This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear strut assembly on a 2015 Kia Forte, including disconnection from the knuckle and upper mounting points.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear strut assembly (left or right as needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent (KYB, Monroe)
• Strut-to-knuckle bolts and nuts (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Lift rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated lift points on rear subframe
5. Support vehicle with jack stands placed securely under chassis rails
6. Remove rear wheel completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on strut-to-knuckle bolts and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes if fasteners appear corroded

Procedure

1. 1

   Access upper strut mounting nuts
   Open the trunk and locate the strut tower access panel. On the Forte, this is typically a plastic cover or carpet panel directly above the strut tower on the inner side of the trunk. Remove any fasteners or clips securing the panel and set aside. You should see three upper mounting nuts accessible from inside the trunk.
2. 2

   Support the knuckle and lower control arm
   Position a floor jack under the lower control arm or knuckle to support the weight of the suspension. Raise the jack just enough to take the load off the strut, but do not lift the vehicle. This prevents the suspension from dropping when the strut is disconnected. Alternatively, use wire or a bungee cord to support the knuckle from the chassis.
3. 3

   Disconnect sway bar link (if necessary)
   If the sway bar link interferes with strut removal, disconnect it from the strut or knuckle. Hold the shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning and remove the upper nut using a wrench or socket. Once disconnected, secure the sway bar link out of the way.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the bottom of the strut to the rear knuckle. These are horizontal bolts passing through the strut bracket and knuckle. Using a wrench to hold the nut on the back side and a socket on the bolt head, remove both strut-to-knuckle bolts completely. Note the orientation of any eccentric washers or alignment shims if present (though this vehicle typically has none). You may need to use a breaker bar due to the high torque specification.
   ⚠Ensure the knuckle is properly supported before removing these bolts to prevent sudden suspension drop.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts116 Nm (86 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Separate strut from knuckle
   Pull the bottom of the strut away from the knuckle. If the strut is stuck in the knuckle bracket, use a pry bar to carefully separate them. Be careful not to damage the knuckle or any nearby brake lines or ABS sensors. The strut should pull free from the knuckle bracket.
6. 6

   Remove upper strut mounting nuts
   From inside the trunk, use a socket wrench to remove the three nuts securing the top of the strut to the strut tower. Hold the center shaft with an Allen key or appropriate tool if the shaft begins to spin (some struts have a hex feature on top). Keep track of any washers or insulators on the studs.
   ⚠Support the strut assembly from below as you remove the last upper nut to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   Carefully lower and maneuver the strut assembly out through the wheel well. You may need to angle it and rotate it to clear the suspension components and body. Remove the upper mounting insulators and washers from the strut studs if they did not remain in the strut tower. Inspect all rubber components for wear.
8. 8

   Install new strut assembly
   Transfer any reusable components from the old strut to the new one if necessary (check that new strut includes upper mount, spring, and bumper as a complete assembly). Position the new strut assembly into the wheel well and guide the upper mounting studs through the holes in the strut tower. Install the upper insulators and washers onto the studs from inside the trunk.
9. 9

   Install and torque upper mounting nuts
   Thread the three upper mounting nuts onto the studs hand-tight. Use a torque wrench to tighten all three nuts to specification in a star pattern. If the shaft spins, hold it with an Allen key from the top of the strut.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect strut to knuckle
    Align the bottom of the strut with the mounting bracket on the knuckle. You may need to use the floor jack to raise or lower the knuckle slightly to align the bolt holes. Insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts from the front, ensuring they pass completely through both the strut and knuckle brackets. Thread the nuts onto the bolts hand-tight.
11. 11

    Torque strut-to-knuckle bolts
    Using a torque wrench and holding the nut with a wrench on the back side, torque both strut-to-knuckle bolts to specification. Ensure the strut bracket is fully seated against the knuckle before final torquing.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts116 Nm (86 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect sway bar link (if disconnected)
    If the sway bar link was disconnected, reattach it to the strut or knuckle. Install the nut and torque to specification while holding the shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheel, threading lug nuts by hand initially. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern snug but not to final torque. Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. Once the vehicle weight is fully on the wheels, torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall trunk access panel or carpet covering the strut tower
2. Remove wheel chocks from front wheels
3. Verify all tools and parts have been removed from vehicle
4. If both rear struts were replaced, repeat procedure for opposite side

Verification

• Bounce each corner of the rear of the vehicle several times and verify the suspension returns smoothly without noise
• Verify no rattles or clunks from the rear suspension when bouncing
• Check that all fasteners are tight and properly torqued
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify normal handling and no unusual noises
• Listen for any knocking or rattling over bumps that would indicate loose fasteners
• Schedule a four-wheel alignment check if recommended by your service facility, though rear strut replacement typically does not affect alignment on this vehicle

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