suspension

Front Struts - Pair

for 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L I4 · FWD

Difficulty

Advanced

Time

2.5 h

Tools

Steps

Replace both front strut assemblies on a 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L, including removal of strut-to-knuckle connections and upper strut tower mounts.

Warnings

⚠️Strut assemblies contain high-tension coil springs that can cause severe injury or death if improperly handled. Use proper spring compressors and follow all manufacturer instructions.

⚠️This is a safety-critical suspension component. Improper installation can result in loss of vehicle control, serious injury, or death. If you are not experienced with suspension work, seek professional assistance.

⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.

⚠Fasteners may be corroded or seized. Apply penetrating oil 30+ minutes before disassembly if vehicle is from a rust-prone area.

⚠All torque specifications are CRITICAL for this job. Use a calibrated torque wrench and verify settings before final tightening.

Tools required

Floor jackEssential

Jack stands (2)Essential

Torque wrench (10-200 Nm range)Essential

19mm socket for lug nutsEssential

18mm wrench and socketEssential

14mm wrench and socketEssential

17mm wrench and socketEssential

Spring compressor setEssential

Breaker barEssential

Pry bar

Wire brush

Penetrating oil

Allen key set (for sway bar link)Essential

Wheel chocksEssential

Parts

Front strut assembly (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
Front strut assembly (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket

Preparation

Park vehicle on level, paved surface and engage parking brake
Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated front jacking point
Support vehicle on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified support points on frame rails
Remove both front wheels completely
Spray all fasteners to be removed with penetrating oil and allow to soak if corrosion is present

Procedure

1
Disconnect sway bar link (both sides)
Locate the sway bar end link connection to the strut. Insert an Allen key into the shaft of the sway bar link stud to prevent rotation. Using a wrench on the nut, remove the sway bar link nut from the strut connection. The link will remain attached to the sway bar. Repeat for opposite side.
Torque spec
Sway Bar Link58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
2
Access upper strut tower nuts
Open the hood. Locate the strut tower in the engine bay behind each front wheel well. You will see three nuts securing the top of the strut assembly to the strut tower. Do NOT remove these yet. Mark the position of the upper mount for reference during reinstallation.
3
Remove brake line and ABS sensor brackets
Locate any brake line clips or ABS wheel speed sensor brackets attached to the strut body. Remove mounting bolts or clips securing these components to the strut. Carefully move the brake line and sensor wire away from the strut to prevent damage during removal. Do not disconnect hydraulic brake lines.
⚠Do not kink, bend, or damage the brake line or ABS sensor wire. Damage may result in brake failure or ABS malfunction.
Torque spec
Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
4
Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
Locate the two large bolts connecting the bottom of the strut to the steering knuckle. These are horizontal bolts passing through the knuckle and strut bracket. Support the knuckle with one hand or a jack. Remove both strut-to-knuckle bolts completely. The knuckle may want to drop or swing outward; control this movement.
⚠The knuckle assembly will become loose and may drop when bolts are removed. Support it to prevent damage to CV axle, brake components, or control arm.
Torque spec
Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts116 Nm (86 lb-ft)
5
Remove upper strut tower nuts
Return to the engine bay. While supporting the strut assembly from below (or having an assistant support it), remove the three upper strut tower nuts. The strut assembly is now free and can be lowered out of the wheel well. Carefully maneuver the strut assembly out, being mindful of brake lines and other components.
⚠The strut assembly is heavy and awkward. Ensure you have a firm grip and clear path to remove it without damaging surrounding components.
Torque spec
Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
6
Transfer components or install complete assembly
If installing a complete strut assembly (strut with spring and mount pre-assembled), proceed to step 7. If transferring components from old strut, use spring compressors to safely compress the coil spring, remove the upper strut shaft nut, disassemble components, and reassemble onto new strut. Follow spring compressor manufacturer instructions exactly. Ensure spring is properly seated in upper and lower perches before releasing compression.
⚠️Coil spring under compression stores tremendous energy. Never remove strut shaft nut without spring compressors properly installed. Ensure compressors are threaded fully and evenly on both sides of spring.
7
Install new strut assembly into strut tower
Position the new strut assembly up into the wheel well, aligning the upper mounting studs with the holes in the strut tower. Install the three upper strut tower nuts finger-tight. Do not fully torque at this time. Ensure the strut orientation matches the original position noted during disassembly.
8
Connect strut to knuckle
Align the steering knuckle with the strut mounting bracket. You may need to pull the knuckle outward slightly or use a pry bar to align the bolt holes. Insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts and install nuts. Torque both strut-to-knuckle bolts to specification in a cross pattern.
⚠Ensure bolts pass through all mounting holes cleanly. Do not force or cross-thread fasteners.
Torque spec
Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts116 Nm (86 lb-ft)
9
Torque upper strut tower nuts
Return to the engine bay. Torque the three upper strut tower nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even loading of the mount.
Torque spec
Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
10
Reattach brake line and ABS sensor brackets
Reinstall any brake line clips and ABS sensor wire brackets to the strut body. Torque mounting bolts to specification. Ensure wires and lines are properly routed and not stretched, kinked, or in contact with moving parts.
Torque spec
Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
11
Reconnect sway bar link
Align the sway bar end link with the connection point on the strut. Install the sway bar link nut. Hold the stud shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation, and torque the nut to specification.
Torque spec
Sway Bar Link58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
12
Repeat for opposite side
Perform steps 1 through 11 for the opposite front strut assembly. Ensure all torque specifications are met and all components are properly reinstalled.
13
Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
Install both front wheels and thread lug nuts on by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern until snug but not fully torqued. Carefully raise vehicle slightly with floor jack to unload jack stands. Remove jack stands. Lower vehicle completely to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
Torque spec
Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

Double-check all fasteners are tightened to proper torque specifications
Verify no tools or parts are left in engine bay or wheel wells
Ensure brake lines and ABS sensor wires are properly secured and routed
Close hood securely

Verification

With vehicle on level ground, bounce each front corner of the vehicle several times. Struts should dampen movement smoothly without noise, binding, or excessive bouncing
Visually inspect all connection points for proper installation and torque
Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area. Listen for any clunking, rattling, or unusual noises from front suspension
Verify steering feel is normal and vehicle tracks straight without pulling
Schedule a professional wheel alignment within 50 miles of this repair, as strut replacement affects alignment settings