This procedure removes and replaces the rear coil springs on a 2015 Kia Forte, requiring suspension disassembly and the use of a spring compressor.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring × 2 — Use OEM specification or equivalent aftermarket
• Coil spring insulator (upper) × 2 — Inspect and replace if damaged
• Coil spring insulator (lower) × 2 — Inspect and replace if damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-recommended points on the chassis
5. Remove rear wheels completely
6. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil if corrosion is present, allow to soak 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear suspension
   Position a floor jack under the rear lower control arm near the wheel hub to support the weight of the suspension. Raise jack just enough to slightly compress the suspension and relieve tension on the upper strut mount. This will allow controlled lowering of the suspension in later steps.
2. 2

   Disconnect the sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connection at the lower control arm or strut assembly. Hold the shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning, then remove the sway bar link nut. Disconnect the link and move it aside.
   ℹ️The sway bar link shaft is designed to be held with an Allen key while loosening the nut to prevent spinning.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove the strut lower mounting bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the strut assembly to the rear knuckle/spindle. Remove both strut mounting bolts completely. Support the knuckle assembly to prevent it from dropping suddenly.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Lower the suspension to access the spring
   Slowly and carefully lower the floor jack supporting the control arm. As the suspension extends downward, the coil spring will become accessible. Lower until the spring is loose and tension-free. Do not force or allow components to drop suddenly.
   ⚠Lower the jack slowly and maintain control. Watch for brake lines, ABS sensor wires, and other components that may become strained as suspension extends.
5. 5

   Remove the coil spring and insulators
   Once tension is fully released, remove the coil spring from between the control arm and body. Remove the upper and lower spring insulators (rubber pads). Inspect insulators for cracks, compression damage, or deterioration and replace if necessary.
6. 6

   Install spring compressor on new spring (if required)
   If the new spring will not fit into position due to suspension geometry, install a coil spring compressor following manufacturer instructions. Compress the spring only enough to allow installation - typically 1-2 inches of compression. Ensure compressor hooks are securely engaged on opposite sides of the spring with equal compression.
   ⚠️Verify spring compressor is properly installed with hooks fully engaged before applying compression. Use only a quality spring compressor designed for automotive coil springs. Never use makeshift tools or chains.
7. 7

   Install spring insulators and new spring
   Place the lower spring insulator on the control arm spring seat in the correct orientation. Position the upper insulator on the body spring seat. Install the new coil spring, ensuring the spring ends are properly seated in the insulator grooves and aligned correctly. The spring end positioning is critical for proper operation.
   ⚠Spring ends must seat properly in the insulator recesses. Improper seating can cause noise, premature wear, and handling problems.
8. 8

   Raise suspension and reconnect strut
   Use the floor jack to carefully raise the control arm and compress the suspension. Align the strut assembly with the mounting holes on the knuckle/spindle. Install both strut mounting bolts and torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Remove spring compressor (if used)
   If a spring compressor was used, carefully and slowly release tension while ensuring the spring remains properly seated. Once all tension is on the suspension components and not the compressor, fully release and remove the compressor tool.
   ⚠️Release spring compressor tension gradually. Verify spring is properly seated before releasing compressor.
10. 10

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Reconnect the sway bar link to the mounting point. Hold the shaft with an Allen key and torque the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1 through 10 for the opposite rear spring. Both rear springs should be replaced as a pair to maintain balanced handling and ride height.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels and perform final torque
    Install rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle to the ground. With vehicle weight on wheels, torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Bounce the rear of the vehicle several times to settle the suspension.
    ℹ️Control arm bolts, if disturbed, must be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels. Verify all fasteners are properly torqued before driving.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all suspension fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Verify spring insulators are properly seated and springs are in correct position
3. Check for any interference between springs and brake lines or ABS sensor wires
4. All suspension work should be followed by a professional four-wheel alignment

Verification

• Bounce each rear corner of the vehicle and verify no unusual noises, spring contact sounds, or rattles
• Verify ride height appears equal on both sides
• Test drive at low speed in a safe area and verify normal handling and no abnormal noises
• Have vehicle professionally aligned to ensure proper tire wear and handling
• Re-check all torque specifications after 50-100 miles of driving

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