🔧 Grand Cherokee - Shock Absorber Replacement

This repair replaces the shock absorbers that control bounce and keep the tires planted on the road. On your Grand Cherokee, the rear uses conventional shock absorbers, while the front suspension uses strut-style damper assemblies rather than simple shocks.

Assumption: This guide covers the rear shock absorbers. Front strut assemblies require a different procedure and may involve a spring compressor.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a flat, solid surface only. Never work under your Grand Cherokee supported by a jack alone.
• ⚠️ Use jack stands. Jack stands are fixed safety supports that hold the vehicle up after lifting.
• ⚠️ Keep the rear axle supported while the shocks are removed so the suspension does not drop suddenly.
• ⚠️ Replace rear shocks in pairs so left and right suspension damping stays even.
• ⚠️ Do not disconnect brake hoses, parking brake cables, or ABS wiring while lowering/supporting the axle.
• ⚠️ Air suspension note: Overland models may be equipped with Quadra-Lift air suspension. If equipped, disable air suspension before lifting.

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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
• Breaker bar 1/2-inch drive
• Torque wrench 1/2-inch drive
• 21mm socket
• 18mm socket
• 18mm wrench
• Ratchet 1/2-inch drive
• Socket extension 6-inch 1/2-inch drive
• Trim clip tool
• Penetrating oil
• Rubber mallet
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear shock absorbers - Qty: 2
• Rear shock mounting hardware kit - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Grand Cherokee on level ground and shift to Park.
• Set the parking brake and place wheel chocks in front of the front tires.
• If equipped with Quadra-Lift air suspension, use the Uconnect screen and select Apps > Settings > Suspension > Tire Jack Mode.
• If your screen uses a different layout, select Controls > Settings > Suspension > Tire Jack Mode.
• Lightly loosen the rear lug nuts before lifting. Do not remove them yet.
• Spray penetrating oil on the upper and lower shock bolts and let it soak for a few minutes.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the Rear Wheel Lug Nuts

• Use a 21mm socket and breaker bar 1/2-inch drive to loosen each rear wheel lug nut about one turn.
• Do not remove the lug nuts while the tires are still on the ground.
• Loosen first, lift second.

Step 2: Lift and Support the Rear of the Vehicle

• Use a floor jack rated 3-ton minimum under the rear axle center area to lift the rear of your Grand Cherokee.
• Place jack stands rated 3-ton minimum under the proper rear frame/body support points.
• Slowly lower the vehicle onto the jack stands.
• Keep the floor jack rated 3-ton minimum lightly supporting the rear axle.
• Shake the vehicle gently by hand to confirm it is stable before working underneath.

Step 3: Remove the Rear Wheels

• Use a 21mm socket and ratchet 1/2-inch drive to remove the loosened lug nuts.
• Remove both rear wheels and place them flat under the side of the vehicle as an extra safety backup.

Step 4: Support the Rear Axle

• Use the floor jack rated 3-ton minimum to support the axle near the shock you are replacing.
• Do not lift the vehicle off the jack stands. The jack should only hold the axle from dropping.
• This keeps pressure off the shock bolts and makes removal easier.

Step 5: Remove the Lower Shock Bolt

• Use an 18mm socket, ratchet 1/2-inch drive, and 18mm wrench to remove the lower shock mounting bolt and nut.
• If the bolt is tight, use the breaker bar 1/2-inch drive with the 18mm socket.
• If the bolt sticks, tap it gently with a rubber mallet.
• Keep one hand on the shock as the bolt comes out so it does not drop.

Step 6: Remove the Upper Shock Bolt

• Use an 18mm socket, socket extension 6-inch 1/2-inch drive, and ratchet 1/2-inch drive to remove the upper shock mounting bolt.
• Use the 18mm wrench on the nut if the nut spins.
• Remove the shock absorber from the vehicle.
• If a small liner or shield is in the way, use a trim clip tool to move the plastic clips carefully.

Step 7: Compare the Old and New Shock

• Set the old and new rear shock absorbers side by side.
• Confirm the mounting eyes, length, bushings, and sleeve widths match.
• Compress and extend the new shock by hand if needed. It should move smoothly with firm resistance.
• Match parts before installing.

Step 8: Install the New Upper Shock Mount

• Position the new shock absorber into the upper mount by hand.
• Install the upper bolt and nut from the rear shock mounting hardware kit by hand first.
• Use an 18mm socket, socket extension 6-inch 1/2-inch drive, and 18mm wrench to snug the upper bolt.
• Do not fully torque yet. Leave it slightly loose so the lower mount lines up.

Step 9: Install the New Lower Shock Mount

• Use the floor jack rated 3-ton minimum to raise or lower the axle slightly until the lower shock hole lines up.
• Install the lower bolt and nut from the rear shock mounting hardware kit by hand first.
• Use an 18mm socket, ratchet 1/2-inch drive, and 18mm wrench to snug the lower bolt.
• Make sure the shock bushings sit flat and are not twisted.

Step 10: Repeat on the Other Side

• Move the floor jack rated 3-ton minimum to support the opposite side of the rear axle.
• Repeat the same removal and installation steps using the 18mm socket, 18mm wrench, and ratchet 1/2-inch drive.
• Always replace both rear shocks during the same repair.

Step 11: Torque the Shock Mounting Bolts

• With the axle supported near normal ride height, use a torque wrench 1/2-inch drive, 18mm socket, and 18mm wrench to tighten the rear shock bolts.
• Tighten the upper rear shock bolts to Torque to 95 Nm (70 ft-lbs).
• Tighten the lower rear shock bolts to Torque to 95 Nm (70 ft-lbs).
• Torque at ride height when possible.

Step 12: Reinstall the Rear Wheels

• Put the rear wheels back on by hand.
• Install the lug nuts by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a 21mm socket and ratchet 1/2-inch drive to snug the lug nuts in a star pattern.

Step 13: Lower the Vehicle and Torque the Lug Nuts

• Use the floor jack rated 3-ton minimum to lift slightly off the jack stands.
• Remove the jack stands rated 3-ton minimum.
• Lower your Grand Cherokee fully to the ground.
• Use a torque wrench 1/2-inch drive and 21mm socket to tighten the rear lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Tighten the wheel lug nuts to Torque to 176 Nm (130 ft-lbs).

Step 14: Turn Off Tire Jack Mode if Equipped

• If you enabled Tire Jack Mode, use the Uconnect screen and select Apps > Settings > Suspension > Tire Jack Mode to turn it off.
• If your screen uses the alternate layout, select Controls > Settings > Suspension > Tire Jack Mode.
• Let the suspension settle before driving.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Bounce-test the rear of your Grand Cherokee by pushing down firmly on the bumper area and releasing. It should rise and settle quickly.
• ✅ Take a slow test drive over small bumps and listen for clunks or rattles.
• ✅ Recheck the shock bolts visually after the test drive.
• ✅ Recheck rear lug nut torque to 176 Nm (130 ft-lbs) after 25-50 miles.
• ✅ If the rear feels unstable, noisy, or uneven, stop driving and recheck the mounting hardware.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $350-$650 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$300 (parts only)

You Save: $230-$350 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-1.5 hours.

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