🔧 Rogue - Rear Shock Absorber Replacement

This guide covers the rear shock absorbers on your Rogue. The rear shocks help control body bounce and keep the tires planted over bumps. Since the front suspension uses struts, this repair applies to the rear of the vehicle.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a flat surface and chock the front wheels before lifting the rear.
• Support the vehicle with jack stands; never rely on the jack alone.
• Rear suspension parts can be under load; keep hands clear when lowering or raising the axle.
• Do not loosen both shock mounts at once until the suspension is safely supported.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

---

🔧 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
• 14mm socket
• 17mm socket
• 18mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Trim panel tool
• Penetrating oil
• Paint marker

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear shock absorber - Qty: 2
• Rear shock upper mount nut - Qty: 2
• Rear shock lower bolt hardware - Qty: 2

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Chock the front wheels.
• Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts slightly before lifting.
• Spray the rear shock fasteners with penetrating oil and let it soak.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the rear

• Use a floor jack under the rear lift point and raise the vehicle.
• Support both sides with jack stands under the proper rear support points.
• Remove the rear wheels with a 21mm socket.

Step 2: Support the suspension

• Place the floor jack under the rear lower control arm or rear axle area, lightly supporting the suspension.
• This keeps the shock from dropping suddenly when the bolts come out.

Step 3: Remove the lower shock bolt

• Use an 18mm socket and ratchet to remove the lower shock bolt.
• If the bolt is tight, use a breaker bar.
• Torque spec on installation: 98 Nm (72 ft-lbs)

Step 4: Remove the upper shock fastener

• Open the rear cargo area side trim access if equipped.
• Use a 14mm socket to remove the upper shock nut.
• Hold the shock body steady by hand while removing the nut.
• Torque spec on installation: 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs)

Step 5: Remove the shock absorber

• Lower the support jack slightly and pull the shock out of the wheel well.
• Use a trim panel tool if interior trim blocks access.
• Keep the suspension supported.

Step 6: Install the new shock absorber

• Position the new shock in place and start the upper nut by hand first.
• Install the lower bolt next and leave both fasteners slightly loose until aligned.
• Use the 14mm socket for the upper nut and the 18mm socket for the lower bolt.

Step 7: Tighten to specification

• Raise the suspension with the floor jack until the shock is at normal ride height.
• Tighten the upper and lower fasteners with a torque wrench.
• Upper nut: 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs)
• Lower bolt: 98 Nm (72 ft-lbs)

Step 8: Reassemble and repeat on the other side

• Reinstall the wheel and snug the lug nuts.
• Repeat the same steps on the other rear shock.
• Wheel lug nut torque: 113 Nm (83 ft-lbs)

---

✅ After Repair

• Lower the vehicle and recheck all fasteners after a short test drive.
• Listen for clunks or rattles over bumps.
• Inspect for any loose trim in the cargo area after the test drive.
• Get a wheel alignment if you notice the Rogue pulling or handling differently.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $350-$700 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$260 (parts only)

You Save: $230-$440 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 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.