This procedure covers the replacement of both rear shock absorbers on the 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson 2.5L AWD, including removal of wheel assemblies and disconnection of upper mounting hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear shock absorber × 2 — Use OEM specification or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground, but do not remove
4. Lift rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated rear subframe jacking point
5. Place jack stands under rear subframe or pinch weld locations per owner's manual
6. Lower vehicle onto jack stands, ensuring secure and stable support
7. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside

Procedure

1. 1

   Access upper shock mounting area
   Open rear hatch and fold down rear seat backs. Locate and remove the rear cargo area side trim panels to access the upper shock tower mounting nuts. On each side, carefully pry or unclip the trim panel covering the shock tower. The upper mounting nuts are accessible from inside the cargo area.
2. 2

   Support rear suspension
   Position a floor jack under the rear lower control arm or rear knuckle on the side being serviced. Raise jack just enough to support the weight of the suspension and take slight tension off the shock absorber. Do not lift the vehicle, only support the suspension component to prevent it from dropping when the shock is disconnected.
3. 3

   Remove upper shock mounting nuts
   From inside the cargo area, locate the upper shock tower mounting nuts. Use a 14mm socket to remove the upper mounting nuts securing the shock absorber to the body. There are typically 2 nuts on the upper mount. Keep the nuts and washers for reinstallation or new hardware if provided with replacement shocks.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove lower shock mounting bolt
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the lower shock mounting bolt where the shock attaches to the rear knuckle or lower mounting bracket. Use an 18mm socket and wrench to remove the lower mounting bolt. The bolt typically passes through the shock eye and the mounting bracket. Support the shock as you remove the final fastener to prevent it from falling.
5. 5

   Remove shock absorber
   With upper and lower mounts disconnected, carefully lower the floor jack supporting the suspension slightly to create clearance. Guide the shock absorber down and out from its mounting position. Remove the shock from the wheel well area. Inspect the mounting bushings and hardware for wear or damage.
6. 6

   Prepare new shock absorber
   Remove new shock absorber from packaging. Inspect the new shock for any shipping damage. If the shock has a dust boot or protective cover, ensure it is properly positioned. Transfer any necessary hardware from the old shock to the new one if not included with the replacement parts. Verify upper mounting hardware is in place.
7. 7

   Install new shock absorber
   Position the new shock absorber into the mounting location, guiding the upper mount studs through the shock tower holes from underneath. Use the floor jack to raise the suspension slightly to align the lower shock eye with the mounting bracket. Insert the lower mounting bolt through the shock eye and bracket but do not fully tighten yet.
8. 8

   Secure upper mounting nuts
   From inside the cargo area, install the upper mounting nuts onto the shock tower studs. Hand tighten the nuts initially, then torque to specification using a torque wrench and 14mm socket. Ensure washers are properly positioned under the nuts.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Torque lower mounting bolt
   With the suspension still supported by the floor jack in a normal ride height position, torque the lower shock mounting bolt to specification. Use an 18mm socket and torque wrench. Hold the opposite side with a wrench if necessary to prevent the bolt from spinning.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Repeat for opposite side
    Lower the floor jack from the first side and reposition it to support the opposite rear suspension. Repeat steps 2 through 9 for the second rear shock absorber. Ensure both shocks are installed with matching orientation and all fasteners are properly torqued.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both rear wheels, hand tightening the lug nuts in a star pattern. Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack to remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Once the vehicle weight is on the wheels, torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall interior trim
    Return to the rear cargo area and reinstall the side trim panels covering the shock towers. Ensure all clips are properly seated and the trim is secure. Return rear seat backs to their normal positions and close the rear hatch.

Reassembly

1. All fasteners must be torqued to specification with vehicle at normal ride height
2. Verify all interior trim panels are properly secured and seated
3. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the cargo area or wheel wells

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle on a smooth road and listen for any unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Check for proper shock damping by bouncing each rear corner - vehicle should settle after 1-2 bounces
• Re-check torque on all fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving
• Verify shock absorbers are not leaking fluid and upper mounts show no signs of movement or noise
• Confirm vehicle ride height is even side-to-side and handling feels balanced

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