maintenance
60K Service
for 2021 Hyundai Tucson 2.5L I4 · AWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
3.0 h
Tools
10
Steps
12
Complete 60,000 mile scheduled maintenance service including engine oil change, air filter replacement, cabin filter replacement, differential fluid changes, brake fluid flush, and comprehensive multi-point inspection.
Warnings
⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use properly rated jack stands.
⚠Engine oil and differential fluids can be extremely hot. Allow vehicle to cool for at least 30 minutes before beginning service.
⚠Brake fluid is corrosive to paint and can cause skin irritation. Wear appropriate protective equipment and avoid spills.
ℹ️This service interval assumes normal driving conditions. Severe conditions may require more frequent service.
Tools required
Floor jack and jack standsEssential
Torque wrench (10-150 Nm range)Essential
Socket set (10mm-19mm)Essential
Oil drain pan (minimum 6 quart capacity)Essential
Fluid transfer pumpEssential
Brake bleeder kit or vacuum pumpEssential
Funnel setEssential
Oil filter wrench
Flathead screwdriver
Ratchet wrench set
Parts
- Engine oil filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Engine air filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Cabin air filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Front differential drain plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Front differential fill plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Rear differential drain plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Rear differential fill plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
Fluids
- Hyundai Genuine 0W-20 Engine Oil — 5 qt
- 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil (Front Differential) — 1.5 qt
- 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil (Rear Differential) — 2 qt
- DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 1 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Allow engine and drivetrain to cool to safe working temperature (minimum 30 minutes)
- Gather all required tools, parts, and fluids before beginning
- Raise vehicle using floor jack at designated lift points and support with jack stands at all four corners
- Remove all four wheels for access to brakes and differential service points
- Install magnetic drain pan under engine oil drain plug location
Procedure
- 1Drain engine oilLocate the oil drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan. Using appropriate socket, loosen the drain plug slowly. Once loosened, quickly remove by hand while keeping pressure against plug to prevent oil spillage. Allow oil to drain completely for at least 10 minutes. Remove and discard old crush washer from drain plug.
- 2Replace oil filter and drain plugWhile oil drains, remove the oil filter (located on driver side of engine block). Apply thin film of clean engine oil to new filter gasket. Install new crush washer on drain plug. Once oil has fully drained, install drain plug with new washer and torque to specification. Hand-tighten new oil filter until gasket contacts, then rotate an additional 3/4 turn.
- 3Replace engine air filterOpen hood and locate air filter housing on passenger side of engine bay. Release air box clips (typically 4-6 clips depending on configuration). Lift top half of air box housing and remove old air filter element. Clean any debris from housing with clean cloth. Install new air filter ensuring proper orientation with rubber seal facing down. Close housing and secure all clips.
- 4Replace cabin air filterOpen glove box and remove contents. Locate cabin filter access door on right side of glove box housing (may require removing glove box limiter arms). Press tabs on filter cover and remove. Slide old cabin filter out noting airflow direction arrows. Install new cabin filter matching airflow direction arrows. Replace cover and reinstall glove box components.
- 5Drain front differentialPosition drain pan under front differential (located between engine and front wheels). Clean area around drain plug. Remove front differential drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely (approximately 5-7 minutes). Clean drain plug and install new washer. Do not reinstall drain plug yet.
- 6Refill front differentialLocate front differential fill plug on side of differential housing. Remove fill plug to verify proper location and ensure vent is clear. Install drain plug with new washer and torque to mounting bolt specification. Using fluid transfer pump, add 1.5 quarts of 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil through fill hole until fluid begins to seep from fill hole. Install fill plug with new washer and torque to mounting bolt specification. Wipe clean any spilled fluid.
- 7Drain rear differentialReposition drain pan under rear differential (located at rear axle center). Clean area around rear differential drain plug. Remove drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely (approximately 7-10 minutes). Clean drain plug and install new washer. Do not reinstall drain plug yet.
- 8Refill rear differentialLocate rear differential fill plug on front face of differential housing. Remove fill plug. Install drain plug with new washer and torque to mounting bolt specification. Using fluid transfer pump, add 2.0 quarts of 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil through fill hole until fluid begins to seep from fill hole. Install fill plug with new washer and torque to mounting bolt specification. Wipe clean any spilled fluid.
- 9Inspect brake system componentsWith wheels removed, inspect brake pads for remaining thickness (minimum 3mm required). Inspect brake rotors for scoring, heat cracks, or excessive wear. Check brake calipers for leaks or damage. Inspect brake lines and hoses for cracks, chafing, or fluid leaks. Document brake pad remaining thickness for service records.
- 10Flush brake fluidLocate brake master cylinder reservoir under hood (driver side firewall area). Clean area around reservoir cap and remove cap. Using turkey baster or fluid transfer pump, remove old brake fluid from reservoir. Refill with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid. Beginning with right rear wheel, attach brake bleeder kit to bleeder screw. Have assistant pump brake pedal 3-4 times and hold. Open bleeder screw until fluid flows and close before pedal reaches floor. Repeat until fluid runs clear. Move to left rear, right front, then left front in that order. Maintain reservoir level throughout process. Top off reservoir to MAX line when complete.
- 11Refill engine oilLower vehicle temporarily to level ground for accurate oil fill. Remove engine oil fill cap on top of engine. Using funnel, add 4.5 quarts of Hyundai Genuine 0W-20 engine oil. Install oil fill cap. Start engine and allow to run for 30 seconds, then shut off. Wait 2 minutes for oil to settle. Check oil level using dipstick and add remaining oil to bring level to upper mark (total capacity 5.0 quarts). Verify no leaks at drain plug or filter.
- 12Reinstall wheels and perform final inspectionsReinstall all four wheels. Hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Lower vehicle until wheels just contact ground but vehicle is still supported by jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Perform final torque verification of all lug nuts in star pattern. Inspect underside for any fluid leaks from drain plugs or filter. Check all fluid levels and verify proper fill.
Reassembly
- Double-check that all drain plugs and fill plugs are properly torqued and not leaking
- Verify engine oil level is correct after running engine and allowing oil to settle
- Ensure all air box clips are fully seated and secure
- Verify brake pedal feels firm with no sponginess after brake fluid flush
- Confirm all wheels are properly torqued in star pattern
Verification
- Start engine and verify no oil leaks from drain plug or filter after 1 minute of operation
- Check for any fluid leaks under vehicle after test drive
- Verify brake pedal operation is normal with firm pedal feel
- Test drive vehicle for 5-10 minutes, then recheck all fluid levels
- Listen for any unusual noises from differentials during turns
- Reset maintenance reminder light in instrument cluster using vehicle settings menu
- Document service date, mileage, and brake pad measurements in service records