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2018 Hyundai Ioniq
2018 Hyundai Ioniq
Hybrid Blue - Inline 4 1.6L
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How to Replace Front Strut & Spring Assemblies 2017-2020 Hyundai Elantra

How to Replace Front Strut & Spring Assemblies 2017-2020 Hyundai Elantra

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Tools & Fluids

3 Ton
3 Ton
Floor Jack
3 Ton
3 Ton
Jack Stands
Wheel Chocks
Wheel Chocks
21mm
21mm
Wrench
or (13/16")
10mm
10mm
Socket
or (3/8")
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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

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🔧 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.


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