Jeep Compass Tailgate
Support Struts Replacement Guide
How to change the tailgate door lift
support struts on a 2nd generation 2017 to 2022 Jeep Compass SUV.
 2019 Compass Tailgate |
 Wedge Towel - Hold Up |
 OEM Part Number |
| This automotive
maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the second
generation (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and the updated 2022) Jeep Compass
SUV in changing weak, failing or faulty tailgate door support struts (also
known as "gas shocks", "prop rods" or "lift springs"). Owners of other Jeep, Dodge and RAM vehicles such as the Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Renegade, Gladiator, Cherokee, Grand Wagoneer, Wagoneer, Charger, Challenger, Durango, RAM 1500, Promaster, 2500 and 3500 may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful. The OEM support struts on this 2019 Jeep Compass Trailhawk 4X4 model with the manual tailgate were marked with the following part numbers: Mopar 951959 0600N 070/19 A 47 (68242419AB) and 949091 0600N 070/19 B 47 (68242418AB). Two compatible replacement aftermarket support struts for Compass models equipped with the manual tailgate (not the power / motorized tailgate) with their part numbers are as follows: Stabilus 4B-294488 and Tuff 612431. The only tool needed to complete this procedure is a flat head screwdriver. The first step is to open the tailgate door for the cargo area. I highly recommend having an assistant help you by supporting the tailgate while you change the struts. It's also a good idea to place a large towel or a piece of cardboard in between the support strut and the rear of the SUV to keep the tailgate from slamming down on you. |
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 Pry Out Top "C" Clip |
 Pry Out Bottom "C" Clip |
 Top Socket Detached |
| Make sure your
assistant is securely holding up the tailgate. Locate the two "C" shaped metal retaining clips on the support strut. There is one on the top and another at the bottom of the strut. Insert the flat head screwdriver into the small notch in the middle of the "C" shaped retaining clip at the bottom of the strut. Very gently pry out the "C" shaped retaining clip to unlock the socket from the ball mount attached to the vehicle. Repeat the process to unlock the top "C" shaped retaining clip. Detach the strut from the vehicle. |
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 Top Ball Mount |
 Release "C" Retaining Clip |
 Grease Top Ball Mount |
| To help keep the tailgate door quiet and operating smoothly, apply a small amount of grease to the top and bottom ball mounts. | ||
 Push In "C" Clip |
 Top Edge Secured |
 Push In Bottom Clip |
| Gently pry out the
"C" shaped retaining clips on the top and bottom of the new support strut. Do NOT fully remove the "C" shaped retaining clips. Position the strut so that the thinner metal bar will be attached to the tailgate door. The thicker gas shock body should be closer to the cargo area opening. Push the ball socket on to the ball mounts attached to the vehicle. |
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 Other Part Number |
 Mopar OEM Part |
 New Struts Installed |
| Use the flat head
screwdriver to firmly push the "C" shaped retaining clips back into place. The "C" clips should be flush against the support strut. Double check that the new support strut is securely attached to the vehicle before you allow your assistant to release the tailgate. If you placed a towel or piece of cardboard on the other side of the tailgate, remove it. Repeat the process to replace the strut on the other side of the vehicle. To test the new struts, open and close the tailgate a few times. The tailgate should open slowly and smoothly before remaining fully raised by itself. Be sure to write down the procedure in your vehicle's service records. Please
check out all of my
2017-2022 Jeep Compass DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides. |
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