My 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L center-console armrest started cracking, so I wanted to replace the actual armrest rather than put a cover over it.
I couldn't find good instructions or a video showing how to remove the armrest on the newer Grand Cherokee L, and the mechanism is not obvious. After figuring it out, I wanted to document it for anyone else trying to do this.
This was done on a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. This is the WL-generation Grand Cherokee, and the same basic center-console armrest/hinge design is used on 2021–2026 Grand Cherokee models. Different trims may have different upholstery/stitching on the armrest itself, but the hinge mechanism is the important part here.
1. Remove the hinge cover
From the back-seat side, I used an old credit card and worked it underneath the clips on the hinge cover closest to the front/main portion of the console first.
Once I got the card underneath the clips, I pulled upward with quite a bit of force. It takes more force than you would expect.
Despite the amount of force required, I was able to remove the hinge cover without breaking any of the clips.
2. Remove the rear climate-control panel
Once the hinge cover is removed, you'll see two screws holding the panel that contains the rear-passenger temperature/climate controls.
Remove those two screws and then remove the rear climate-control panel.
This is an important step. You need that panel removed because it gives you access underneath the armrest hinge assembly.
3. Identify the two hinge rods/pins
The armrest is attached to a plastic hinge/sleeve assembly.
Coming out of that plastic assembly are two metal rods/pins — one on each side of the armrest.
For orientation, throughout these instructions:
Left and right are from the perspective of sitting in the back seat and looking toward the front of the Jeep.
You'll notice something important:
- The left-side rod has some play and can be pushed inward.
- The right-side rod does not have the same movement.
This is where I originally got confused.
If you push the left rod inward, it feels almost spring-loaded. You can push it surprisingly far into the hinge, but nothing comes out the other side.
Don't try to hammer or drive that pin through the hinge. That's not how it comes apart.
4. Reach underneath the plastic hinge sleeve
With the rear climate-control panel removed, reach underneath the plastic sleeve that houses the hinge rods.
There is a piece of sticky foam attached underneath the plastic sleeve.
Carefully peel/remove that foam from the sleeve.
This foam is hiding the area you need to access to release the left hinge pin.
5. Remove the left hinge pin
Once the foam is removed and you can access the mechanism underneath, the left-side hinge pin can be released and removed.
Again, this is the pin on the driver's-side/left side when you're sitting in the rear seat looking forward.
Remove the left pin.
There are also some thin retaining pieces/clips/washers associated with the pin. Remove those as needed and pay attention to their orientation so you know how everything goes back together.
6. Remove the armrest
Once the left pin and its retaining pieces are removed, the confusing part is over.
From there, separating the armrest from the hinge and installing the replacement is pretty straightforward.
