This procedure covers removal and installation of the rear strut assemblies on the 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson with the 2.5L I4 AWD engine, including proper torque specifications for suspension components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear strut assembly (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Rear strut assembly (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Strut tower mounting nuts (if corroded) × 6 — M10 flange nuts

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands under manufacturer-recommended lift points on the unibody frame rails
5. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside
6. Spray penetrating lubricant on strut-to-knuckle bolts, sway bar link nuts, and strut tower nuts (allow to soak 10-15 minutes)
7. Verify you have complete pre-assembled strut assemblies ready for installation

Procedure

1. 1

   Access rear strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the rear hatch or trunk. Fold down or remove the rear cargo area trim panels to access the strut tower mounting points. On some models, you may need to peel back carpet or remove plastic trim clips. Locate the three strut tower mounting nuts at the top of each strut assembly.
2. 2

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   Using a socket wrench, remove the three nuts securing the top of the strut assembly to the strut tower. Do not allow the strut to fall - it will still be connected at the bottom to the knuckle. Support the strut assembly from below if necessary.
   ⚠Have a helper support the strut assembly or use a jack to prevent it from falling once the top nuts are removed.
3. 3

   Disconnect stabilizer bar link (if interfering)
   If the sway bar link prevents strut removal, disconnect it from the strut assembly. Hold the internal shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning, then remove the upper sway bar link nut using a wrench or socket. Swing the link out of the way or disconnect completely if needed for clearance.
   ℹ️Not all model years require sway bar link disconnection. Assess clearance before proceeding.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts securing the bottom of the strut assembly to the rear knuckle. These are large bolts that pass through the strut bracket and knuckle assembly. Use a socket and wrench to remove both bolts completely. Note the orientation of any alignment marks or eccentric washers for reassembly.
   ⚠The strut assembly will be free to remove once these bolts are out. Support the strut to prevent it from falling.
5. 5

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   Carefully maneuver the strut assembly out from between the knuckle bracket and wheel well. You may need to angle it and work it past brake lines and ABS sensor wiring. Take care not to damage any surrounding components. Remove the strut completely from the vehicle.
6. 6

   Prepare new strut assembly for installation
   Inspect the new pre-assembled strut for shipping damage. Verify it matches the old unit in terms of mounting points and overall length. Transfer any necessary brackets, heat shields, or clips from the old strut to the new one if they were not included. Clean the strut tower mounting surface and knuckle mounting surfaces with a wire brush.
7. 7

   Install new strut assembly to knuckle
   Position the new strut assembly into the wheel well and align the lower mounting bracket with the knuckle. Insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts and hand-tighten the nuts. Ensure any alignment marks or eccentric washers are oriented exactly as they were during removal. Do not fully torque at this time.
8. 8

   Install strut tower mounting nuts
   Align the upper strut mount with the three mounting studs in the strut tower. Push the strut up into position and thread on all three strut tower nuts. Hand-tighten all three nuts evenly to ensure the mount seats properly against the tower.
9. 9

   Torque strut tower mounting nuts
   Using a torque wrench, tighten the three strut tower mounting nuts to specification in a star or cross pattern to ensure even loading of the mount. Verify all three nuts reach proper torque.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Torque strut-to-knuckle bolts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten both strut-to-knuckle bolts to specification. Ensure the knuckle and strut bracket are fully seated together before final torquing. These are critical fasteners for vehicle safety.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect stabilizer bar link
    If the sway bar link was disconnected, reconnect it to the strut assembly. Insert the link stud through the mounting point, install the nut, and hold the internal shaft with an Allen key while torquing the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1 through 11 for the opposite rear strut assembly. Ensure both sides are completed before proceeding to final steps.
13. 13

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both rear wheels, threading lug nuts by hand to ensure proper seating. Snug lug nuts in a star pattern with a wrench but do not fully torque yet. Carefully raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack, remove jack stands, and lower the vehicle completely to the ground so full weight is on all four wheels.
14. 14

    Torque wheel lug nuts
    With the vehicle on the ground, use a torque wrench to tighten all rear wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Make two complete passes to ensure even torque distribution.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall interior trim and final checks
    Return all rear cargo area trim panels, carpet, and clips to their original positions. Double-check that all tools have been removed from the vehicle and surrounding area. Verify no components were left loose or disconnected.

Reassembly

1. All suspension fasteners have been torqued to specification with proper technique
2. Wheel lug nuts torqued in star pattern with vehicle weight on wheels
3. Interior trim panels reinstalled and secured properly
4. All tools and old parts removed from vehicle area

Verification

• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after driving 50-100 miles to confirm proper seating
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area - listen for any unusual noises from rear suspension
• Check for proper steering return to center and stable tracking
• Visually inspect all fasteners after test drive to verify nothing has loosened
• Schedule a professional 4-wheel alignment within the next few days - rear strut replacement affects rear toe and camber settings
• Monitor vehicle handling over the next week - any pulling, unusual tire wear, or handling changes should be inspected immediately

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