🔧 Shock Absorbers - Replacement

Assumption: This guide covers the rear shock absorbers and the front strut assemblies on your Rogue, since the front suspension uses struts instead of separate shock absorbers.

Replacing worn shocks or struts restores ride control, reduces bouncing, and helps the tires stay planted on rough roads. On this vehicle, the rear shocks are separate parts, while the front uses complete strut assemblies. Spring-loaded parts can be dangerous.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 3-5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the vehicle with jack stands on solid ground. Never rely on a jack alone.
• The front suspension uses a coil spring under heavy tension if you remove the strut from the spring. Use a spring compressor only if separating the strut from the spring.
• Keep hands clear of the suspension when lowering or raising the knuckle.
• If your Rogue has electronic rear ride control, disconnect the battery before unplugging suspension-related wiring. Most S models do not.
• Rear shock lower bolts can be tight and may need extra support under the control arm or knuckle.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for vehicle weight)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• 14mm socket
• 17mm socket
• 19mm socket
• 21mm socket
• 14mm wrench
• 17mm wrench
• Breaker bar
• Trim clip tool
• Spring compressor (specialty)
• Penetrating oil

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear shock absorber set - Qty: 2
• Front strut assembly - Qty: 2
• Strut mounting nuts - Qty: 6
• Shock absorber lower bolts and nuts - Qty: 2
• Dust boots and bump stops - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Loosen wheel lug nuts slightly before lifting the vehicle.
• Spray the shock and strut fasteners with penetrating oil before removal.
• Work on one side at a time so you can compare the new part to the old one.
• If replacing front strut assemblies only, you do not need a spring compressor.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the vehicle

• Use the floor jack to lift the vehicle at the proper jacking point.
• Set jack stands under the frame or approved support points.
• Remove the wheel with the 21mm socket.

Step 2: Remove the rear shock absorber

• Use the 14mm socket or 17mm socket to remove the upper shock bolt from inside the wheel well or cargo-side access point, depending on side and trim layout.
• Use the 17mm socket and 17mm wrench to remove the lower shock bolt at the suspension arm.
• Pull the old shock out by hand.
• Support the suspension to ease bolt removal.

Step 3: Install the rear shock absorber

• Position the new shock and start the upper bolt by hand.
• Install the lower bolt and nut by hand.
• Use the torque wrench to tighten the upper and lower fasteners to Torque to 44 Nm (32 ft-lbs).
• Reinstall any trim or access covers removed earlier.

Step 4: Remove the front strut assembly

• Use the 14mm socket to remove the brake hose bracket or ABS wire bracket from the strut if equipped.
• Use the 19mm socket and breaker bar to remove the two large strut-to-knuckle bolts.
• Use the 14mm socket to remove the three upper strut mount nuts in the engine bay.
• Lower the strut out of the wheel well.
• Do not loosen the center strut shaft nut unless using a spring compressor.

Step 5: Install the front strut assembly

• Raise the new strut into position and install the three upper mount nuts by hand.
• Line up the strut with the steering knuckle and install the two lower bolts.
• Use the torque wrench to tighten the front strut-to-knuckle bolts to Torque to 156 Nm (115 ft-lbs).
• Use the torque wrench to tighten the upper strut mount nuts to Torque to 44 Nm (32 ft-lbs).
• Reattach the brake hose bracket and ABS wire bracket with the 14mm socket.

Step 6: Reassemble and repeat on the other side

• Reinstall the wheel and snug the lug nuts by hand.
• Lower the vehicle and use the torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to Torque to 108 Nm (80 ft-lbs).
• Repeat the same repair on the opposite side.

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✅ After Repair

• Test drive slowly over a rough road and listen for clunks or rubbing.
• Check that the vehicle sits level and does not bounce excessively.
• Inspect all fasteners again after the test drive.
• Get a wheel alignment if you replaced the front struts.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $600-$1,400 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $220-$700 (parts only)

You Save: $380-$700 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 3-5 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.