suspension

Leaf Spring

for 2021 Hyundai Tucson 2.5L I4 · AWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Expert

Time

2.0 h

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure addresses the 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson, which uses an independent suspension design and does not have leaf springs. This is a corrective notice for misidentified suspension type.

Warnings

⚠️The 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson does NOT have leaf springs. This vehicle uses independent front suspension (MacPherson strut) and multi-link independent rear suspension. Leaf springs are not present on this vehicle platform.

⚠If you are experiencing suspension issues, the likely components requiring service are: struts/shocks, control arms, trailing arms, or coil springs - NOT leaf springs.

ℹ️Consult the appropriate repair procedure for strut replacement, control arm replacement, or rear suspension arm replacement for this vehicle.

Tools required

Floor jackEssential

Jack stands (4)Essential

Torque wrench (20-180 Nm range)Essential

Wheel chocksEssential

Socket set (metric)Essential

Breaker barEssential

Pry bar

Wire brush

Penetrating oil

Preparation

Verify the actual suspension component that requires service by visual inspection
Consult vehicle service manual or diagram to confirm suspension type
Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Place wheel chocks behind wheels that will remain on ground

Procedure

1
Identify Suspension Type
Raise the vehicle safely using a floor jack and support on jack stands. Inspect the front suspension - you will find MacPherson struts with coil springs, lower control arms, and sway bar links. There are no leaf springs in the front suspension.
2
Inspect Rear Suspension
Move to the rear of the vehicle and inspect the rear suspension assembly. You will find a multi-link independent suspension with trailing arms, upper and lower control arms, coil springs or coil-over shocks, and lateral links. There are no leaf springs in the rear suspension.
3
Determine Correct Service Procedure
Based on the symptom or failure mode you are experiencing (sagging, clunking, poor ride quality, etc.), identify the actual failed component. Common rear suspension repairs include: shock absorber replacement, trailing arm replacement, upper/lower control arm replacement, or spring replacement. Select the appropriate repair procedure for the identified component.
4
Lower Vehicle
If no immediate service is required, lower the vehicle from jack stands safely and remove the floor jack. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
Torque spec
Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

This procedure is informational only - no disassembly or reassembly is performed
Refer to the correct suspension component replacement procedure for your specific repair needs

Verification

Confirm the Hyundai Tucson suspension design through the owner's manual or service documentation
Visually verify independent suspension components are present at all four corners
If suspension service is needed, select the appropriate procedure for struts, shocks, control arms, or trailing arms

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