🔧 Compass - Shock/Strut Replacement

On your Compass, “shock absorbers” can mean the rear shocks and/or the front strut assemblies (a strut is a shock with a structural mount that supports the spring). The exact steps, parts, and torque specs change depending on whether you’re doing front, rear, and whether you’re reusing the coil spring.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-6 hours (depends front vs rear)

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Support the Compass on jack stands on solid, level ground—never rely on a floor jack alone.
• ⚠️ If doing front struts and reusing the spring: a coil spring compressor is required; the spring stores serious energy and can cause severe injury if released suddenly.
• ⚠️ Keep hands clear of suspension pinch points while lowering/raising the control arm or knuckle.
• ⚠️ After suspension work, a 4-wheel alignment is typically needed (especially front struts).

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Lug nut socket (19mm)
• Breaker bar (1/2")
• Torque wrench (1/2" drive, 20–200 ft-lbs range)
• Socket set (10mm–21mm, 1/2" drive)
• Wrench set (10mm–21mm)
• Allen key set (metric)
• Pry bar
• Rubber mallet
• Needle-nose pliers
• Penetrating oil
• Paint marker
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Coil spring compressor (specialty)
• Strut spreader tool (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assemblies - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear shock absorbers - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front strut mount/bearing kit - If reusing springs - Qty: 2
• Front bump stop and dust boot kit - If worn - Qty: 2
• Rear shock mounting hardware kit - If corroded - Qty: 1
• Anti-seize compound - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, leave the transmission in 1st gear, and set the parking brake.
• Break the lug nuts loose 1/4 turn with a 19mm socket before lifting.
• Please reply with these 2 details so I can give the exact factory-correct steps and torque specs:
  • Are you replacing front struts, rear shocks, or all four?
  • For the front: are you installing quick-struts (complete assemblies) or reusing your coil springs with a spring compressor?

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm your replacement type (STOP here)

• Reply with: front / rear / all four and quick-strut / reuse spring.
• This determines the correct removal points and the required Torque to XX Nm (YY ft-lbs) specs for your Compass.
• Once I have that, I’ll lay out exact steps.

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✅ After Repair

• Plan for a 4-wheel alignment after suspension work (especially if front struts were replaced).
• Test drive slowly first; listen for clunks and recheck fasteners.
• Re-torque lug nuts after a short drive: Torque to XX Nm (YY ft-lbs) (I’ll provide the exact spec once you reply).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $600-$1,800 (parts + labor, front/rear varies)

DIY Cost: $200-$900 (parts only, depending on what you replace)

You Save: $400-$900 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-6 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.