Replace the front strut bearing (upper strut mount bearing) to eliminate noise and restore proper steering function on a 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson with 2.5L AWD engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut bearing assembly (upper strut mount) × 1 — Use OEM Hyundai part or equivalent quality aftermarket
• Strut mount dust cover (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Strut bumper (if deteriorated) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Remove front wheel on side being serviced
6. Spray penetrating oil on strut tower nuts, strut-to-knuckle bolts, and sway bar link nuts if corrosion is present
7. Take photos of strut assembly orientation and component positioning for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   Open hood and locate the three strut tower mounting nuts at the top of the strut tower in the engine bay. On 2016-2024 Tucson models, these are accessed from above without removing any covers. Clean debris from around the nuts to prevent contamination during removal.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar link connection to the strut assembly. Using an Allen key to hold the ball joint shaft, remove the upper sway bar link nut connecting to the strut. Disconnect the link from the strut. The link can remain attached to the sway bar.
   ℹ️The ball joint shaft has an internal hex socket to prevent rotation during nut removal.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Support the knuckle assembly with a jack or suitable support. Locate the two strut-to-knuckle bolts at the bottom of the strut assembly. These are large pinch bolts that secure the strut to the steering knuckle. Remove both bolts completely. Note the orientation of any eccentric washers or alignment components.
   ⚠The knuckle assembly is heavy and will pivot when disconnected. Ensure adequate support to prevent damage to brake lines or ABS wiring.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   From the engine bay, remove the three strut tower mounting nuts that secure the top of the strut assembly. Have an assistant support the strut from below, or use a jack to support it, as removing these nuts will free the entire strut assembly. Do NOT allow the strut to drop.
   ⚠The strut assembly weighs approximately 15-20 lbs and will drop when the final nut is removed. Ensure proper support from below.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   Carefully guide the strut assembly down and out of the wheel well. Angle the bottom of the strut outward while lowering to clear the knuckle. Take care not to damage brake lines, ABS sensors, or other components. Place the strut assembly on a clean workbench.
6. 6

   Install spring compressors
   Install spring compressors on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart) following the compressor manufacturer's instructions. Ensure the compressor hooks are fully engaged with the spring coils and positioned in stable locations. Begin compressing the spring evenly, alternating between compressors to maintain even compression. Compress until there is visible gap between the upper spring seat and the spring (approximately 1-2 inches of unloaded space).
   ⚠️Spring compressors must be installed symmetrically and compressed evenly. Uneven compression can cause the spring to slip from the compressor with deadly force.
   ⚠️Use only spring compressors rated for automotive coil springs. Never improvise with clamps or other devices.
7. 7

   Remove strut shaft nut
   Using an Allen key or appropriate tool inserted into the top of the strut shaft to prevent rotation, remove the strut shaft nut at the center of the upper mount assembly. On Tucson models, the shaft typically has an 8mm hex socket. Keep all washers and note their installation order.
   ⚠The strut shaft MUST be held from rotating during nut removal. Allowing it to spin can damage internal valving.
8. 8

   Disassemble upper mount components
   Remove the upper strut mount assembly, strut bearing, upper spring seat, dust cover, and bumper. Note the exact orientation and order of all components. The strut bearing has a specific orientation with the bearing race facing upward. Inspect all components for wear, cracking, or deterioration. Replace the bumper and dust cover if damaged.
   ℹ️Take photos during disassembly to ensure correct reassembly sequence and orientation.
9. 9

   Install new strut bearing and components
   Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush. Install components in reverse order: bumper onto shaft, dust cover, upper spring seat (verify spring end seats properly in the seat's recess), new strut bearing (with bearing race facing upward and properly aligned), and upper mount. Ensure all components are seated properly and aligned according to your reference photos.
10. 10

    Install and torque strut shaft nut
    Install the strut shaft nut with all washers in their original positions. Hold the strut shaft from rotating using the Allen key in the shaft's hex socket. Torque the shaft nut to manufacturer specification (typically 55-65 Nm, though not provided in your torque list - verify from service manual). Verify the upper mount rotates freely on the bearing without binding.
    ⚠Verify the shaft nut torque specification from the vehicle service manual as this critical value was not provided in the torque database.
11. 11

    Remove spring compressors
    Carefully and evenly release the spring compressors, alternating between them to decompress the spring uniformly. As the spring expands, verify it seats correctly in both the upper and lower spring seats. Once the spring is fully seated and loaded, completely remove the compressors.
    ⚠️Release spring compressors slowly and evenly. Watch for any signs of spring misalignment or component shifting.
12. 12

    Reinstall strut assembly to vehicle
    Guide the strut assembly back into the wheel well, threading the upper mount studs through the strut tower holes. Align the bottom of the strut with the steering knuckle. Install the three strut tower nuts finger-tight from the engine bay.
13. 13

    Install strut-to-knuckle bolts
    Align the knuckle with the strut bracket and install both strut-to-knuckle bolts. Ensure any alignment marks or eccentric washers are positioned as originally installed. Torque bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Connect the sway bar link to the strut bracket. Install the nut while holding the ball joint shaft with an Allen key. Torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Torque strut tower nuts and reinstall wheel
    From the engine bay, torque the three strut tower nuts to specification in a star pattern. Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side if both strut bearings require replacement
2. After both sides are complete, verify proper wheel alignment - this repair does not typically affect alignment if components were reinstalled in original positions
3. Test drive in a safe area to verify elimination of noise and proper steering function

Verification

• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary - should be smooth with no clicking, popping, or binding
• Drive vehicle and verify no abnormal noises during steering input or over bumps
• Verify steering returns to center properly after turns
• Check for proper suspension operation with no clunking or rattling
• Inspect strut tower area for any fluid leaks (would indicate strut damage during service)
• Schedule professional wheel alignment if vehicle pulls to one side or steering wheel is off-center

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