This procedure replaces the rear strut mount(s) on a 2015 Kia Forte, which involves removing the strut assembly from the vehicle, replacing the upper mount, and reinstalling the assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear strut mount × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Strut mount bearing (if included in kit) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified jacking points
4. Remove rear wheels completely
5. Spray penetrating lubricant on strut tower nuts and strut-to-knuckle bolts; allow to soak while preparing tools

Procedure

1. 1

   Access rear strut tower nuts
   Open the trunk and remove the interior trim panel covering the strut tower. On the Forte, this is typically a small plastic access cover or portion of the rear deck trim. Locate the three strut tower mounting nuts at the top of the strut assembly.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link if necessary
   If the sway bar link interferes with strut removal, disconnect it from the strut assembly. Hold the ball joint shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning, then remove the upper nut. Note the orientation of washers and bushings for reassembly.
   ℹ️Some 2015 Forte models may allow strut removal without disconnecting the sway bar link. Assess clearance before proceeding.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the bottom of the strut to the rear knuckle. Support the knuckle with a jack or suitable support to prevent it from dropping. Remove both strut-to-knuckle bolts completely. The knuckle will drop slightly when freed from the strut.
   ⚠Support the knuckle assembly before removing the bolts to prevent damage to the brake line or ABS sensor wire.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove strut tower nuts
   From inside the trunk, remove the three nuts securing the strut mount to the strut tower. Have an assistant support the strut assembly from below, or use a floor jack to support it. Once the nuts are removed, carefully lower the strut assembly out of the wheel well.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy and awkward. Ensure it is properly supported before removing the final nut to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Compress the strut spring
   Place the strut assembly in a secure vise or holding fixture. Install spring compressors on opposite sides of the spring, ensuring they are properly seated in the coils. Gradually tighten the compressors in an alternating pattern until the spring pressure is relieved from the upper mount (you should be able to move the mount slightly by hand).
   ⚠️Follow the spring compressor manufacturer's instructions exactly. Ensure compressors are fully engaged in the spring coils and tightened evenly. An improperly compressed spring can violently release.
6. 6

   Remove strut shaft nut and upper mount
   Hold the strut shaft with a wrench or socket on the flat section at the top of the shaft to prevent rotation. Remove the center nut securing the upper mount. Carefully remove the upper mount, bearing plate (if equipped), spring seat, and any dust covers or bump stops. Note the orientation and order of all components for reassembly.
   ℹ️Take photos or make notes of component orientation before disassembly to ensure correct reassembly order.
7. 7

   Install new strut mount
   Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush. Install the new strut mount and associated components in the reverse order of removal, ensuring all parts are oriented correctly. The mount should align with any positioning tabs or alignment marks. Install the strut shaft nut and tighten it while holding the shaft, but do not torque to final specification yet.
8. 8

   Release spring tension and verify assembly
   Gradually and evenly release the spring compressors in an alternating pattern, allowing the spring to seat properly on the upper and lower spring seats. Once the spring is fully seated and under load, torque the strut shaft nut to manufacturer specification (typically 40-60 Nm, though not specified in provided data). Verify all components are properly seated and aligned. Remove spring compressors completely.
   ⚠Ensure the spring ends are properly seated in the upper and lower spring seat recesses before removing compressors.
9. 9

   Install strut assembly to vehicle
   Lift the strut assembly into position, aligning the studs with the holes in the strut tower. Install the three upper strut tower nuts finger-tight. Align the lower end of the strut with the knuckle mounting holes.
10. 10

    Connect strut to knuckle
    Raise the knuckle assembly as needed to align the mounting holes with the strut. Install both strut-to-knuckle bolts and tighten to specification. Ensure the knuckle is properly seated against the strut bracket before torquing.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts116 Nm (86 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Torque strut tower nuts
    From inside the trunk, torque the three strut tower nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even loading on the mount.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect sway bar link
    If the sway bar link was disconnected, reconnect it to the strut assembly with all washers and bushings in the correct order. Hold the ball joint shaft with an Allen key and torque the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tires just contact the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all trunk interior trim panels that were removed for strut tower access
2. Repeat the entire procedure for the opposite side if both strut mounts are being replaced
3. Verify all fasteners are properly torqued and no tools or parts were left in the vehicle

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and listen for any abnormal noises from the rear suspension
• Check for proper vehicle handling and stability during normal driving
• Visually inspect all connections and verify no fasteners are loose
• Schedule a four-wheel alignment inspection within the next few days, as strut mount replacement affects suspension geometry

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