🔧 Tucson - Shock Absorber Replacement

This repair covers replacing the rear shock absorbers on your Tucson. The front suspension uses strut assemblies, while the rear uses separate shock absorbers, so “shock absorbers” usually refers to the rear pair.

Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a flat, solid surface and never rely on a jack alone.
• ⚠️ Use jack stands. Jack stands are fixed supports that hold the vehicle safely after lifting.
• ⚠️ Replace rear shock absorbers in pairs so the suspension stays balanced.
• ⚠️ Keep hands clear of the shock mounting points while removing bolts.
• ⚠️ Do not remove suspension springs for this repair. The rear coil springs stay installed.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for rear shock absorber replacement.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm lug nut socket
• Breaker bar 1/2-inch drive
• Ratchet 1/2-inch drive
• 17mm socket
• 19mm socket
• 17mm wrench
• 19mm wrench
• Torque wrench 1/2-inch drive
• Penetrating oil
• Rubber mallet
• Small pry bar
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear shock absorbers - Qty: 2
• Rear shock mounting hardware kit - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Tucson on level ground.
• Shift to Park and set the parking brake.
• Place wheel chocks in front of both front tires.
• Let the suspension and exhaust cool if the vehicle was recently driven.
• Spray penetrating oil on the upper and lower shock bolts before starting.
• Take a photo before disassembly.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the Rear Wheel Lug Nuts

• Use a 21mm lug nut socket and breaker bar 1/2-inch drive to loosen the rear wheel lug nuts about half a turn.
• Do not fully remove the lug nuts yet.
• Loosen before lifting the vehicle.

Step 2: Lift and Support the Rear of the Vehicle

• Use a floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum) to lift the rear of your Tucson at a safe rear lift point.
• Place jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum) under the rear side support points.
• Lower the vehicle gently onto the jack stands.
• Keep the floor jack lightly supporting the rear suspension area, but do not use it as the only support.

Step 3: Remove the Rear Wheels

• Use the 21mm lug nut socket and ratchet 1/2-inch drive to remove the loosened lug nuts.
• Remove both rear wheels and set them aside flat so they cannot roll.

Step 4: Support the Rear Suspension Arm

• Place the floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum) under the rear lower suspension arm near the shock absorber.
• Raise it just enough to lightly support the arm.
• This prevents the arm from dropping suddenly when the shock is removed.

Step 5: Remove the Lower Shock Bolt

• Use a 19mm socket with the ratchet 1/2-inch drive on the lower shock bolt.
• Use a 19mm wrench to hold the nut if it turns.
• Remove the lower bolt and nut.
• If the bolt is stuck, apply penetrating oil and tap gently with a rubber mallet.
• Do not force rusty bolts dry.

Step 6: Remove the Upper Shock Bolt

• Use a 17mm socket and ratchet 1/2-inch drive to remove the upper shock mounting bolt.
• Use a 17mm wrench if the nut needs to be held from turning.
• Support the shock with one hand while removing the last threads.

Step 7: Remove the Old Shock Absorber

• Pull the shock absorber out by hand.
• If it is stuck in the bracket, use a small pry bar gently to free it.
• Compare the old shock with the new shock before installation.
• Make sure the mounting ends and length match.

Step 8: Install the New Shock Absorber

• Position the new rear shock absorber in the same direction as the old one.
• Install the upper bolt by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a 17mm socket and 17mm wrench to snug the upper mount, but do not fully torque it yet.
• Line up the lower shock mount with the suspension arm.
• Use the floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum) to slightly raise or lower the suspension arm until the bolt hole lines up.
• Install the lower bolt and nut by hand.

Step 9: Torque the Shock Mounting Bolts

• Use a torque wrench 1/2-inch drive with the correct socket.
• Tighten the rear shock upper mounting bolt to Torque to 59-78 Nm (44-58 ft-lbs).
• Tighten the rear shock lower mounting bolt to Torque to 98-118 Nm (72-87 ft-lbs).
• Repeat the same procedure on the other rear shock absorber.
• Both rear shocks should be replaced together.

Step 10: Reinstall the Rear Wheels

• Place each rear wheel back onto the hub.
• Start all lug nuts by hand.
• Use the 21mm lug nut socket and ratchet 1/2-inch drive to snug the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern.

Step 11: Lower the Vehicle and Torque the Lug Nuts

• Use the floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum) to lift the rear slightly off the jack stands.
• Remove the jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum).
• Lower your Tucson fully to the ground.
• Use a torque wrench 1/2-inch drive and 21mm lug nut socket to tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern.
• Tighten rear wheel lug nuts to Torque to 88-107 Nm (65-79 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Push down firmly on the rear of your Tucson once or twice. It should settle quickly without bouncing repeatedly.
• Take a slow test drive over a smooth road first.
• Listen for clunks, rattles, or loose knocking sounds.
• After the test drive, visually check that both shock bolts are seated properly.
• Recheck rear wheel lug nut torque after 25-50 miles.
• An alignment is usually not required for rear shock absorber replacement only.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $350-$650 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$300 (parts only)

You Save: $230-$350 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1-2 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.