Strut Bump Stop 13356026: Front Suspension Buffer for Chevrolet Cruze, Buick Verano and Opel Astra J

The front strut bump stop 13356026 is the polyurethane progressive buffer that General Motors fits inside the front coil spring of its Delta platform family - the Chevrolet Cruze, the Buick Verano, the Volt and its Opel Ampera twin, the Cadillac ELR, and in Europe the Opel and Vauxhall Astra J range with the Zafira Tourer and Cascada. The number circulates as 13356026, 13315664 and 13256850 on the GM side and 03 44 727 on the Opel side, while the United States dealer network now supplies it under the consolidated number 22916549. This guide covers the supersession chain, the real dimensions, the vehicles that use it, the kit-versus-single-piece question that dominates quotations, and the cross references worth listing.

What the Front Strut Buffer Does on the Delta Platform

The Cruze family uses a MacPherson strut at each front corner, with the coil spring around the damper body. The buffer sits on the damper rod above the spring seat and hangs clear while the suspension rests in its normal range. Under hard compression - a deep pothole or a loaded run over a speed ramp - the buffer is compressed before the damper runs out of stroke, stiffening progressively to keep metal off metal.

Dealer catalogue text describes 22916549 as a travel limiter and cushion that absorbs impacts near the end of suspension travel. When the buffer ages it hardens or cracks, and the first symptom is a sharp knock from the front over ridges, followed by a damper seal that weeps because the rod is hammered into its own top-out stop. Replacing the buffer during a strut refresh costs a fraction of a new damper.

Technical Specifications

Dimensions and Material Data

Third-party catalogue data lists the same part at 50 to 51 mm overall length, 64.5 to 65 mm width and 50 to 65 g by brand. The Bonpora dimensions are recorded at different reference points on the moulding, so treat every figure as nominal and match the new buffer against the removed part. The bore is also stepped, roughly 16.5 to 24.5 mm and 33 mm, so both steps need to agree.

Four GM Numbers, One Part: How the Supersession Chain Works

General Motors renumbered this buffer several times without changing the moulding - a trap for buyers who refuse a quotation because the number on the box differs from the number on the enquiry. The chain below is confirmed by the current US dealer catalogue.

US dealer catalogues describe 22916549 as the strut bumper for the Cruze, Cruze Limited, Verano, Volt and ELR with sport suspension, while European TecDoc data crosses it to the Astra J family without that qualifier. Quote the OE number from the removed part with the VIN rather than the trim name, and treat the four GM references as one stocking line: a distributor who lists only 22916549 misses the traffic that searches for 13356026.

The Opel Side: 0344727 and the European Catalogue

On European documentation the buffer carries the classic Opel numbers 03 44 727, with siblings 03 44 492 and 03 44 496. Febi Bilstein lists all of them alongside the GM numbers under its reference 109601, confirming that one moulding serves both catalog systems. In Europe the Opel numbers drive search; in the Americas and Asia the 13-prefix GM numbers do. One listing with both sets captures both audiences.

European catalogues extend the list across the Astra J range - hatchback, GTC, Sports Tourer and saloon - plus the Zafira Tourer C, the Cascada convertible and the Ampera; some entries also show neighbouring Astra H and Zafira B applications, to be confirmed by the dimensions of the removed part.

Applications Across the Delta Platform

The spread matters commercially: the Cruze was built in high volumes by SAIC-GM in China, by GM plants in the Americas and under the Holden badge in Australia, so one buffer serves trade customers across most of the world.

Single Buffer or Dust Cover Kit: The Quotation Question

More confusion is caused by supply form than by fitment. A large share of aftermarket listings sell this buffer only as part of a dust cover kit, because a workshop rebuilding a strut normally fits a new bellows at the same time. When the enquiry says buffer and the quotation says kit, the price gap looks enormous and the deal stalls.

Bonpora supplies the buffer as a single piece in neutral export packaging and quotes paired quantities as standard. Buyers who also stock the bellows can consolidate both lines into one shipment.

Cross Reference Numbers Worth Listing

Aftermarket coverage of this part is deep, reflecting the size of the fleet behind it. The references below are confirmed in current European catalogue data.

Further interchanges include ZZVF ZVTM168A, Kavo SPK-10037, Mando MSS020635, AUTOMEGA 274677010, Maxgear 72-4399 and the Japanparts trio Ashika 159-00-0410, Japanparts KTP-0410 and Japko 1590410. Buyers sourcing shock absorber parts for this platform can quote the OE number alone and compare a dozen brands.

Polyurethane Versus the Original Elastomer

Both materials do the same job when new. The difference appears after years of service, when an aged elastomer buffer takes a permanent set and surrenders working height, so the front end bottoms out earlier than the damper expects. Polyurethane holds its height better over that interval, and the polyurethane bump stop programme covers this reference in volume.

Ordering and Stocking Notes for Distributors

Three rules keep this line profitable. First, sell in pairs: both struts age at the same rate, the quantity is two per vehicle, and at least one European catalogue marks the reference replace in pairs only. Second, carry the full number set - 13356026, 13315664, 13256850, 03 44 727 and 22916549 - because search splits between the American and European systems. Third, state whether the quotation covers the buffer alone or buffer and bellows, so the customer compares like with like.

In markets served by the Chinese-built fleet, SAIC-GM production of the Cruze and the Excelle makes this one of the highest-volume compact front buffers in the region, and neutral export packaging supports branding and open-market resale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 13356026 a front or rear part?

It is a front axle part, left and right, two per vehicle. The GM catalogue positions 22916549, which replaces it, on the front strut of the Cruze, Verano, Volt and ELR. The rear axle of the same cars uses a different bumper, so confirm the position before quoting.

What is the size of 13356026?

Bonpora drawing data records a nominal 52 x 61 x 20 mm at the upper and base diameters. European catalogue data lists 50 to 51 mm overall length and 64.5 to 65 mm width at about 50 g. The figures differ because they are taken at different reference points, so match the new buffer against the removed part.

Does 22916549 replace 13356026?

Yes. The current US dealer catalogue lists 22916549 as the replacement for 13315664, 13356026 and 22815161, for the Cruze, Cruze Limited, Verano, Volt and ELR with sport suspension. European catalogues cross it to the Astra J family under the Opel numbers. Quote any of the four older numbers against one stocking line.

Which cars does 13356026 fit?

The list covers the Chevrolet Cruze J300 saloon, hatchback and estate, the Orlando, the Buick Verano and the Chinese Excelle XT and GT, the Volt and Ampera, the Cadillac ELR, and the Opel and Vauxhall Astra J range with Zafira Tourer C and Cascada. Send the VIN where the variant is uncertain and the correct number can be confirmed before shipment.

Request a Quote for 13356026

Bonpora Parts supplies the front strut bump stop 13356026 in polyurethane from our own production line, with neutral export packaging as standard and OEM or custom design support for private label buyers. Send the OEM number, the VIN, the quantity per shipment and your target port, and we will come back with pricing, packing options and lead time. Buyers who need the wider chassis and suspension programme can add control arms, mounts and covers to the same enquiry.