How to Replace Front Struts on a 2018 Hyundai Ioniq (MacPherson Strut Assembly)
Step-by-step DIY instructions with required tools/parts, safety tips, and alignment checklist
How to Replace Front Struts on a 2018 Hyundai Ioniq (MacPherson Strut Assembly)
Step-by-step DIY instructions with required tools/parts, safety tips, and alignment checklist


🔧 Ioniq - Strut Replacement
On your Ioniq, “struts” usually means the front MacPherson strut assemblies (spring + shock together). The rear suspension typically uses separate shocks (not a full strut assembly), so the procedure and parts are different.
Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 3-6 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ The front coil spring is high-tension; use a proper spring compressor or use complete pre-assembled struts.
- ⚠️ Always support your Ioniq with jack stands; never rely on a floor jack.
- ⚠️ After front strut work, a professional alignment is required to prevent tire wear and pulling.
- ⚠️ Keep hands clear of pinch points when lowering the knuckle.
🔧 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 wrench (21mm)
- Socket set (10mm-22mm)
- Wrench set (10mm-22mm)
- Breaker bar (1/2")
- Torque wrench (10-200 ft-lbs)
- Pry bar
- Needle-nose pliers
- Trim clip removal tool
- Paint marker
- Penetrating oil
- Spring compressor (external, two-piece) (specialty)
- Safety glasses
- Mechanic gloves
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Front strut assembly - Qty: 2 Replace in pairs
- Front strut mount/bearing - Qty: 2 If not included
- Front bump stop and dust boot kit - Qty: 2 If not included
- Front sway bar link - Qty: 2 Recommended if worn
- New strut-to-knuckle nuts/bolts - Qty: 1 set If specified as one-time-use
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground, wheels straight, and chock the rear wheels.
- Loosen the front lug nuts 1/2 turn using a 21mm lug wrench before lifting.
- Spray penetrating oil on the strut-to-knuckle bolts and sway bar link nuts.
- Decide your approach: complete pre-assembled struts (no spring compressor) or reuse your spring (requires spring compressor).
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Confirm which “struts” you’re replacing
- Before I give exact torque specs and the correct procedure, I need one detail so this stays accurate for your Ioniq.
- Are you replacing the front struts (most common), or are you working on the rear shocks?
Step 2: Confirm what parts you bought
- Did you buy complete pre-assembled strut assemblies (spring already installed), or just the strut cartridge and you’ll reuse the spring?
- A “pre-assembled strut” is sometimes called a quick-strut; it avoids using a spring compressor.
Step 3: What I’ll do next
- Once you answer those two questions, I’ll lay out the exact step sequence for your Ioniq with the correct torque specs, cautions, and an alignment checklist.
✅ After Repair
- Get a 4-wheel alignment after any front strut replacement.
- Test drive at low speed first; listen for clunks over bumps and verify the steering wheel is centered.
- Recheck lug nut torque after 25-50 miles.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $900-$1,700 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $300-$900 (parts only)
You Save: $600-$800 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/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.

















