🔧 Tucson - Shock Absorber Replacement

This repair replaces the rear shock absorbers on your Tucson. The rear shocks control bouncing and keep the tires planted, especially over bumps and during braking.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a flat, solid surface only. Never rely on a jack alone.
• ⚠️ Support your Tucson with jack stands before working underneath it.
• ⚠️ Replace rear shocks in pairs so the suspension stays balanced.
• ⚠️ Do not remove coil springs for this repair. The rear shock is separate from the spring.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for rear shock 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 combination wrench
• 19mm combination wrench
• Torque wrench 1/2-inch drive
• Penetrating oil spray
• Rubber mallet
• Pry bar 12-inch
• 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 upper mounting nuts - Qty: 2
• Rear shock lower mounting bolts - Qty: 2
• Rear shock lower mounting nuts - Qty: 2

Note: Replace rear shocks in pairs. Reusing mounting hardware is sometimes possible, but replacement hardware is recommended if the bolts or nuts are rusty or damaged.

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Tucson on level ground and shift to Park.
• Apply the parking brake.
• Place wheel chocks in front of the front tires. Wheel chocks are wedges that stop the vehicle from rolling.
• Spray penetrating oil on the upper and lower rear shock fasteners. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
• Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts slightly before lifting the vehicle.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the Rear Lug Nuts

• Use the 21mm lug nut socket and breaker bar 1/2-inch drive to loosen each rear lug nut about 1/2 turn.
• Do not remove the lug nuts yet.
• Tip: Loosen before lifting.

Step 2: Lift and Support the Rear

• Use the floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum) to lift the rear of your Tucson at the rear center jacking area or approved rear lift point.
• Place jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum) under the rear side pinch welds or approved rear support points.
• Lower the vehicle gently onto the jack stands.
• Keep the floor jack lightly supporting the rear suspension area, but do not rely on it for safety.

Step 3: Remove the Rear Wheels

• Use the 21mm lug nut socket and ratchet 1/2-inch drive to remove the rear lug nuts.
• Remove both rear wheels and set them flat on the ground.

Step 4: Support the Rear Suspension Arm

• Place the floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum) under the lower rear suspension arm near the shock mount.
• Raise the jack just until it touches the arm. This prevents the suspension from dropping suddenly when the shock is removed.
• The shock absorber is the cylinder-shaped part between the body and lower suspension arm.

Step 5: Remove the Lower Shock Bolt

• Use the 17mm socket, ratchet 1/2-inch drive, and 17mm combination wrench to remove the lower shock mounting nut and bolt.
• If the bolt is stuck, spray more penetrating oil spray and tap the bolt gently with the rubber mallet.
• If needed, use the pry bar 12-inch to take light pressure off the shock eye while sliding the bolt out.

Step 6: Remove the Upper Shock Nut

• Use the 19mm socket, ratchet 1/2-inch drive, and 19mm combination wrench as needed to remove the upper shock mounting nut.
• Hold the shock body with one hand so it does not fall when the nut comes off.
• Remove the old shock absorber from the vehicle.

Step 7: Compare the Old and New Shock

• Set the new rear shock absorber next to the old one.
• Check that the mounting ends, bushings, and overall length match.
• A bushing is the rubber cushion in the mounting eye that reduces vibration.

Step 8: Install the New Upper Shock Mount

• Position the new rear shock absorber into the upper mount by hand.
• Install the upper mounting nut by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use the 19mm socket, 19mm combination wrench, and torque wrench 1/2-inch drive to tighten the upper shock nut to Torque to 49-64 Nm (36-47 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Install the Lower Shock Bolt

• Use the floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum) to slowly raise or lower the suspension arm until the lower shock hole lines up.
• Slide the lower shock bolt through by hand.
• Install the lower nut by hand.
• Use the 17mm socket, 17mm combination wrench, and torque wrench 1/2-inch drive to tighten the lower shock bolt to Torque to 98-118 Nm (72-87 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Repeat on the Other Side

• Use the same tools and steps to replace the opposite rear shock absorber.
• Always finish both sides before test driving.

Step 11: Reinstall the Rear Wheels

• Place the rear wheels back onto the hubs.
• Thread the lug nuts by hand first.
• Use the 21mm lug nut socket and ratchet 1/2-inch drive to snug the lug nuts in a star pattern.

Step 12: Lower the Vehicle and Torque the Lug Nuts

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

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✅ After Repair

• Push down firmly on the rear bumper area and release. Your Tucson should settle quickly without repeated bouncing.
• Take a slow test drive over a smooth road first, then light bumps.
• Listen for clunks or rattles. If you hear noise, recheck the upper and lower shock fasteners.
• Recheck rear lug nut torque after 25-50 miles.
• Wheel alignment is usually not required for rear shock replacement unless other suspension parts were loosened or replaced.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $300-$550 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $90-$220 (parts only)

You Save: $210-$330 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1-1.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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