Kia Forte: Front Suspension System / Front Strut Assembly

Remove the front wheel and tire (A).

Be careful not to damage to the hub bolts when removing the front wheel and tire.

Disconnect the brake hose bracket (A).

Disconnect the wheel speed sensor bracket (A).

Loosen the nut and then disconnect the stabilizer bar link (A).

• When loosening the nut, fix the outer hexagon of stabilizer bar link. • Be careful not to damage the stabilizer link boots.

Loosen the front strut upper mounting nuts (A).

Loosen the bolts and nuts and then remove the front strut assembly (A).

Install in the reverse order of removal.

Using a strut spring compressor, compress the coil spring (A).

• To prevent peeling the paint of coil spring, cover the coil spring with a thin cloth or hose before installing strut spring compressor. • Set the compression position of strut spring compressor correctly for coil spring not to slant when compressing the coil spring.

Using the SST (09546-3X100), loosen the self locking nut.

Do not reuse the self locking nut.

Remove the insulator, upper pad, bumper stopper, dust cover, coil spring and lower pad from the strut assembly.

Reassembly is the reverse of the disassembly.

Check the strut bearing for wear and damage.

Check the spring upper and lower pad for damage and deterioration.

Compress and extend the piston rod (A) and check that there is no abnormal resistance or unusual sound during operation.

Fully extend the piston rod.

Drill a hole on the (A) section to remove gas from the cylinder.

• The gas coming out is harmless, but be careful of chips that may fly when drilling. • Be sure to wear safety goggles or eye protection when performing this task.