This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both rear shock absorbers on a 2015 Kia Forte sedan with 1.8L engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear shock absorber × 2 — Use OEM specification or equivalent quality aftermarket
• Shock mounting hardware kit (if not included with shocks) × 1 — Upper mounting nuts and washers

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. If shock bolts are corroded, apply penetrating oil and allow to soak while preparing vehicle
4. Gather all tools and new parts before beginning work

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking point on rear subframe. Once elevated, place jack stands under chassis frame rails. Lower vehicle onto jack stands and verify stability. Remove both rear wheels completely.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Access upper shock mounting (driver side)
   Open trunk and remove trunk floor mat and spare tire cover to access upper shock tower area. Locate the upper shock mounting nuts in the wheel well area. On this vehicle, you may need to peel back or remove trunk liner clips for better access to the shock tower nuts.
3. 3

   Remove upper shock mounting nuts (driver side)
   Locate the upper shock mounting nuts at the shock tower. There are typically 2 nuts securing the upper mount. Use a wrench or socket to remove the upper mounting nuts. Hold the shock shaft from rotating if necessary. Do not allow the shock to fall once nuts are removed.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Support rear suspension
   Position a floor jack under the rear lower control arm or trailing arm to support the suspension assembly. Raise jack just enough to take slight tension off the shock absorber but do not lift the vehicle. This prevents the suspension from dropping when the shock is disconnected.
5. 5

   Remove lower shock mounting bolt (driver side)
   Locate the lower shock mounting bolt that connects the shock to the rear axle or lower suspension mount. Remove the bolt and nut securing the lower shock mount. You may need to use a pry bar to spread the mounting bracket slightly if the shock is tight in the mount. Remove the shock absorber from the vehicle by pulling it downward and out.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Install new shock absorber (driver side)
   Insert the new shock absorber into position, guiding the upper mount studs through the shock tower holes first. Push the lower shock body into the lower mounting bracket. Install the lower mounting bolt and nut finger-tight. Ensure shock is properly seated in both upper and lower mounts.
7. 7

   Torque driver side shock fasteners
   Install the upper mounting nuts onto the shock tower studs and torque to specification. Then torque the lower mounting bolt to specification. Ensure all fasteners are properly seated before applying final torque. Remove the supporting floor jack from under the control arm.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

   Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Replace passenger side shock absorber
   Repeat steps 2 through 7 for the passenger side rear shock absorber. Access the upper mounting area through the trunk, support the suspension, remove upper nuts and lower bolt, install new shock, and torque all fasteners to specification.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

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

   Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
   Install both rear wheels onto the hubs. Thread lug nuts on by hand and tighten in a star pattern finger-tight. Raise vehicle slightly with floor jack to 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)
10. 10

    Restore trunk area
    Reinstall any trunk liner clips or panels that were removed to access the shock towers. Replace spare tire cover and trunk floor mat. Ensure all items are properly secured and trunk closes normally.

Reassembly

1. Verify all shock mounting fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Confirm no tools or parts were left in trunk area or near suspension components
3. Check that trunk liner and floor mat are properly reinstalled

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from rear suspension
• Check for proper shock damping by pushing down on rear bumper - vehicle should rebound once and settle without bouncing
• Visually inspect shock mounting points after test drive to confirm no fasteners have loosened
• Verify trunk access panels are secure and trunk operates normally

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