🔧 Forte - Strut Replacement

On your Forte, the front uses MacPherson struts, but the rear does not use struts—it uses separate rear shocks and springs. The steps, tools, and torque specs are different front vs rear, so I want to aim you at the exact procedure.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 2-5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Never loosen the center top nut on a strut mount unless the coil spring is safely compressed with a spring compressor.
• ⚠️ Support the vehicle on jack stands; never work under a car held by a jack.
• ⚠️ If you separate the knuckle from the strut, your alignment can change—plan for an alignment afterward.

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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-inch drive
• Torque wrench 1/2-inch drive (20-200 ft-lbs range)
• Socket set (8mm-22mm)
• Wrench set (10mm-22mm)
• Hex key set (metric)
• Pry bar (24-inch)
• Hammer (2 lb)
• Needle-nose pliers
• 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(s) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front strut mount/bearing kit - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front bump stop & dust boot kit - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front sway bar end link(s) - Qty: 2 (only if worn or seized)
• Rear shock(s) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2 (if you meant rear)
• Rear shock upper/lower hardware kit - Qty: 1 (recommended)

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, wheels straight, and set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels if doing front struts; chock the front wheels if doing rear shocks.
• Spray penetrating oil on strut-to-knuckle bolts and sway bar end link nuts 10–15 minutes ahead.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Before I give you the exact, torque-spec steps:

• Are you replacing the front struts, the rear shocks, or both?
• For the front: are you installing complete quick-strut assemblies (preloaded spring + mount), or reusing your spring with a spring compressor?

Reply with those two answers and I’ll send the full procedure with correct torque specs for your Forte.

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✅ After Repair

• After front strut work, schedule a 4-wheel alignment.
• Test drive slowly first, listen for clunks, then re-check fasteners.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $900-$1,800 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $250-$900 (parts only)

You Save: $650-$900 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-5 hours.

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🎯 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.