2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Front Strut Installation

2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Front Strut Installation

Learn how to install front struts on 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokees. This video is sponsored by PRT.

CC:

PRT is the first to market choice for complete strut assemblies for one of the bestselling SUVs, the Jeep Grand Cherokee. This video covers the 2011 to 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee front strut installation. Before ordering the new strut, look at the options like engine, drivetrain and packages. Also, the Grand Cherokee can be equipped with an air suspension option. PRT has a replacement air strut coverage for this model. The installation procedures are the same, but you will have to service the air fitting at the top of the strut that must torqued to 49 inch pounds. 

Let’s get started. 

  • Lift the vehicle, and remove the front wheels.  
  • Next, remove the bolt and the wheel speed sensor from the knuckle.  
  • Set the wheel speed harness and sensor aside so they are not damaged. 
  • Remove the bolts that hold the brake caliper bracket, and hang the assembly in the wheel well. The caliper bracket bolts have an inverted E20 torx head. 
  • Next, remove the axle nut with a 32mm socket. 
  • Unfasten the bolt that holds the sway bar link to the strut’s housing. 
  • Loosen the nut that secures the outer tie rod to the knuckle, and push the tie rod to the side. 
  • Remove the nut that holds the upper ball joint to the knuckle, and separate the two components. 
  • Now, the bolt that holds the strut to the lower control arm can be removed.  
  • Remove the three nuts that hold the upper strut mount to the body. 
  • The axle and CV joint will block the strut from being removed from the wheel well. 
  • There are two ways to make removing the strut easier. First, press the axle fully out of the hub unit. Second, the inner joint can be removed from the differential.

The PRT unit matches the original unit for fit, form and function. The new unit spring matches the original, not only for the application, but drivetrain and trim level.

  • Install the strut into the wheel well, being careful not to damage the CV boot. 
  • Maneuver the knuckle back into position, and insert the axle into the splines of the hub unit.  
  • Align the studs on the upper strut mount to the body, and install the new nuts. 
  • Install the bolt that holds the strut to the lower control arm. Do not tighten the bolt until the vehicle is lowered.  
  • Insert the upper ball joint into the knuckle. Torque the nut to 122 foot pounds. 
  • Attach the sway bar link to the strut. Tighten the bolt to 70 foot pounds.  
  • Install the outer tie rod, and torque the nut to 70 foot pounds.  
  • Install the brake caliper, and torque the bolts to 125 foot pounds 
  • Install the wheel speed sensor, and route the harness through the brackets. 
  • Install the axle nut, and tighten the nut to 229 foot pounds. 
  • Install the wheel, and tighten to 130 foot pounds. 
  • Lower the vehicle. 
  • Torque the bolt that holds the strut to the lower control arm to 188 foot pounds. 

This video is sponsored by PRT.

You May Also Like

Installing a Knuckle Hub Assembly

Addressing tough attachment points and ensuring proper torque is critical. Sponsored by GSP North America.

Another wheel bearing. You know what you’re in for, and right away you’re thinking is it going to come out easily, or is it going to be stuck in the knuckle like it was set in concrete? And what other problems are you going to run across? How bad is the rust and corrosion going to be and will you find previous damage from incorrect installation procedures? 

What is a Performance Brake Pad? (VIDEO)

There are engineering differences between race car and production vehicle brake systems. Sponsored by Akebono Brakes.

Belt-Driven Starter Generator Systems (VIDEO)

Fuel efficiency meets power with belt-driven starter generator systems. Sponsored by The Group Training Academy.

The Importance of Maintaining Belt Tension

Maintaining proper belt tension can enhance fuel economy. Sponsored by The Group Training Academy.

Audi Driver Assistance System Front-facing Camera Calibration

Joe Keene discusses how to calibrate the front camera on an Audi Q3 after the windshield was replaced.

Other Posts

Why Shocks, Struts And Tires Wear Down

If the suspension bottoms out, contact between the piston and the bottom of the tube could occur.

PRT Releases 15 New Products on Complete Strut Assemblies

The new items come to extend the PRT portfolio in North America and represents more than 5 Million vehicles in new coverage.

Struts and Memory Steer

Here’s how to recognize when a vehicle is exhibiting signs of memory steer.

Air Ride Conversion Kits

Air ride and active shocks and struts will eventually fail – succumbing to either damage to or dry rot of the air spring.