Replace both front coil springs on a 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L by removing the strut assemblies, compressing and swapping the springs, then reinstalling the complete strut assemblies.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring (left) × 1 — Kia OEM 54630-A7000 or equivalent
• Front coil spring (right) × 1 — Kia OEM 54630-A7000 or equivalent
• Strut mount bearing (if worn) × 2 — Inspect and replace if needed
• Strut bump stop (if damaged) × 2 — Inspect and replace if needed
• Upper strut mount nuts (recommended) × 6 — Use new self-locking nuts

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands placed under the subframe or manufacturer-specified lift points
4. Remove both front wheels completely
5. Spray penetrating oil on strut tower nuts, strut-to-knuckle bolts, and sway bar link nuts if corrosion is present
6. Have a helper available or plan to support the strut assembly during removal and installation

Procedure

1. 1

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the hood and locate the strut tower in the engine bay. Remove the plastic strut tower cap if present. Identify the three 17mm nuts securing the top of the strut mount to the strut tower. Do NOT remove these nuts yet.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar end link connecting to the strut assembly. Use an Allen key to hold the ball stud shaft while loosening the upper nut with a 14mm socket. Remove the nut completely and disconnect the sway bar link from the strut. Allow the link to hang freely.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two horizontal bolts connecting the strut to the steering knuckle at the bottom of the strut assembly. These are large 18mm bolts with nuts on the backside. Support the steering knuckle with a jack or have a helper hold it. Remove both bolts completely. Note that the knuckle may need to be pried away from the strut using a pry bar. The knuckle will drop slightly when disconnected.
   ⚠Support the steering knuckle and brake assembly before removing the second bolt to prevent it from falling and damaging the brake hose or ABS sensor wire.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   Return to the engine bay and support the strut assembly from below or have a helper hold it from underneath. Remove the three 17mm nuts from the strut tower. Carefully lower the strut assembly down and out through the wheel well. Maneuver past the brake hose and ABS wiring as needed. Place the strut assembly on a clean work surface.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy (approximately 20-25 lbs). Support it adequately when removing the last tower nut to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

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

   Install spring compressor on old spring
   Place the strut assembly in a secure vise or on a stable surface. Install the spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart), ensuring the compressor hooks engage at least 3 full coils. Verify the compressors are seated properly and aligned straight with the spring axis. Alternately tighten each compressor evenly, checking alignment after every few turns.
   ⚠️Ensure spring compressor hooks are fully engaged on the coils and cannot slip. Never stand directly in line with the spring during compression. Wear safety glasses and keep hands clear of potential release paths.
6. 6

   Remove strut shaft nut and disassemble
   Continue compressing the spring until there is visible gap between the spring and the upper strut mount (approximately 10-15mm of free play). Use an Allen key (typically 6mm or 8mm) to hold the strut shaft from rotating while using a 14mm wrench to remove the strut shaft nut. Remove the nut, upper mount assembly, mount bearing, upper spring seat/isolator, bump stop, and dust boot. Keep all components in order and mark their orientation. Carefully remove the compressed spring from the strut body.
   ⚠️The spring must be adequately compressed before removing the shaft nut. If there is tension on the upper mount when attempting to remove the nut, compress the spring further. Releasing an improperly compressed spring can cause violent ejection of components.
7. 7

   Transfer components to new spring
   Inspect the strut mount bearing, bump stop, and dust boot for wear or damage. Replace if necessary. Install the spring compressor on the new coil spring in the same manner as removal, compressing it to approximately the same length as the old spring was compressed. Install the new compressed spring onto the strut body, ensuring the bottom coil seats properly in the lower spring seat. Install the dust boot, bump stop, upper spring seat/isolator (align the notch with the strut orientation mark), mount bearing, and upper mount assembly in the correct order and orientation matching the original configuration.
8. 8

   Install strut shaft nut and release spring
   Align the strut shaft through the upper mount assembly. Hold the shaft with an Allen key and install the new strut shaft nut. Tighten the nut to the specification marked on the strut mount (typically 50-60 Nm, but verify with manufacturer specification if different from strut tower nut spec). Once the shaft nut is fully torqued, carefully and evenly loosen both spring compressors alternately until the spring is fully seated against both the upper and lower spring seats. Remove the spring compressor tools completely.
   ⚠Release spring tension slowly and evenly on both compressors. Watch for proper spring seating. If the spring appears misaligned, stop and recompress to correct the position.
9. 9

   Install strut assembly into vehicle
   Lift the completed strut assembly up through the wheel well and align the three studs with the holes in the strut tower. Install the three new strut tower nuts finger-tight. Ensure the strut orientation matches the original installation (alignment tab or flat should face the correct direction). Support the bottom of the strut and align it with the steering knuckle mounting holes.
10. 10

    Connect strut to steering knuckle
    Align the strut bracket with the steering knuckle. You may need to use a pry bar to spread the knuckle slightly or align the bolt holes. Insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts from the front, install the nuts on the back side, and tighten to specification using an 18mm socket. Torque to 109 Nm (81 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Lift the sway bar end link up to the strut mounting point. Install the nut onto the ball stud. Hold the ball stud shaft with an Allen key while tightening the nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft) using a 14mm socket.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Torque strut tower nuts
    From the engine bay, torque the three strut tower nuts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) in a star pattern using a 17mm socket. Reinstall the plastic strut tower cap if equipped.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 2 through 12 for the opposite front strut assembly, ensuring all torque specifications are met and components are properly aligned.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both front wheels and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tires just touch the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Torque the lug nuts to 129 Nm (95 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove the jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are tightened to proper torque specifications
2. Double-check that spring compressors have been completely removed from both springs
3. Ensure brake hoses and ABS wiring are not pinched, stretched, or rubbing against any components
4. Check that sway bar links are properly connected and not twisted

Verification

• Bounce each front corner of the vehicle several times and verify the suspension rebounds smoothly without noise
• Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary and listen for any binding or rubbing noises
• Visually inspect under the vehicle to confirm all fasteners are installed and no tools or parts were left behind
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify normal handling and no unusual noises
• Have a professional front-end alignment performed immediately - new springs will affect camber, caster, and toe settings
• After driving 50-100 miles, re-torque all suspension fasteners and lug nuts to specification

More procedures for this vehicle