🔧 Tucson - Rear Shock Absorber Replacement

This repair replaces the rear shock absorbers on your Tucson. Worn shocks can cause bouncing, poor ride control, tire cupping, and longer stopping distance over bumps.

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

Assumption: “Shock absorbers” refers to the rear shocks; the front uses strut assemblies, which are a different repair.

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a flat, solid surface only. Never rely on a jack by itself.
• ⚠️ Support your Tucson with jack stands before removing any wheel.
• ⚠️ Replace rear shocks in pairs so the suspension stays balanced.
• ⚠️ Keep hands clear of the shock mounting points while aligning bolts.
• ⚠️ No battery disconnect is 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
• Torque wrench 1/2-inch drive
• 17mm socket
• 19mm socket
• 17mm box-end wrench
• 19mm box-end wrench
• Trim clip remover
• Penetrating oil
• Wire brush
• Rubber mallet
• 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: 4
• Rear shock lower mounting bolts/nuts - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Tucson on level ground and shift to Park.
• Set the parking brake and place wheel chocks in front of the front tires. Wheel chocks are wedge blocks that stop the vehicle from rolling.
• Loosen the rear lug nuts slightly before lifting the vehicle.
• Spray penetrating oil on the upper and lower rear shock fasteners, then let it soak for a few minutes.
• If your replacement shocks are gas-charged, do not cut any retaining strap until the shock is positioned near the mounts.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen Rear Wheel Lug Nuts

• Use the 21mm lug nut socket and breaker bar 1/2-inch drive to loosen each rear lug nut about half a turn.
• Do not remove the lug nuts yet.
• Loosen wheels 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 point or one side at a time at the approved pinch weld area.
• Place jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum) under the rear side support points.
• Lower the vehicle gently onto the jack stands.
• Lightly shake the vehicle to confirm it is stable before working underneath.

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) lightly under the rear lower suspension arm near the shock mount.
• Raise the jack just enough to support the arm. Do not lift the vehicle off the jack stand.
• This keeps the suspension from dropping suddenly when the shock is removed.

Step 5: Remove the Lower Shock Bolt

• Use the wire brush to clean dirt and rust from the lower shock bolt area.
• Apply penetrating oil to the lower shock bolt and nut.
• Use the 19mm socket on the bolt head and the 19mm box-end wrench on the nut to loosen the lower shock fastener.
• Remove the lower bolt and nut. If the bolt sticks, tap it gently with the rubber mallet.

Step 6: Remove the Upper Shock Fasteners

• Locate the two upper shock mounting nuts at the top of the shock, inside the rear wheel well area.
• If a small splash shield or liner blocks access, use the trim clip remover to release the clips carefully.
• Use the 17mm socket and ratchet 1/2-inch drive to remove the upper shock mounting nuts.
• Hold the shock body with one hand as the last nut comes off so it does not fall.

Step 7: Remove the Old Shock

• Pull the old shock absorber out through the wheel well area by hand.
• Compare it with the new shock. The mounting style and length should match.
• If the old shock leaked oil or does not extend on its own, it was worn out.

Step 8: Install the New Upper Shock Mount

• Guide the new shock into place by hand, starting with the upper mount.
• Install the new upper mounting nuts by hand first to avoid cross-threading. Cross-threading means the nut starts crooked and damages the threads.
• Use the 17mm socket and torque wrench 1/2-inch drive to tighten the upper mounting nuts to Torque to 39-54 Nm (29-40 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Align and Install the Lower Shock Bolt

• Use the floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum) to raise or lower the rear suspension arm until the lower shock hole lines up with the mount.
• Slide the lower bolt through by hand. Do not force it with an impact tool.
• Install the new nut by hand.
• Use the 19mm socket, 19mm box-end wrench, and torque wrench 1/2-inch drive to tighten the lower shock fastener to Torque to 98-118 Nm (72-87 ft-lbs).
• Final torque at ride height is best.

Step 10: Repeat on the Other Side

• Move the floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum) to support the opposite rear suspension arm.
• Use the same 17mm socket, 19mm socket, and matching wrenches to replace the other rear shock.
• Torque the upper nuts to Torque to 39-54 Nm (29-40 ft-lbs).
• Torque the lower fastener to Torque to 98-118 Nm (72-87 ft-lbs).

Step 11: Reinstall Rear Wheels

• Put both rear wheels back on by hand.
• 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 Vehicle and Torque 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 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

• ✅ Bounce each rear corner gently. The body should settle quickly, not keep bouncing.
• ✅ Drive slowly over a quiet road first and listen for clunks or rattles.
• ✅ Recheck that the rear shocks are seated correctly and the fasteners are tight.
• ✅ Recheck rear lug nut torque after 25-50 miles.
• ✅ A wheel alignment is usually not required for rear shock-only replacement, but get one if tire wear or pulling was already present.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $120-$280 (parts only)

You Save: $230-$370 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-1.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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