This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both rear coil springs on a 2015 Kia Forte with 1.8L I4 engine, requiring suspension disassembly and the use of a spring compressor.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Spring isolator pads (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake.
2. Chock the front wheels securely.
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground.
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-designated lift point.
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under rear subframe or designated support points. Ensure stands are rated for vehicle weight.
6. Remove both rear wheels completely.
7. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak.
8. Inspect coil springs and surrounding components for damage or excessive corrosion.

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear knuckle assembly
   Position a floor jack under the rear knuckle/strut assembly to support its weight. Raise jack until it just contacts the lower control arm near the spring perch. This will control the descent of the suspension when fasteners are removed.
   ⚠The jack must remain in position throughout spring removal to prevent sudden suspension drop.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connecting to the lower control arm or strut assembly. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft while loosening the nut with a wrench. Remove the nut and disconnect the sway bar link from the lower mounting point. Allow link to hang free or support with wire if needed.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove lower strut mounting bolt
   Locate the lower strut mounting bolt connecting the strut to the rear knuckle. This is typically a large pinch-type bolt. Remove the bolt completely while supporting the strut assembly with the floor jack. The knuckle may need to be pried slightly to release the strut.
   ⚠Keep hands clear of pinch point between strut and knuckle during separation.
   Torque spec

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

   Lower suspension to access spring
   Carefully and slowly lower the floor jack supporting the knuckle assembly. This will allow the lower control arm to drop and create space to access the coil spring. Lower until the spring is loose but still captured between the upper and lower spring seats. Do NOT allow suspension to drop uncontrolled.
   ⚠️Lower suspension slowly and in a controlled manner. Sudden release can cause components to shift violently.
5. 5

   Install spring compressor
   Install coil spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the spring (180 degrees apart), ensuring the compressor hooks are properly seated in the coil grooves and not at risk of slipping. Follow the spring compressor manufacturer's instructions precisely. Ensure equal compression on both sides by alternating tightening.
   ⚠️Verify compressor hooks are fully engaged in spring coils before applying compression. Slippage can cause catastrophic release of spring energy.
   ⚠️Compress spring evenly by alternating between compression points. Uneven compression can cause binding or sudden release.
6. 6

   Compress and remove spring
   Slowly compress the spring by tightening the compressor tools in small increments, alternating between both sides. Compress until the spring is fully relieved of tension and can be removed from the spring seats. Note the orientation of any rubber isolators or spring pads. Remove the compressed spring assembly from the vehicle.
   ⚠️Keep face and body clear of compressed spring at all times. Maintain firm grip on spring during removal.
7. 7

   Transfer spring compressor to new spring
   With the old spring still compressed and secured, install the new spring in the compressor following the same orientation as the old spring. Ensure rubber isolator pads are positioned correctly on the new spring (top and bottom). Compress the new spring to approximately the same length as the old compressed spring for installation.
   ⚠Compare orientation marks and isolator positions between old and new springs to ensure correct installation.
8. 8

   Install new spring
   Position the compressed new spring into the lower spring seat, ensuring the spring end aligns with the locating tab or notch in the seat. Verify the upper isolator pad is properly positioned. Carefully raise the floor jack under the knuckle to guide the upper spring seat into contact with the spring.
   ⚠Ensure spring ends are properly seated in locating features before releasing compression.
9. 9

   Release spring compressor
   Continue raising the jack slowly while ensuring the spring remains properly aligned in both upper and lower seats. Once the suspension is raised enough to begin loading the spring naturally, carefully and gradually release the spring compressor tension in small increments, alternating between sides. Once spring is fully seated and loaded by suspension weight, remove compressor tools completely.
   ⚠️Release compressor tension gradually and evenly. Monitor spring alignment continuously during release.
10. 10

    Reconnect lower strut mounting
    Raise the floor jack to align the strut with the knuckle mounting point. Install the lower strut mounting bolt and tighten to specification. You may need to use a pry bar or alignment punch to align the mounting holes.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Reconnect the sway bar link to the lower mounting point. Install the nut and tighten to specification while holding the shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation.
    Torque spec

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

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1 through 11 for the opposite rear coil spring. Use the same careful procedures for spring compression, removal, and installation.
13. 13

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle carefully off jack stands using floor jack. Once vehicle weight is on wheels, torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all suspension fasteners are tightened to proper specifications.
2. Remove wheel chocks from front wheels.
3. Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify normal suspension operation and listen for any unusual noises.
4. Schedule a professional wheel alignment within 24 hours of completing this repair.

Verification

• Visually inspect that both rear springs are properly seated in upper and lower spring seats with no gaps.
• Verify all suspension fasteners are installed and properly torqued.
• Check that vehicle sits level from side to side with no sagging.
• Bounce each rear corner of the vehicle and verify springs compress and rebound normally without noise.
• Test drive and verify no clunking, rattling, or abnormal handling characteristics.
• Confirm wheel alignment is scheduled or completed to prevent tire wear and handling issues.

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