🔧 Tucson - Rear Shock Absorber Replacement

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

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

Assumption: This guide covers the rear shock absorbers, which are the shock-style dampers on your Tucson.

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a flat, solid surface only. Never rely on a jack by itself.
• ⚠️ Use jack stands under the vehicle before putting any body part underneath.
• ⚠️ Replace rear shocks in pairs so the suspension works evenly side-to-side.
• ⚠️ Do not remove suspension springs for this job. The rear shock is separate from the spring.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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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
• 17mm socket
• 19mm socket
• 17mm box-end wrench
• 19mm box-end wrench
• Ratchet wrench 3/8-inch drive
• Breaker bar 1/2-inch drive
• Torque wrench 1/2-inch drive
• Penetrating oil spray
• Rubber mallet
• Trim clip removal tool
• Mechanic gloves
• Safety glasses

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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 hardware - Qty: 2 sets
• Rear shock lower mounting bolts and nuts - Qty: 2 sets

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Tucson on level ground and shift the transmission into Park.
• Set the parking brake firmly.
• Place wheel chocks in front of the front tires.
• A shock absorber controls bouncing; it does not hold the vehicle up like a jack stand does.
• Spray the upper and lower shock mounting bolts with penetrating oil spray and let it soak for 5-10 minutes.

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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 each rear wheel lug nut about half a turn.
• Do not remove the lug nuts yet.
• Loosen wheels before lifting.

Step 2: Raise and Support the Rear of the Vehicle

• Use a floor jack rated 2-ton minimum to lift the rear of your Tucson at the proper rear lift point.
• Place jack stands rated 2-ton minimum under the rear side support points.
• Slowly lower the vehicle onto the jack stands.
• Gently shake the vehicle by hand to confirm it is stable before continuing.

Step 3: Remove the Rear Wheels

• Use the 21mm lug nut socket and ratchet wrench 3/8-inch drive to remove the loosened 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 rear lower suspension arm near the shock mount.
• Raise the jack just enough to lightly support the arm. Do not lift the vehicle off the jack stands.
• The suspension arm is the metal arm that moves up and down with the wheel.

Step 5: Remove the Lower Shock Bolt

• Use a 19mm socket, breaker bar 1/2-inch drive, and 19mm box-end wrench to loosen the lower shock mounting bolt and nut.
• Remove the nut and slide the bolt out by hand.
• If the bolt is tight, tap it gently with a rubber mallet.
• Do not use a metal hammer directly on the bolt threads.

Step 6: Remove the Upper Shock Mount Bolts

• Use a 17mm socket, ratchet wrench 3/8-inch drive, and 17mm box-end wrench if needed to remove the upper shock mounting fasteners.
• Hold the shock with one hand as the last fastener comes out.
• Remove the shock absorber from the vehicle.

Step 7: Compare the Old and New Shock

• Place the old and new rear shock absorbers side by side.
• Confirm the length, mounting eyelets, bushings, and brackets match.
• If the new shock is strapped compressed, do not cut the strap until you are ready to install it.

Step 8: Install the New Upper Shock Mount

• Position the new shock absorber into the upper mount by hand.
• Install the upper mounting hardware finger-tight first.
• Use a 17mm socket and torque wrench 1/2-inch drive to tighten the upper shock mounting bolts to Torque to 59-69 Nm (44-51 ft-lbs).
• Start bolts by hand first.

Step 9: Install the Lower Shock Bolt

• Use the floor jack rated 2-ton minimum to raise or lower the suspension arm until the lower shock hole lines up.
• Slide the lower bolt through by hand.
• Install the new nut finger-tight.
• Use a 19mm socket, 19mm box-end 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.
• Keep the floor jack rated 2-ton minimum lightly supporting the suspension arm while removing and installing the shock.

Step 11: Reinstall the Rear Wheels

• Lift each wheel into place by hand.
• Install the lug nuts by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use the 21mm lug nut socket and ratchet wrench 3/8-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 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 lug nuts in a star pattern to Torque to 107-127 Nm (79-94 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Push down firmly on the rear bumper area and release. The body should settle quickly without repeated bouncing.
• Take a slow test drive over a smooth road first, then over small bumps.
• Listen for clunks. If you hear noise, recheck upper and lower shock mounting bolts.
• After 25-50 miles, recheck the rear wheel lug nut torque with a torque wrench 1/2-inch drive.
• An alignment is usually not required for rear shock replacement only, unless other suspension parts were loosened or tire wear is already uneven.

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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 1-2 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.