🔧 Cherokee - Shock Absorber Replacement (Rear) / Front Strut Replacement

On your Cherokee, the rear uses shock absorbers, while the front uses a strut assembly (a shock built into the spring support). Replacing worn shocks/struts restores ride control, reduces bouncing, and improves braking stability.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: Rear: 1-2 hours | Front (struts): 3-5 hours

Assumption: torque specs can vary by suspension package; verify with factory service info when possible.

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Support the Cherokee on jack stands; never rely on a jack alone.
• 🛑 Let suspension/knuckle parts hang carefully; don’t stretch the ABS wire or brake hose.
• 🛑 If doing front struts: avoid disassembling the coil spring unless you have a spring compressor (it clamps the spring). A compressed spring can cause severe injury.
• 🛑 After front strut work, get a 4-wheel alignment as soon as possible.
• 🛑 Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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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 wrench 19mm
• Socket set 10mm–21mm
• Wrench set 10mm–21mm
• Breaker bar 1/2-inch drive
• Torque wrench 20–200 ft-lbs
• Trim clip tool
• Flathead screwdriver
• Pry bar
• Rubber mallet
• Penetrating oil
• Paint marker
• Bungee cord
• Spring compressor (specialty)
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear shock absorbers - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front complete strut assemblies (quick-struts) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front strut-to-knuckle bolts and nuts - Qty: 4
• Rear shock mounting hardware - Qty: 1 kit

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to P, and set the parking brake.
• Place wheel chocks at the tires staying on the ground.
• Loosen lug nuts with a 19mm lug wrench before lifting.
• Spray rusty fasteners with penetrating oil and wait 5–10 minutes.
• If doing front struts, plan for an alignment after the repair.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the Cherokee

• Use a floor jack to lift the end you’re working on.
• Set the vehicle onto jack stands and gently shake it to confirm it’s stable.
• Remove the wheel using a 19mm lug wrench.

Step 2: Rear shock removal (one side at a time)

• Support the rear suspension arm slightly with the floor jack so it doesn’t drop when the shock is removed.
• Remove the lower shock bolt using a breaker bar with the correct socket/wrench.
• Access the upper shock mount (may be behind interior trim depending on configuration): remove needed clips/panels with a trim clip tool and flathead screwdriver.
• Remove the upper shock fasteners using the correct socket/wrench, then remove the shock.

Step 3: Rear shock installation

• Install the new shock into the upper mount by hand-starting fasteners using your socket/wrench.
• Line up the lower mount. Raise/lower the suspension slightly with the floor jack until the bolt slides in easily.
• Tighten fasteners with a torque wrench:
• Torque to 61 Nm (45 ft-lbs) for the upper mount fasteners (typical)
• Torque to 156 Nm (115 ft-lbs) for the lower shock bolt (typical)
• Reinstall any trim panels using a trim clip tool.
• Repeat Steps 2–3 on the other rear side.
• Tip: Start all bolts by hand first.

Step 4: Front strut removal (recommended: replace complete assemblies)

• Remove the front wheel using a 19mm lug wrench.
• Unclip any strut-attached wiring brackets using a trim clip tool and remove bracket bolts with a 10mm socket as needed.
• Mark the strut-to-knuckle position with a paint marker to help keep alignment close.
• Support the steering knuckle with a floor jack and/or a bungee cord so it doesn’t pull on the axle/hoses.
• Remove the strut-to-knuckle bolts/nuts using a breaker bar with the correct socket/wrench.
• Under the hood, remove the upper strut mount nuts using the correct socket, then remove the strut assembly.
• Tip: Don’t remove the center top nut.

Step 5: Front strut installation

• Position the new strut assembly and hand-start the upper mount nuts using the correct socket.
• Align the knuckle to the strut and install the lower bolts/nuts using the correct socket/wrench.
• Tighten with a torque wrench:
• Torque to 47 Nm (35 ft-lbs) for the upper strut mount nuts (typical)
• Torque to 163 Nm (120 ft-lbs) for strut-to-knuckle bolts (typical)
• Reinstall wiring/bracket fasteners using the correct socket.
• Repeat Steps 4–5 on the other front side.

Step 6: Reinstall wheels and lower the Cherokee

• Reinstall wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts using a 19mm lug wrench.
• Lower the vehicle off jack stands using the floor jack.
• Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with a torque wrench: Torque to 135 Nm (100 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Do a slow test drive and listen for clunks or rattles over small bumps.
• Re-check lug nut torque with a torque wrench after 50–100 miles.
• If you replaced front struts, schedule a 4-wheel alignment.
• Look under the Cherokee for any shifted brake/ABS wires and re-clip if needed.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $700-$1,600 (parts + labor, front + rear)

DIY Cost: $250-$900 (parts only, depending on brands)

You Save: $450-$700+ by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 4-6 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.