🔧 Tucson - Shock Absorber Replacement

This repair covers replacing the rear shock absorbers on your Tucson. The front suspension uses strut assemblies, not simple shock absorbers, so “shock absorber replacement” usually refers to the rear shocks on this model.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a flat, solid surface only. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
• ⚠️ Use jack stands. Jack stands are fixed safety supports that hold the vehicle after lifting.
• ⚠️ Replace rear shocks in pairs so the suspension behaves evenly side to side.
• ⚠️ Do not loosen suspension arms unless instructed. This helps avoid alignment changes.
• ⚠️ Keep hands clear when lowering or raising the suspension with the floor jack.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this 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 wrench
• 19mm wrench
• Torque wrench 1/2-inch drive
• Trim clip remover
• Flathead screwdriver
• Penetrating oil
• Wire brush
• 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 lower mounting bolts - Qty: 2
• Rear shock lower mounting nuts - Qty: 2
• Rear shock upper mounting nuts - Qty: 4

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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 at the front wheels.
• Spray penetrating oil on the rear shock upper and lower mounting fasteners. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
• Open the tailgate and remove cargo items so you can access the rear interior side trim if needed.
• No infotainment menu steps, scan tool commands, EPB retraction, or battery registration are required for this job.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the Rear Wheel Lug Nuts

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

Step 2: Lift and Support the Rear of the Vehicle

• Use the floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum) at the rear center lifting point or approved rear subframe lift area.
• Raise the rear of your Tucson high enough for both rear wheels to come off the ground.
• Place jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum) under the approved rear side support points.
• Slowly lower the vehicle onto the jack stands using the floor jack.
• Gently shake the vehicle by hand to make sure it is stable before working.

Step 3: Remove the Rear Wheels

• Use the 21mm lug nut socket and ratchet 1/2-inch drive to remove the 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 slightly until it just supports 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: Clean the Shock Mounting Hardware

• Use the wire brush to clean dirt and rust from the shock absorber bolts and nuts.
• Apply penetrating oil again if the fasteners look rusty.
• Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from dirt and rust flakes.

Step 6: Remove the Lower Shock Bolt

• Use the 19mm socket, ratchet 1/2-inch drive, and 19mm wrench to remove the lower shock mounting nut and bolt.
• If the bolt is tight, use the breaker bar 1/2-inch drive with the 19mm socket.
• Slide the bolt out while holding the shock by hand.
• If the bolt binds, raise or lower the suspension arm slightly with the floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum).

Step 7: Access the Upper Shock Mount

• Look inside the rear wheel well for the upper shock mounting nuts.
• If an inner splash shield or trim cover blocks access, use the trim clip remover and flathead screwdriver to remove the plastic clips carefully.
• A trim clip remover is a small fork-shaped tool that lifts plastic clips without breaking them.

Step 8: Remove the Upper Shock Nuts

• Use the 17mm socket, ratchet 1/2-inch drive, and 17mm wrench as needed to remove the upper shock mounting nuts.
• Hold the shock with one hand while removing the last nut so it does not fall.
• Remove the old shock absorber from the vehicle.

Step 9: Compare the Old and New Shock

• Place the old and new rear shock absorbers side by side.
• Make sure the mounting ends, length, and bracket orientation match.
• Slowly compress and extend the new shock by hand if needed to line it up.
• Match left and right orientation.

Step 10: Install the New Upper Shock Mount

• Position the new shock absorber into the upper mount by hand.
• Install the new upper mounting nuts by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use the 17mm socket and torque wrench 1/2-inch drive to tighten the upper shock mounting nuts to Torque to 45 Nm (33 ft-lbs).

Step 11: Install the Lower Shock Bolt

• Use the floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum) to raise or lower the suspension arm until the lower shock eye lines up with the mounting hole.
• Install the lower mounting bolt and nut by hand.
• Use the 19mm socket, 19mm wrench, and torque wrench 1/2-inch drive to tighten the lower shock bolt to Torque to 110 Nm (81 ft-lbs).

Step 12: Repeat on the Other Side

• Use the same 17mm socket, 19mm socket, 17mm wrench, 19mm wrench, and torque wrench 1/2-inch drive to replace the shock on the other rear side.
• Support that suspension arm with the floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum) before removing the lower bolt.
• Torque the upper nuts to Torque to 45 Nm (33 ft-lbs).
• Torque the lower bolt to Torque to 110 Nm (81 ft-lbs).

Step 13: Reinstall Any Trim or Splash Shields

• Use the trim clip remover and flathead screwdriver to reinstall any removed clips or covers.
• Make sure clips are fully seated and nothing rubs the shock absorber.

Step 14: Reinstall the Rear Wheels

• Install the rear wheels by hand.
• Use the 21mm lug nut socket and ratchet 1/2-inch drive to snug the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Do not fully torque the lug nuts while the wheels are in the air.

Step 15: Lower the Vehicle and Torque the Lug Nuts

• Use the floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum) to raise the rear slightly and remove the jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum).
• Lower your Tucson to the ground slowly.
• Use the 21mm lug nut socket and torque wrench 1/2-inch drive to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to Torque to 108 Nm (80 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Bounce each rear corner by hand. The body should settle quickly without repeated bouncing.
• ✅ Test drive slowly first. Listen for clunks, rattles, or rubbing noises.
• ✅ Recheck the lower shock bolts and wheel lug nuts after a short drive.
• ✅ A wheel alignment is usually not required for rear shock-only replacement, unless other suspension parts were loosened.
• ✅ If the rear still feels unstable, inspect rear tires, sway bar links, control arm bushings, and springs.

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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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