Replace the front strut mount assemblies on a 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L, which connects the strut assembly to the vehicle body and provides steering pivot functionality.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut mount assembly × 2 — Use OEM specification (546102H000)
• Strut mount bearing × 2 — Often included with mount assembly
• Bump stop and dust boot kit × 1 — Replace if damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at frame rails
6. Remove both front wheels completely
7. Take photos of strut orientation and component positioning for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar link connecting to the strut assembly. Use a 6mm Allen key to hold the ball stud shaft while loosening the upper nut with a 14mm wrench or socket. Remove the nut and disconnect the link from the strut. If ball joint spins freely, use locking pliers on the shaft boot area (not threads).
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove brake line bracket from strut
   Locate the brake line bracket mounted to the strut body. Remove the mounting bolt or clip securing the brake line to the strut. Carefully position the brake line away from the work area without kinking or stressing the line. Do not disconnect the brake line itself.
   ⚠Do not bend or kink the brake line. Excessive stress can cause internal damage requiring line replacement.
3. 3

   Remove strut-to-knuckle pinch bolts
   Locate the two bolts securing the strut to the steering knuckle at the bottom of the strut assembly. These are pinch-style bolts with nuts on the back side. Use an 18mm socket and wrench to remove both bolts completely. Note the orientation of any alignment cams or markings before removal.
   ⚠Mark cam bolt positions if equipped with adjustable alignment cams to preserve approximate alignment settings.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts116 Nm (86 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Separate knuckle from strut
   Using a pry bar or careful hammer taps on a drift punch, spread the pinch joint slightly to release the strut from the steering knuckle. The knuckle has a slot that clamps around the strut. Support the knuckle/hub assembly to prevent damage to CV axle or brake components as it drops. You may need to rotate the steering to full lock for clearance.
   ⚠Support the knuckle assembly to prevent stress on CV axle and brake components. Do not let it hang by the brake hose.
5. 5

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the hood and locate the strut tower mounting points. Remove the plastic strut tower cap or cover if present. You will see three nuts (14mm) securing the top of the strut mount to the strut tower. Do not remove these nuts yet.
   ⚠️Do NOT remove the strut tower nuts until the strut assembly is completely free from the vehicle and supported. The strut assembly is heavy and will drop.
6. 6

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   While supporting the strut assembly from below, have an assistant remove the three 14mm strut tower nuts from above. Carefully lower and remove the complete strut assembly from the vehicle through the wheel well. The assembly is heavy (approximately 20-25 lbs), so maintain control during removal.
   Torque spec

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

   Install coil spring compressors
   Place the strut assembly in a sturdy vise or on a workbench. Install coil spring compressors on opposite sides of the spring (180 degrees apart), engaging at least 3 coils on each compressor. Ensure compressor hooks are fully seated in the coil valleys and cannot slip. Alternate tightening the compressors gradually and evenly until spring tension is relieved from the upper mount.
   ⚠️Compress spring slowly and evenly. Check that compressors remain properly seated after each adjustment. An improperly installed compressor can slip, causing violent spring release.
   ⚠️Never place any body part in line with the spring axis during compression or disassembly.
8. 8

   Remove strut shaft nut and disassemble
   Using a 6mm Allen key to hold the strut shaft from the top, remove the 17mm strut shaft nut. Remove the upper mount assembly, bearing plate, upper spring seat, bump stop, and dust boot. Keep all components in order. Carefully and evenly release the spring compressors to remove the coil spring.
   ⚠️Ensure spring is fully compressed and tension is off the mount before removing the shaft nut. Spring must not be able to extend.
9. 9

   Inspect and install new strut mount
   Inspect the coil spring for cracks or damage. Examine the strut shaft for fluid leaks, damage, or bending. Check bump stop and dust boot condition. Transfer reusable components to the new strut mount assembly. Install the new strut mount bearing ensuring it rotates freely without binding. The mount has a specific orientation - align the mounting studs with the positioning marks.
   ⚠Strut mount has a specific orientation. The mounting stud pattern must align correctly with the strut tower holes. Check service manual diagrams if unsure.
10. 10

    Reassemble strut with new mount
    With spring compressors still installed, place the compressed spring onto the strut. Install the bump stop and dust boot onto the strut shaft. Position the upper spring seat, bearing plate, and new strut mount assembly. Ensure the spring end seats properly in the upper spring seat pocket. Thread on the strut shaft nut, hold the shaft with the Allen key, and tighten the nut firmly (approximately 60-70 Nm, though not in critical spec list).
    ⚠Verify spring ends are properly seated in both upper and lower spring seat pockets before releasing compressors.
11. 11

    Release spring compressors
    Carefully and evenly loosen both spring compressors, alternating between them. Verify the spring seats properly as tension is applied. Once spring is fully seated and supporting itself, completely remove the compressors. Verify the mount can rotate freely and the spring is not binding.
    ⚠️Release compressors slowly and evenly. Stop immediately if any abnormal sounds or movement occurs.
12. 12

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Lift the assembled strut into position from below, guiding the mounting studs through the strut tower holes. Have an assistant start the three 14mm strut tower nuts from above and hand-tighten. Ensure the mount orientation is correct before tightening. Support the strut assembly while working.
    Torque spec

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

    Torque strut tower nuts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten the three strut tower mounting nuts to specification in a star pattern. Torque to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft). Verify all three nuts are properly seated and torqued.
    ⚠️Proper torque of strut tower nuts is critical for mount retention. Under-torquing can allow strut separation from vehicle.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Connect strut to steering knuckle
    Align the steering knuckle with the strut and insert the strut into the knuckle pinch joint. Ensure the strut is fully seated in the knuckle slot. Install both strut-to-knuckle bolts with nuts, aligning any cam markings made during disassembly. Do not fully torque yet - hand-tighten only.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts116 Nm (86 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Torque strut-to-knuckle bolts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten both strut-to-knuckle bolts to specification. Torque to 116 Nm (86 lb-ft). Hold the nut side while torquing the bolt head. Ensure both bolts are properly torqued.
    ⚠️Critical fasteners for suspension integrity. Improper torque can cause knuckle separation from strut while driving.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts116 Nm (86 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Reconnect brake line bracket and sway bar link
    Reinstall the brake line bracket to the strut assembly. Connect the sway bar link to the strut, installing the nut. Hold the ball stud with a 6mm Allen key while torquing the nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft) using a 14mm wrench or socket.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
17. 17

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both front wheels, threading lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to snug with a wrench, but do not fully torque yet. Carefully raise the vehicle slightly and remove jack stands. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground so full weight is on the wheels.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)
18. 18

    Final torque wheel lug nuts
    With vehicle weight on the ground, use a torque wrench to tighten all wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. Torque to 129 Nm (95 lb-ft). Verify all lug nuts are properly torqued.
    ⚠️Improperly torqued lug nuts can cause wheel detachment while driving.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat all steps for the opposite side strut mount
2. Reinstall any strut tower caps or covers removed during disassembly
3. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification
4. Professional wheel alignment is REQUIRED after this repair - do not skip this step

Verification

• Start vehicle and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary - listen for any unusual noises from strut mounts
• With vehicle running, have an assistant turn steering wheel while you observe strut mounts from engine bay - mounts should rotate smoothly without binding or excessive play
• Test drive at low speed in a safe area - verify no clunking, rattling, or abnormal noises from front suspension
• Check for proper steering return to center after turns
• Verify no vibration or harshness over small bumps
• Schedule professional wheel alignment immediately - vehicle will likely pull to one side and tire wear will occur without proper alignment

More procedures for this vehicle