🔧 Tucson - Strut Replacement

On your Tucson, the front suspension uses struts (a shock + spring assembly). The rear typically uses separate shocks (not struts). The steps and parts list change depending on which end you’re doing.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 3-6 hours (both front struts)

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ The coil spring is under high tension; use a spring compressor (specialty) or buy complete strut assemblies to avoid transferring the spring.
• ⚠️ Always support the Tucson with jack stands; never rely on a floor jack alone.
• ⚠️ Mark camber/knuckle alignment as best you can, but plan for a professional alignment after strut replacement.
• ⚠️ If your Tucson has any driver-assist camera/radar features, alignment may affect them; follow up if warning lights appear.

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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
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Breaker bar (1/2" drive)
• Torque wrench (1/2" drive, 30-200 ft-lbs range)
• Socket set (metric 10mm-22mm)
• Wrench set (metric 10mm-22mm)
• Hex key set (metric)
• Pry bar (18")
• Hammer (2 lb)
• Punch set
• Needle-nose pliers
• Trim clip tool
• Penetrating oil
• Paint marker
• Spring compressor (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assembly (quick-strut, complete) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front strut mount/bearing - If not included with assemblies - Qty: 2
• Front bump stop & dust boot kit - If not included - Qty: 2
• Front sway bar link - Optional if worn - Qty: 2
• Front strut-to-knuckle bolts/nuts - If required by parts supplier - Qty: 2-4

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear tires.
• Loosen the front wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn using a 21mm socket and breaker bar (typical size).
• Spray penetrating oil on the strut-to-knuckle bolts and the sway bar link nut.
• Decide now: use complete strut assemblies (recommended for beginners) or reuse your spring with a spring compressor (specialty). A spring compressor clamps the coil spring so it can’t expand suddenly.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm which “struts” you’re replacing

• Reply with: Front struts or Rear.
• Also tell me if your Tucson is FWD or AWD (it changes a couple of clearance/bolt-access tips).

Step 2: Raise and secure the front end

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the front at the center jacking point.
• Set it down on jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum) at the pinch welds or front support points.
• Remove both front wheels using a 21mm socket.

Step 3: Disconnect brackets and the sway bar link

• Remove brake hose/ABS wire brackets from the strut using a 10mm socket (common) and trim clip tool as needed.
• Remove the sway bar end link nut at the strut using a 17mm or 18mm socket and hold the stud with a hex key (metric) if it spins.
• Tip: Don’t pull on ABS wires.

Step 4: Mark alignment reference points

• Use a paint marker to mark the relationship between the strut and steering knuckle.
• This helps you get close, but you still need an alignment.

Step 5: Separate the strut from the steering knuckle

• Support the knuckle/lower control arm lightly with the floor jack.
• Remove the two large strut-to-knuckle bolts using a 19mm-22mm socket and breaker bar.
• If stuck, use a hammer (2 lb) and punch set to drive the bolts out.

Step 6: Remove the strut top nuts

• Open the hood.
• Support the strut with one hand and remove the top mount nuts using a 14mm socket (common).
• Lower the strut out of the wheel well.

Step 7: Install the new strut (complete assembly recommended)

• Position the new strut into the tower and hand-thread the top nuts using a 14mm socket.
• Align the strut bracket to the knuckle and insert the two bolts by hand.
• Tighten fasteners with a torque wrench once everything is seated.
• Torque specs vary by sub-configuration; once you confirm front vs rear and FWD vs AWD, I’ll give the exact Hyundai torque values for your Tucson.

Step 8: Reconnect sway bar link and brackets

• Install the sway bar link nut using a 17mm or 18mm socket and hold the stud with a hex key (metric) if needed.
• Reinstall brake hose/ABS brackets using a 10mm socket.

Step 9: Reinstall wheels and lower the vehicle

• Install wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts using a 21mm socket.
• Lower the Tucson and torque lug nuts with a torque wrench.
• Torque to 88-108 Nm (65-80 ft-lbs) for lug nuts (typical Hyundai spec range).

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✅ After Repair

• Test drive slowly and listen for clunks over bumps.
• Get a 4-wheel alignment as soon as possible to prevent tire wear and pulling.
• Recheck lug nut torque after ~50 miles using a torque wrench.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $900-$1,600 (parts + labor + alignment)

DIY Cost: $350-$900 (parts only, depending on quick-struts)

You Save: $550-$700+ by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 3-5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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