This procedure covers the replacement of the steering center link (drag link) on the 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson 2.5L AWD, including removal and installation of tie rod connections and steering linkage components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Center link/drag link assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins (3mm x 30mm) × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Castle nuts (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
5. Remove both front wheels completely
6. Spray all tie rod connections and castle nuts with penetrating oil and allow 10-15 minutes to soak
7. Photograph or mark the position of tie rod end jam nuts for approximate alignment reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove cotter pins from tie rod castle nuts
   Using needle nose pliers, straighten and remove the cotter pins from both castle nuts connecting the center link to the tie rod ends. If cotter pins are corroded or damaged, they may need to be cut or drilled out. Discard old cotter pins as they cannot be reused.
2. 2

   Loosen castle nuts on tie rod connections
   Using a 19mm socket, loosen but do not fully remove the castle nuts on both ends of the center link where it connects to the tie rod ends. Leave nuts threaded on by several turns to prevent sudden separation when using the ball joint separator.
   ⚠Do not fully remove castle nuts before separating ball joint taper. The nut protects threads and prevents sudden release.
   Torque spec

   Castle Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Separate tie rod ball joints from center link
   Position ball joint separator or pickle fork between the tie rod end and center link at the tapered stud connection. Strike the separator sharply with a hammer or use a tie rod end puller to break the taper. Repeat for both connections. Once taper is broken, fully remove the castle nuts and separate the components.
4. 4

   Remove center link mounting hardware
   Locate the center link mounting bolts that secure the center link to the steering gear or frame mounting points. Using a 17mm socket, remove the mounting bolts while supporting the center link. Note the orientation and position of any washers or spacers for reinstallation.
   ⚠Support the center link before removing final mounting bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove old center link assembly
   Carefully remove the center link assembly from the vehicle, maneuvering it past suspension components and CV axles as needed. Inspect all ball joint boots, mounting points, and threaded studs on connecting components for wear or damage.
6. 6

   Prepare new center link for installation
   Unpack the new center link assembly and verify it matches the old part in length, ball stud positions, and mounting hole locations. Clean all mounting surfaces on the steering gear and frame where the center link will attach using a wire brush. Inspect threaded holes for damage.
7. 7

   Install new center link assembly
   Position the new center link into place, aligning the mounting holes with the steering gear or frame brackets. Insert mounting bolts with any washers or spacers in their original positions. Hand-tighten mounting bolts initially to allow for alignment adjustment.
8. 8

   Torque center link mounting bolts
   Using a torque wrench, tighten the center link mounting bolts to specification in a cross-pattern if multiple bolts are present. Ensure the center link is properly seated against all mounting surfaces before final torquing.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Connect tie rod ends to center link
   Insert the tie rod end ball studs into the center link tapered holes. Install new castle nuts and hand-tighten. Ensure ball stud boots are not twisted or damaged during installation. Verify ball studs are fully seated in tapered holes.
10. 10

    Torque castle nuts and install cotter pins
    Using a torque wrench and 19mm socket, torque both castle nuts to specification. If the castle nut slots do not align with the ball stud cotter pin hole, tighten the nut further (never loosen) until the next slot aligns. Insert new cotter pins through the ball stud holes and bend the ends securely to lock the nuts in place.
    ⚠Never loosen a castle nut to align cotter pin holes. Only tighten to the next alignment position.
    Torque spec

    Castle Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Inspect installation and clearances
    Verify all connections are tight and cotter pins are properly installed. Check that the center link has adequate clearance from CV axles, suspension components, and the subframe throughout the steering range. Manually turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while observing for any binding or interference.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels
    Mount both front wheels onto the hubs, ensuring the mounting surfaces are clean. Thread all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with a torque wrench to specification.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Lower vehicle from jack stands carefully
2. With vehicle on ground, perform final torque check on wheel lug nuts in star pattern
3. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Start engine and turn steering wheel slowly from lock to lock, listening for any unusual noises or binding
• Visually inspect all connections for movement or looseness while assistant turns steering wheel
• Verify cotter pins are properly installed and secured on all castle nuts
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area, checking for proper steering response and unusual vibrations
• Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment as soon as possible, as steering geometry has been disturbed

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