This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear panhard bar (also called track bar or lateral control rod) on 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson AWD models with the 2.5L engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Panhard bar/lateral control rod × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Panhard bar mounting bolts × 2 — Use OEM specification or reuse if not damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at manufacturer-approved rear lift point
5. Support vehicle with jack stands under rear subframe or axle mounting points
6. Remove both rear wheels
7. Spray penetrating oil on panhard bar mounting bolt threads if hardware shows corrosion
8. Allow 10-15 minutes for penetrating oil to work if applied

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the panhard bar
   The panhard bar runs laterally (side-to-side) across the rear suspension, connecting the rear axle/subframe to the vehicle body on the opposite side. It is typically located near the rear differential, mounted horizontally with one end bolted to the chassis and the other to the rear suspension assembly. Identify both mounting points before proceeding.
2. 2

   Support the rear axle
   Position a floor jack under the center of the rear differential or rear axle assembly. Raise jack until it just makes contact and provides light support but does not lift the vehicle. This prevents the axle from shifting excessively when the panhard bar is removed. Ensure the jack is stable and properly centered.
3. 3

   Remove chassis-side mounting bolt
   Locate the panhard bar mounting bolt that attaches to the vehicle chassis/body (typically the driver's side). Using a 19mm or 21mm socket and ratchet (size may vary), remove the bolt and washer. You may need to hold the nut on the opposite side with a wrench. If the bolt is seized, apply additional penetrating oil and allow time to soak, or use a breaker bar for additional leverage. Remove the bolt completely and retain hardware if reusing.
4. 4

   Remove axle-side mounting bolt
   Locate the panhard bar mounting bolt that attaches to the rear axle or rear subframe (typically the passenger's side). Using the appropriate socket (typically 19mm or 21mm), remove this bolt and washer. The axle may shift slightly to one side when this bolt is removed - this is normal. Remove the bolt completely and retain hardware if reusing.
5. 5

   Remove the panhard bar
   Once both mounting bolts are removed, pull the panhard bar away from the mounting points. You may need to manipulate the bar or use a pry bar to work the bushings out of their mounting brackets. If the bar is stuck, tap gently with a rubber mallet. Remove the bar completely from the vehicle and set aside. Inspect the mounting bushings for wear, cracking, or deterioration.
6. 6

   Inspect mounting points and clean
   Inspect both mounting brackets on the chassis and axle for damage, cracks, or excessive rust. Check that mounting holes are clean and not elongated. Use a wire brush to clean the mounting surfaces and bolt threads. Clean any debris or corrosion from the mounting brackets to ensure proper seating of the new panhard bar.
7. 7

   Install new panhard bar
   Position the new panhard bar between the mounting points. The bar has specific orientation - verify the bushings are correctly positioned for their respective mounting sides (chassis vs. axle). Insert the bar into both mounting brackets. You may need to use the floor jack to slightly adjust the rear axle position to align the mounting holes. Do not force alignment - adjust axle position as needed.
8. 8

   Install mounting bolts finger-tight
   Insert both mounting bolts (chassis-side and axle-side) with their washers through the panhard bar bushings and brackets. Thread the bolts and nuts by hand until they are finger-tight. Do not torque at this stage. Ensure the bolts pass through cleanly without cross-threading. The bar should pivot freely on both mounting points.
9. 9

   Lower vehicle to load suspension
   Remove the jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle until the full weight is on the wheels but wheels are still just off the ground (suspension at normal ride height). This ensures the panhard bar bushings are in their neutral position before final torquing. Keep the floor jack supporting the rear axle in place during this process.
10. 10

    Torque panhard bar mounting bolts
    With the suspension loaded at normal ride height, torque both panhard bar mounting bolts to manufacturer specification. If the specification matches Control Arm Bolts from the torque list (165 Nm / 122 lb-ft), apply this torque. If not marked as a control arm application, use the appropriate torque for lateral control rod mounting bolts per factory service manual. Torque both the chassis-side and axle-side mounting bolts. Verify both bolts are fully seated and properly torqued.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Remove support jack and reinstall wheels
    Remove the floor jack from under the rear axle. Reinstall both rear wheels onto the hubs, threading lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even seating.
12. 12

    Lower vehicle and perform final torque
    Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Using a torque wrench, torque the rear wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even pressure distribution.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all mounting bolts are torqued to specification with vehicle at normal ride height
2. Verify no tools or parts are left under the vehicle
3. Double-check that wheel lug nuts are properly torqued

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no clunking or unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle to confirm the panhard bar is properly seated and both mounting bolts are secure
• Drive the vehicle on varied road surfaces and verify rear axle tracking feels stable with no excessive body roll or rear-end wander
• Consider having a professional alignment check performed if vehicle pulls to one side or steering feels off-center

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