This procedure covers removal and replacement of the front strut mount assemblies on a 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson with the 2.5L I4 AWD engine, including strut removal, mount replacement, and reinstallation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut mount assembly (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front strut mount assembly (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Strut mount bearing (if not included with mount) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Strut tower nuts (M10) × 6 — Replace if damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight, placed at manufacturer-specified support points on frame rails
6. Remove front wheels completely
7. Apply penetrating oil to strut-to-knuckle bolts, sway bar link nuts, and strut tower nuts; allow 15-30 minutes to penetrate if fasteners appear corroded

Procedure

1. 1

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the hood and locate the strut tower assembly in the engine compartment. Remove the plastic strut tower cover if equipped by gently prying or unclipping. You will see three nuts securing the top of the strut mount to the strut tower. Clean the area around the nuts with a wire brush to prevent dirt from falling into the assembly.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the strut assembly. Using an Allen key to hold the ball stud shaft from rotating, remove the upper nut securing the sway bar link to the strut with a 14mm or 17mm socket. Allow the sway bar link to hang freely or support it with wire to prevent strain on the lower connection.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove brake line and ABS sensor brackets
   Identify any brake line clips or ABS wheel speed sensor brackets attached to the strut assembly. Remove mounting bolts or clips securing these components to the strut. Carefully position brake lines and sensors away from the work area to prevent damage during strut removal. Do not disconnect brake lines or sensor connectors.
4. 4

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the bottom of the strut to the steering knuckle. These are typically 17mm or 19mm bolts. Using a breaker bar if necessary, remove both bolts completely. Support the knuckle and lower control arm with a floor jack or jack stand to prevent the assembly from dropping suddenly. Note the orientation of any alignment cams or eccentric washers for reassembly.
   ⚠The knuckle assembly will become free to pivot once these bolts are removed. Ensure it is adequately supported to prevent damage to CV axle, brake line, or ABS sensor.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   From the engine compartment, hold the strut shaft with a wrench or socket if it begins to spin, then remove the three nuts securing the strut mount to the strut tower using a 14mm socket. Keep these nuts organized as they will be reused if in good condition.
   ⚠Have an assistant support the strut assembly from below, or use a jack to prevent the strut from falling once the top nuts are removed.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   Carefully guide the strut assembly down and out of the wheel well, tilting as necessary to clear the wheel well opening. Remove the assembly from the vehicle and place on a clean work surface. Inspect the strut body for leaks or damage; if the strut is leaking or damaged, consider replacing the complete strut assembly rather than just the mount.
7. 7

   Install spring compressors
   Install coil spring compressors on the strut spring according to the compressor manufacturer's instructions. Position compressors opposite each other (180 degrees apart) on the spring. Tighten compressors gradually and evenly, alternating between them, until the spring is compressed enough that tension is relieved from the top mount. The mount should move freely when adequately compressed.
   ⚠️Ensure spring compressors are properly engaged on the spring coils and rated for the load. Never place any body part in line with the compressed spring. Wear safety glasses and work slowly.
8. 8

   Disassemble strut mount
   Secure the strut body in a strut vice or holding fixture. Using a socket on the strut shaft nut (typically 17mm or 19mm) and a wrench or Allen key to hold the shaft from rotating, remove the top nut. Carefully remove the upper mount assembly, bearing plate, spring seat, dust boot, and bump stop. Note the orientation and order of all components for reassembly. Inspect the bearing for smooth rotation; replace if notchy or binding.
9. 9

   Install new strut mount
   Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush. Install components onto the strut shaft in the correct order: bump stop, dust boot, coil spring (with compressors still attached), lower spring seat, bearing, upper spring seat, and new strut mount. Ensure the spring ends are properly seated in the recesses of both spring seats. Align the mount stud positions to match the strut tower bolt hole pattern.
10. 10

    Secure strut shaft nut
    Thread the strut shaft nut onto the shaft and tighten while holding the shaft from rotating. Torque to manufacturer specification (typically 50-70 Nm, verify with service information). Ensure all components are properly seated and aligned before final torque.
11. 11

    Release spring compressors
    Carefully and gradually release tension on the spring compressors, alternating between them to decompress evenly. Verify that the spring seats properly in both upper and lower spring seat recesses as tension is released. Once fully decompressed and seated, remove the spring compressors completely.
    ⚠If the spring does not seat properly or components appear misaligned, recompress the spring and correct the issue before proceeding.
12. 12

    Reinstall strut assembly to vehicle
    Guide the strut assembly back into the wheel well, aligning the upper mount studs with the holes in the strut tower. Have an assistant support the strut from below if necessary. From the engine compartment, install the three strut tower nuts onto the mount studs and hand-tighten. Do not fully torque at this time.
13. 13

    Reconnect strut to steering knuckle
    Position the steering knuckle to align with the strut mounting holes. Insert the strut-to-knuckle bolts and ensure any alignment cams or eccentric washers are oriented as originally noted during disassembly. Install nuts and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Torque strut tower nuts and reconnect components
    From the engine compartment, torque the three strut tower nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even seating. Reconnect the sway bar link to the strut, holding the ball stud shaft with an Allen key while torquing the nut. Reattach all brake line brackets and ABS sensor brackets that were removed earlier.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

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

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the front wheel, threading lug nuts by hand initially to prevent cross-threading. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Repeat the entire procedure for the opposite side if replacing both mounts. Lower the vehicle carefully from jack stands to the ground. With vehicle weight on the suspension, perform a final torque check on all wheel lug nuts.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall strut tower plastic cover in engine compartment if equipped
2. Verify all tools and parts have been removed from work area
3. Check that all fasteners have been properly torqued to specification
4. Ensure brake lines and ABS sensors are properly secured and routed with no interference or strain

Verification

• Before driving, bounce each corner of the vehicle to verify struts are functioning and no unusual noises are present
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area, checking for unusual noises, vibrations, or handling issues
• Verify steering returns to center properly and there is no pulling to either side
• Listen for clunking or rattling noises over bumps that might indicate loose fasteners or improperly seated components
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as soon as possible, as camber and toe settings have likely been affected
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque all suspension fasteners to specification to account for settling

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