🔧 Tucson - Shock/Strut Replacement

On your Tucson, the rear uses shock absorbers, and the front uses complete strut assemblies (a strut is a shock with a spring mount built into it). Replacing them restores ride control, braking stability, and reduces bouncing.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: Rear: 1.5–3.0 hours | Front struts: 3.0–6.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Support the SUV on jack stands before working underneath.
• 🛑 If doing front struts: the coil spring is under high force—use a spring compressor (specialty) or replace the complete quick-strut assembly to avoid compressing springs.
• 🛑 Keep hands clear of pinch points when lowering the suspension.
• 🛑 If removing any brake hose/ABS wire brackets, do not stretch the lines.

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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")
• Torque wrench (10–200 ft-lbs)
• Socket set (8mm–22mm, 1/2" drive)
• Wrench set (10mm–22mm)
• Allen key set (metric)
• Pry bar
• Needle-nose pliers
• Hammer
• 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 assemblies (left/right) - Qty: 2 Replace in pairs
• Rear shock absorbers - Qty: 2 Replace in pairs
• Front strut mount nuts - Qty: 6
• Front strut-to-knuckle bolts and nuts - Qty: 4
• Rear shock upper/lower bolts and nuts - Qty: 4

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks on the opposite end you’re lifting.
• Spray all shock/strut bolts with penetrating oil 10–15 minutes before removal.
• If doing the front: plan on getting a 4-wheel alignment after replacement.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm what you’re replacing

• Are you replacing rear shocks only, front struts only, or all four?
• Are you installing complete quick-strut assemblies up front, or reusing the spring with a spring compressor (specialty) (a tool that safely squeezes the coil spring)?

Step 2: Lift and secure the Tucson

• Use a breaker bar (1/2") and socket set (19mm–21mm typical) to crack the lug nuts loose 1/4 turn.
• Lift with a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) at the correct jacking point and support with jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Remove the wheels using a socket set.

Step 3 (Rear): Remove the rear shock

• Support the rear suspension arm lightly with the floor jack so it doesn’t drop suddenly.
• Remove the lower shock bolt using a breaker bar (1/2") with the correct socket set and a matching wrench set to hold the nut.
• Access the upper shock mount fasteners (typically behind interior trim) and remove them using a socket set.
• Remove the shock. If it’s stuck, use a pry bar gently and tap with a hammer.
• Torque specs vary by mounting style; I’ll provide the exact Hyundai torque values once you confirm rear-only vs all-four and whether your upper mounts are accessed from the cargo area or wheel well.

Step 4 (Rear): Install the new rear shock

• Position the new shock and start the upper fasteners by hand using a socket set.
• Install the lower bolt by aligning the mount; raise/lower the arm slightly with the floor jack as needed.
• Snug all fasteners with a socket set, then finish with a torque wrench once exact torque specs are confirmed.

Step 5 (Front): Remove the front strut assembly

• Remove any ABS wire/brake hose brackets from the strut using a socket set or wrench set (do not let the hose hang by tension).
• Mark the strut-to-knuckle position with a paint marker to help keep alignment close.
• Remove the strut-to-knuckle bolts using a breaker bar (1/2"), socket set, and hammer if needed to drive bolts out.
• From the engine bay, remove the upper strut mount nuts using a socket set.
• Remove the strut assembly from the wheel well.
• Exact Hyundai torque specs for the upper mount nuts and knuckle bolts depend on the strut style—confirm quick-strut vs spring reuse and I’ll give the correct values.

Step 6 (Front): Install the new front strut

• Install the strut into the tower and start the upper nuts by hand using a socket set.
• Align the strut with the knuckle; install the knuckle bolts using a socket set and seat them fully.
• Reinstall brackets using a socket set or wrench set.
• Final tighten using a torque wrench after torque specs are confirmed.

Step 7: Reinstall wheels and lower

• Install wheels and hand-thread lug nuts.
• Lower the SUV and torque lug nuts in a star pattern using a torque wrench to Torque to 90–100 ft-lbs (confirm your wheel size if you want the exact spec).

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✅ After Repair

• Test drive at low speed first. Listen for clunks and confirm it tracks straight.
• If you replaced front struts: get a 4-wheel alignment as soon as possible.
• Recheck all visible fasteners for tightness after a short drive.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $800–$1,800 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $250–$900 (parts only)

You Save: $550–$900 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2–6 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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