🔧 Optima - Strut Replacement

On your Optima, the front suspension uses MacPherson strut assemblies (strut + spring). Replacing worn struts restores ride comfort, braking stability, and helps prevent uneven tire wear.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 4-7 hours

Assumption: Steps cover front struts; rear is typically a separate shock (not a strut). Torque values can vary slightly—verify with Kia service info when possible.

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Support the car with jack stands on solid ground—never rely on a jack alone.
• ⚠️ If you reuse the coil spring, a spring compressor is dangerous if misused. Consider complete strut assemblies (pre-assembled) to avoid spring compression.
• ⚠️ Keep hands/tools away from orange high-voltage cables (hybrid system). This job normally doesn’t require HV disconnect, but don’t probe or unclip HV wiring.
• ⚠️ Don’t let the steering knuckle hang by the brake hose or ABS wire.
• ⚠️ Wear eye protection—rust and debris will fall when removing bolts.

---

🔧 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 1/2" (30–250 Nm range)
• Torque wrench 3/8" (10–80 Nm range)
• Socket set 3/8" drive (10mm–19mm)
• Socket set 1/2" drive (17mm–22mm)
• Wrench set (14mm–19mm)
• Needle-nose pliers
• Flat trim tool
• Hammer (16 oz)
• Pry bar (18")
• Penetrating oil
• Paint marker
• Spring compressor (specialty)
• Strut nut socket set (specialty)

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assemblies (complete quick-struts) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front strut mount/bearing kit - If not included with assemblies - Qty: 2
• Front bump stops and dust boots - If not included - Qty: 2
• Front strut-to-knuckle nuts/bolts - Recommended (often torque-to-yield by supplier guidance) - Qty: 4
• Sway bar end link nuts - If damaged/corroded - Qty: 2

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
• Loosen the front wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn before lifting (use a 19mm socket).
• Spray penetrating oil on the lower strut bolts and sway bar end link nut (do this 10–20 minutes early).
• Decide your approach:
  • Best for beginners: use complete strut assemblies (no spring compressor).
  • If reusing springs: you must use a spring compressor (a tool that squeezes the coil spring so it can be removed safely).

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the front of the car

• Use a floor jack to lift the front at the proper jacking point.
• Place jack stands under the front support points and lower the car onto them.
• Remove both front wheels with a 19mm socket.

Step 2: Unclip brackets from the strut

• Use a trim tool or needle-nose pliers to remove any clips holding the ABS wire/brake hose bracket to the strut body.
• Move the harness/hoses aside so they won’t get stretched.
• Tip: Take a photo before unclipping.

Step 3: Disconnect the sway bar end link from the strut

• Use a 17mm wrench or 17mm socket to remove the end link nut at the strut bracket.
• If the stud spins, use a hex key strut nut socket set (specialty) to hold the stud while turning the nut.
• Torque to 78 Nm (58 ft-lbs) on reassembly.

Step 4: Mark the strut-to-knuckle position

• Use a paint marker to mark the outline of the strut where it meets the steering knuckle.
• This helps keep alignment close enough to drive to an alignment shop.

Step 5: Remove the strut-to-knuckle bolts

• Support the steering knuckle from below with the floor jack (light pressure only).
• Use a breaker bar with 19mm–22mm sockets (varies by fastener) to remove the two large lower bolts/nuts.
• If stuck, tap the bolts out using a hammer while supporting the knuckle.
• Torque to 180 Nm (133 ft-lbs) on reassembly.

Step 6: Remove the strut top mount nuts

• Open the hood.
• Locate the three top mount nuts on the strut tower.
• Use a 14mm socket to remove the nuts while holding the strut so it doesn’t drop.
• Torque to 44 Nm (32 ft-lbs) on reassembly.
• Tip: Do not remove the center nut yet.

Step 7: Remove the strut assembly from the car

• Pull the knuckle outward slightly and guide the strut down and out.
• Use a pry bar gently if needed to create clearance.

Step 8A: If installing complete strut assemblies (recommended)

• Compare the new assembly to the old one (spring seat, bracket angles, mount studs).
• Position the new assembly into the strut tower and hand-thread the three top nuts using a 14mm socket.
• Slide the knuckle onto the strut and install the two lower bolts/nuts using 19mm–22mm sockets.
• Reconnect the sway bar end link using a 17mm socket.
• Reinstall ABS/brake line brackets and clips using pliers and a trim tool.

Step 8B: If reusing your spring (spring compressor path)

• Install the spring compressor (specialty) on opposite sides of the coil and tighten evenly until the spring is loose in the seats.
• Remove the center top nut using a strut nut socket set (specialty).
• Move the spring, boot, and mount to the new strut in the same order/orientation.
• Install the center nut and then slowly release the spring compressor evenly.
• Torque the center top nut to 60 Nm (44 ft-lbs).
• Tip: If anything binds, stop and reset.

Step 9: Final tightening (on the ground)

• Reinstall wheels and hand-thread lug nuts using a 19mm socket.
• Lower the car off the stands using the floor jack.
• Torque lug nuts in a star pattern with a torque wrench: Torque to 90 Nm (66 ft-lbs).
• Recheck: top mount nuts, end link nut, and lower strut bolts with a torque wrench.

---

✅ After Repair

• Test drive slowly first. Listen for clunks over small bumps.
• Get a 4-wheel alignment as soon as possible (front strut removal affects camber/toe).
• After 50–100 km, recheck wheel lug torque with a torque wrench.
• If the steering wheel is off-center or it pulls, stop and align—don’t “drive it out.”

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: ₹18,000–₹40,000 (parts + labor, pair)

DIY Cost: ₹10,000–₹28,000 (parts only, pair)

You Save: ₹8,000–₹12,000 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run ₹1,000–₹2,500/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 3–5 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.