Replace the rear strut mount (upper strut bearing assembly) to eliminate noise, vibration, or clunking from the rear suspension on 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson AWD models with 2.5L engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear strut mount assembly × 1 — OEM 55311-D3000 or equivalent
• Strut tower nuts (if corroded) × 3 — M10 flange nuts
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated rear jacking point
5. Support vehicle on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified frame points
6. Remove rear wheel completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on strut tower nuts and any fasteners that will be removed, allow to soak
8. Verify spring compressor is in good working condition before beginning

Procedure

1. 1

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the rear cargo area. Remove the cargo floor cover and side trim panel on the side being serviced to expose the rear strut tower. You will see three nuts securing the strut mount to the tower. On some models, you may need to fold down the rear seat for better access.
2. 2

   Support rear knuckle assembly
   Position a floor jack with a block of wood under the rear knuckle/hub assembly to support the suspension weight. Raise jack just enough to take tension off the strut, but do not lift the vehicle. This prevents the suspension from dropping when the strut is disconnected.
   ⚠Do not raise the jack too high or you may stress suspension components. Just barely support the weight.
3. 3

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   From inside the cargo area, use a 14mm socket to remove the three nuts securing the strut mount to the strut tower. Hold the nuts while turning to prevent dropping them into the body cavity. Do NOT allow the strut shaft to spin. Keep track of any washers or insulators.
   ⚠The strut assembly will now be held only by the lower mounting bolts. Ensure the jack is supporting the knuckle.
4. 4

   Disconnect sway bar link (if necessary)
   If clearance is limited, disconnect the rear sway bar end link from the strut or control arm. Use a 14mm wrench on the nut and hold the shaft with a 6mm Allen key to prevent spinning. Remove the upper nut connecting the link to the strut.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two large bolts connecting the strut to the rear knuckle at the bottom of the strut assembly. Use a 19mm socket and wrench to remove both bolts. You may need to use a breaker bar if bolts are seized. Support the strut assembly as you remove the second bolt.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy (approximately 15-20 lbs). Control it as the final bolt is removed.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   Carefully lower the jack supporting the knuckle slightly to create clearance. Tilt and maneuver the strut assembly downward and out from the wheel well. The top of the strut will pull down through the strut tower opening. Set the assembly on a clean workbench.
7. 7

   Install spring compressor
   Install the coil spring compressor according to the tool manufacturer's instructions. Ensure the compressor hooks are properly seated in the coil spring grooves, positioned 180 degrees apart. Compress the spring evenly, alternating sides, until there is visible gap between the upper spring seat and the spring (approximately 1 inch of free play).
   ⚠️Ensure spring compressor is properly engaged before tightening. Uneven compression or tool slippage can cause violent spring release. Compress slowly and evenly.
8. 8

   Remove strut shaft nut
   While holding the strut shaft with a 6mm or 8mm Allen key inserted into the top of the shaft, use a 17mm socket to remove the strut shaft nut. Keep your face and body clear of the spring axis during removal.
   ⚠️Even with a compressed spring, energy remains stored. Do not remove the compressor until reassembly is complete.
9. 9

   Disassemble strut components
   Remove the upper strut mount, bearing, upper spring seat, bump stop, and dust boot. Note the orientation and order of all components—take photos if necessary. Inspect the spring for damage or cracks. Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush.
10. 10

    Install new strut mount and reassemble
    Install components in reverse order: dust boot, bump stop, spring (ensure proper orientation with pigtail end positioned correctly), upper spring seat, bearing, and new strut mount. Ensure the spring ends are seated in the locating tabs of both the lower and upper spring seats. Align the strut mount orientation marks if present.
    ⚠Spring orientation is critical. The coil end pigtails must seat in the spring seat locating tabs or the spring may shift during operation.
11. 11

    Install and torque strut shaft nut
    Thread the strut shaft nut onto the shaft while holding it with the Allen key. Apply a small amount of anti-seize to the threads. Torque the shaft nut to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) while preventing shaft rotation with the Allen key.
    ⚠This nut secures the entire strut mount assembly. Ensure proper torque is achieved.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Release spring compressor
    Slowly and evenly release the spring compressor, alternating sides. Ensure the spring seats properly as tension is released. Once fully released and spring is seated correctly in both upper and lower seats, remove the compressor tool completely.
13. 13

    Reinstall strut assembly to vehicle
    Lift the strut assembly into position, guiding the upper mount studs through the strut tower holes from underneath. You may need to raise the jack under the knuckle slightly to align. Thread the three upper strut tower nuts onto the studs hand-tight from inside the cargo area.
14. 14

    Connect strut to knuckle
    Align the strut lower bracket with the knuckle mounting holes. Install both strut-to-knuckle bolts and hand-tighten. Torque both bolts to 122 Nm (90 lb-ft) using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Torque strut tower nuts and reconnect sway bar
    From inside the cargo area, torque the three strut tower nuts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) in a star pattern. If you disconnected the sway bar link, reconnect it now. Hold the link shaft with a 6mm Allen key and torque the nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground (vehicle weight not fully on wheels yet). Torque wheel lug nuts to 136 Nm (100 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Reinstall cargo area trim panels.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification using a calibrated torque wrench
2. Verify spring is properly seated in upper and lower spring seats with no gaps or misalignment
3. Check that strut mount rotates freely if bearing-type mount is used
4. Reinstall all cargo area trim and floor covers removed during access

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle in a safe area at low speed, listening for any clunking, rattling, or abnormal noises from the rear suspension
• Drive over speed bumps slowly to verify the strut mount is functioning properly without noise
• Verify steering returns to center properly and there is no pulling to one side (though alignment may still be needed)
• Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment check within one week of this repair, as suspension work can affect alignment settings
• Re-torque all fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving to ensure nothing has loosened

More procedures for this vehicle