This procedure replaces both rear coil springs on a 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson 2.5L AWD. Requires spring compressor and suspension work experience due to stored energy hazards.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent rated spring
• Rear coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent rated spring
• Lower spring isolator pad (left) × 1 — Inspect and replace if compressed or damaged
• Lower spring isolator pad (right) × 1 — Inspect and replace if compressed or damaged
• Upper spring isolator pad (left) × 1 — Inspect and replace if compressed or damaged
• Upper spring isolator pad (right) × 1 — Inspect and replace if compressed or damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support on jack stands at manufacturer frame contact points
4. Remove both rear wheels completely
5. Spray penetrating oil on all suspension fasteners to be removed and allow 10-15 minutes soak time
6. Verify spring compressor tools are in good condition with no damaged threads or hooks

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear suspension
   Position floor jack under the rear lower control arm near the spring perch. Raise jack just enough to support the control arm weight, but do not lift the vehicle. This keeps suspension components aligned for disassembly. Keep jack positioned here throughout spring removal.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the rear sway bar link connecting to the lower control arm or shock assembly. Hold the ball stud shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning. Remove the lower sway bar link nut and disconnect the link from the control arm. Allow link to hang freely.
   ℹ️Some model years connect sway bar link to shock body, others to control arm. Identify your configuration before proceeding.
3. 3

   Remove shock lower mounting bolt
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt connecting shock to lower control arm or knuckle. Remove this bolt completely and separate shock from lower mount. Allow shock to hang from upper mount. This provides clearance to access the coil spring.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect lower ball joint (if necessary for clearance)
   If spring removal clearance is insufficient, disconnect the lower ball joint from the knuckle. Remove the ball joint castle nut. Use a ball joint separator tool to break the taper joint free. Do not strike the joint with a hammer as this can damage components. Once separated, carefully lower the control arm using the floor jack.
   ⚠Control ball joints are under tension. Control the separation carefully to prevent sudden movement.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Slowly lower control arm to access spring
   Very slowly and carefully lower the floor jack supporting the control arm. Monitor the coil spring as it extends. Lower just enough to access both ends of the spring. The spring may still be under some load. Do not fully drop the control arm at this stage.
   ⚠️Lower the jack very slowly and be prepared to stop if spring begins to shift dangerously. Keep hands and body clear of spring path.
6. 6

   Install spring compressor
   Install spring compressor tools on the coil spring according to manufacturer instructions. Position compressor hooks at opposite sides of the spring, engaging at least 3-4 coils. Ensure hooks are fully seated and cannot slip. Alternate tightening each side of the compressor gradually and evenly until spring is fully compressed and no longer contacting upper or lower seats.
   ⚠️CRITICAL STEP: Compressor hooks must be properly seated and tightened evenly. Uneven compression or improper hook placement can cause violent spring release. Compress gradually, alternating sides frequently.
7. 7

   Remove compressed spring assembly
   With spring fully compressed and loose in its mounts, carefully remove the spring assembly from the vehicle. Keep the spring compressor fully engaged. Remove and inspect upper and lower spring isolator pads. Replace isolators if compressed, cracked, or deteriorated.
   ⚠️Do not release spring compressor until new spring is ready for installation. Maintain control of compressed spring at all times.
8. 8

   Prepare new spring for installation
   Install new upper and lower spring isolator pads on the new spring in the correct orientation. Position the new spring in the spring compressor and compress it to approximately the same length as the old spring was when removed. Ensure spring end positioning matches OEM orientation (spring end must seat in control arm tang correctly).
   ⚠Spring orientation is critical. Note the orientation of the factory spring ends relative to isolator pads before removal.
9. 9

   Install new spring assembly
   Position the compressed new spring between the upper spring seat and lower control arm spring perch. Align the spring ends with their locating tangs or seats. Use the floor jack to raise the control arm slowly, guiding the spring into position. Ensure upper and lower isolators are correctly seated.
10. 10

    Release spring compressor carefully
    With spring positioned correctly and control arm partially raised, begin slowly releasing the spring compressor in small increments, alternating sides. Monitor spring seating on both upper and lower perches. Once spring is fully seated and supporting suspension load, remove spring compressor tools completely.
    ⚠️Release compressor very slowly. If spring begins to shift out of position, stop immediately and reposition before continuing.
11. 11

    Reconnect ball joint
    If ball joint was disconnected, raise control arm with floor jack to align ball joint stud with knuckle. Insert stud through knuckle and install castle nut. Torque to specification. Install new cotter pin if equipped.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall shock lower mount
    Align shock absorber lower eye with mounting point on control arm or knuckle. Install lower shock bolt and torque to specification. Ensure bolt is fully seated and washer is in place.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Reconnect sway bar link to lower control arm or shock mount. Hold ball stud with Allen key and install nut. Torque to specification while preventing stud rotation.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Repeat procedure for opposite side
    Perform steps 1-13 for the opposite rear spring. Both rear springs should always be replaced as a pair to maintain balanced handling and ride height.
15. 15

    Install wheels and perform final torque
    Install both rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Lower vehicle until tires just contact ground but suspension is not fully loaded. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Fully lower vehicle to ground.
    ⚠️Control arm bolts must be torqued with vehicle weight on suspension. If any control arm bolts were loosened, vehicle must be lowered to ground or suspension loaded with jack before final torque.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. All suspension fasteners must be torqued with vehicle at normal ride height (wheels on ground) or suspension preloaded with jack to simulate ride height
2. Verify all spring compressor tools have been removed from vehicle before test driving
3. Inspect work area for any dropped fasteners or tools
4. Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50 miles of driving

Verification

• Bounce rear of vehicle several times and verify no unusual noises or movement from spring area
• Verify ride height is equal side-to-side and matches factory specifications
• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify normal suspension operation, no rattles or clunks
• Inspect for any fluid leaks from shock absorbers after test drive
• Have alignment checked by professional facility as spring replacement can affect rear alignment settings

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