How to Replace Front Struts and Rear Shocks on a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Step-by-step instructions with required tools, parts list, safety tips, and post-repair alignment checks
How to Replace Front Struts and Rear Shocks on a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Step-by-step instructions with required tools, parts list, safety tips, and post-repair alignment checks
🔧 Grand Cherokee - Shock Absorber Replacement
On your Grand Cherokee, the rear uses separate shock absorbers, while the front uses a strut assembly (shock + coil spring together). The steps and tools change a lot depending on whether you’re doing rear shocks, front struts, or all four.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-6 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ Support the vehicle on jack stands; never rely on a jack.
- ⚠️ Keep hands clear of suspension pinch points while lowering/raising the axle.
- ⚠️ If doing front struts: the coil spring is under heavy load—use a proper spring compressor or replace complete strut assemblies.
- ⚠️ Spray rusted fasteners and work slowly to avoid broken bolts.
🔧 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
- Safety glasses
- Mechanic gloves
- Breaker bar 1/2"
- Torque wrench 1/2" drive (30–200 ft-lbs)
- Socket set 1/2" drive (13mm–21mm)
- Wrench set (13mm–21mm)
- Pry bar (18")
- Penetrating oil
- Wire brush
- Trim clip tool
- Spring compressor (specialty)
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Rear shock absorbers - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
- Front strut assemblies - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
- Upper strut mount/bearing - If not included with struts - Qty: 2
- New shock/strut mounting nuts & bolts - As needed - Qty: 1 set
- Anti-seize compound - Qty: 1
đź“‹ Before You Begin
- Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels (if doing front) or front wheels (if doing rear).
- Loosen lug nuts with a breaker bar before lifting the vehicle.
- Soak shock/strut bolts with penetrating oil 10–20 minutes before removal.
- Plan to get an alignment after front struts.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Before I list the exact steps/torque specs, answer these 2 quick questions:
- Are you replacing rear shocks, front struts, or all four?
- For the front: are you installing complete strut assemblies (pre-assembled) or reusing your spring with a spring compressor (a clamp tool that safely compresses the coil spring)?
âś… After Repair
- Recheck all fasteners with a torque wrench after a short test drive.
- If you replaced front struts, get a professional alignment as soon as possible.
- Listen for clunks over bumps—usually a loose mount or sway bar link.
đź’° DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $450-$1,400 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $180-$900 (parts only)
You Save: $270-$500+ 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.
