How to Replace Front Struts and Rear Shock Absorbers on a 2018 Jeep Compass
Step-by-step suspension replacement guide with required tools, parts list, safety tips, and alignment notes
How to Replace Front Struts and Rear Shock Absorbers on a 2018 Jeep Compass
Step-by-step suspension replacement guide with required tools, parts list, safety tips, and alignment notes
🔧 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)
⚠️ 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).
🔧 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)
🔩 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
đź“‹ 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?
🔨 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.
âś… 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).
đź’° 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.
🎯 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.
