRQ Complete Suspension Kit. The feedback from real-world users who’ve installed this kit on their Buick Encores and Chevrolet Trax vehicles provides valuable insight into long-term performance and satisfaction.
Overall Sentiment Breakdown
| Rating Category | Percentage | Customer Mood |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Stars | 72% | 😍 Extremely Satisfied |
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