🔧 Cadenza - Shock Absorber Replacement

On your Cadenza, the rear uses separate shock absorbers, while the front suspension uses strut assemblies (a “strut” is a shock with a coil spring mounted on it). Replacing worn shocks/struts restores ride control, reduces bouncing, and improves braking stability.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 3-6 hours

Assumption: Stock suspension; rear shocks + front struts (common Cadenza layout).

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Support the car on jack stands—never rely on a floor jack alone.
• 🛑 If doing front struts: coil springs store huge energy. Use a proper spring compressor (a tool that compresses the spring safely) or replace the complete strut assembly to avoid compressing the spring.
• 🛑 Keep hands clear of pinch points at the knuckle and control arms.
• 🛑 After suspension work, an alignment is required (especially front struts).
• 🔋 Battery disconnect is not required for this mechanical repair.

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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
• Lug nut socket 21mm
• Breaker bar 1/2"
• Torque wrench 10-200 ft-lbs
• Socket set 10mm-22mm
• Wrench set 10mm-22mm
• Ratchet 3/8"
• Ratchet 1/2"
• Extensions 3/8" and 1/2"
• Pry bar 18"
• Needle-nose pliers
• Trim clip removal tool
• Hammer 16 oz
• Punch set
• Penetrating oil
• Paint marker
• Spring compressor (specialty)
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear shock absorbers - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front strut assemblies - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front strut mount/bearing kit - If not included with struts - Qty: 2
• Front bump stops and dust boots - If not included with struts - Qty: 2
• Rear upper shock mount hardware - If corroded/damaged - Qty: 1 kit
• Rear lower shock bolts/nuts - If single-use or corroded - Qty: 1 kit

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels if lifting the front (and chock the front wheels if lifting the rear).
• 🔧 Spray penetrating oil on the shock/strut mounting bolts 10-15 minutes before removal.
• 🖊️ Use a paint marker to mark the relationship of any camber/knuckle bolts if present (helps keep alignment closer until the shop aligns it).
• 📦 If you’re new to springs: consider complete front strut assemblies (pre-built) to avoid spring compressor use.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the car

• Use wheel chocks to block the wheels that stay on the ground.
• Crack the lug nuts loose with a 21mm lug nut socket and breaker bar (about 1/4 turn).
• Lift with a floor jack at the correct jack point and set the car down on jack stands.
• Remove the wheels with a 21mm lug nut socket.

Step 2: Rear shock removal (one side at a time)

• Support the rear lower control arm with the floor jack so the suspension doesn’t drop suddenly.
• Remove the rear lower shock bolt using the correct socket set 14mm-19mm and breaker bar.
• Access the rear upper shock mount fasteners (typically inside trunk/side trim area) using a trim clip removal tool and socket set 10mm-14mm.
• Remove the upper fasteners with a ratchet 3/8" and extension, then pull the shock out.
• Torque to OEM specification (Nm/ft-lbs per Kia service manual) using a torque wrench.

Step 3: Rear shock installation

• Install the new rear shock in the same orientation as the original.
• Start the upper fasteners by hand using a socket set 10mm-14mm (don’t fully tighten yet).
• Line up the lower mount by raising/lowering the control arm with the floor jack, then install the lower bolt with a socket set 14mm-19mm.
• Tighten upper and lower hardware with a torque wrench: Torque to OEM specification (Nm/ft-lbs per Kia service manual).
• Tighten with suspension near ride height.

Step 4: Front strut removal (recommended: replace strut assembly)

• Open the hood and locate the strut top mount nuts.
• Do not remove the center nut on the strut top if the spring is still loaded.
• Remove any brake hose/ABS wire brackets from the strut using a socket set 10mm-12mm and needle-nose pliers for clips.
• Mark the knuckle-to-strut bolt positions (if applicable) using a paint marker.
• Remove the strut-to-knuckle bolts using a socket set 17mm-22mm and breaker bar. Use a punch set and hammer if needed to drive bolts out.
• Support the knuckle so it doesn’t pull on the axle or brake hose (use the floor jack or a pry bar 18" carefully).
• Remove the strut top mount nuts with a socket set 12mm-14mm and ratchet 3/8", then remove the strut assembly.
• Torque to OEM specification (Nm/ft-lbs per Kia service manual) during reassembly using a torque wrench.

Step 5: Front strut installation

• Position the new strut assembly into the tower and start the top nuts by hand using a socket set 12mm-14mm.
• Align the strut-to-knuckle holes and install the lower bolts using a socket set 17mm-22mm and breaker bar.
• Reinstall brake hose/ABS brackets with a socket set 10mm-12mm.
• Tighten all fasteners with a torque wrench: Torque to OEM specification (Nm/ft-lbs per Kia service manual).
• Keep ABS wire untwisted and slacky.

Step 6: Reinstall wheels and lower the car

• Install wheels and snug lug nuts with a 21mm lug nut socket.
• Lower the car off jack stands using the floor jack.
• Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern using a torque wrench 10-200 ft-lbs: Torque to OEM specification (Nm/ft-lbs per Kia service manual).

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✅ After Repair

• 🧪 Test drive slowly first. Listen for clunks over small bumps and re-check your work if you hear anything.
• 🧭 Get a 4-wheel alignment as soon as possible (required after front struts).
• 🔍 Recheck all visible fasteners after 25-50 miles and inspect for any loose brackets or rubbing wires.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $900-$2,200 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $300-$1,200 (parts only)

You Save: $600-$1,000 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 3-6 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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