How to Replace Front Struts & Rear Shock Absorbers on a 2011-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Trim: Limited | Engine: V6 3.6L)
Step-by-step suspension replacement guide with tools, parts list, safety tips, and factory torque specs (coil vs Quadra-Lift)
How to Replace Front Struts & Rear Shock Absorbers on a 2011-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Trim: Limited | Engine: V6 3.6L)
Step-by-step suspension replacement guide with tools, parts list, safety tips, and factory torque specs (coil vs Quadra-Lift) for 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
đź”§ Grand Cherokee - Shock/Strut Replacement
On your Grand Cherokee, the rear uses separate shock absorbers, while the front typically uses a complete strut assembly (shock + spring together). The exact steps and factory torque specs change depending on whether you have standard coil suspension or the optional Quadra-Lift air suspension.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-5 hours
Two quick questions so I can give the correct procedure + exact torque specs:
- 📝 Do you have Quadra-Lift air suspension (height up/down modes), or standard coil springs?
- 📝 Are you replacing front, rear, or all four?
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ Support the SUV with jack stands on solid, level ground—never rely on a floor jack.
- ⚠️ If equipped with Quadra-Lift, the suspension can self-level; incorrect handling can cause sudden movement.
- ⚠️ Keep hands clear of pinch points when lowering/raising the suspension arms.
- ⚠️ If transferring front springs, a spring compressor stores dangerous energy—use extreme caution.
- ⚠️ Battery disconnect is usually not required for coil-spring shock/strut replacement.
đź”§ 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" (20–250 ft-lbs range)
- Metric socket set (10mm–24mm)
- Metric wrench set (10mm–24mm)
- Pry bar
- Needle-nose pliers
- Trim clip tool
- Penetrating oil
- Paint marker
- 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 upper strut mount nuts - Qty: 6
- Front lower strut bolts and nuts - Qty: 2
- Rear shock mounting bolts and nuts - Qty: 4
- Sway bar end links - Optional if worn - Qty: 2
đź“‹ Before You Begin
- Park on level ground, shift to P, and set the parking brake.
- Chock the wheels that stay on the ground.
- Loosen lug nuts slightly before lifting the SUV (use a breaker bar).
- If equipped with Quadra-Lift: I’ll provide the correct “service mode”/disable steps after you confirm you have it.
- Spray all shock/strut bolts with penetrating oil first.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Confirm suspension type and which end you’re replacing
- Look for height-control buttons/modes (that indicates Quadra-Lift).
- Reply with: (1) Quadra-Lift: Yes/No and (2) Front/Rear/All four.
Step 2: Choose your front repair method (if doing front)
- If replacing fronts, tell me if you bought complete quick-strut assemblies (preloaded spring) or just bare struts.
- A quick-strut is a complete unit that avoids using a spring compressor.
Step 3: I’ll send the exact numbered procedure + factory torque specs
- Once I have the two answers above, I’ll provide the correct Jeep-specific steps for your configuration, including Torque to XX Nm (YY ft-lbs) at every fastener.
âś… After Repair
- Road test at low speed first and listen for clunks over bumps.
- Recheck lug nut tightness after the test drive (I’ll give the correct lug torque with your next reply).
- If front suspension work was done, plan for a 4-wheel alignment soon.
đź’° DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $700-$1,800 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $250-$900 (parts only)
You Save: $450-$900 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-5 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.
Guide for Suspension Strut and Coil Spring Assembly replace for these Jeep vehicles
| Year Make Model | Sub Model | Engine | Body Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Laredo | V6 3.6L | - |
| 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Limited | V6 3.6L | - |
| 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Overland | V6 3.6L | - |
| 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Summit | V6 3.6L | - |
| 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Laredo | V6 3.6L | - |
| 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Limited | V6 3.6L | - |
| 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Overland | V6 3.6L | - |
| 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Summit | V6 3.6L | - |
| 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Laredo | V6 3.6L | - |
| 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Limited | V6 3.6L | - |
| 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Overland | V6 3.6L | - |
| 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Laredo | V6 3.6L | - |
| 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Limited | V6 3.6L | - |
| 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Overland | V6 3.6L | - |
| 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Laredo | V6 3.6L | - |
| 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Limited | V6 3.6L | - |
| 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Overland | V6 3.6L | - |


















