Kia Optima: Front Suspension System / Front Strut Assembly

Kia Optima DL3 2019-2025 Service and Repair Manual / Suspension System / Front Suspension System / Front Strut Assembly

Components and components location

Components

1. Strut assembly
2. Insulator dust cap
3. Insulator
4. Spring upper pad
5. Strut bearing

6. Strut bearing pad
7. Bumper rubber
8. Coil spring
9. Spring lower pad

Repair procedures

Removal

1.	Disconnect the (-) battery terminal.

Loosen the front strut upper mounting nuts (A).

Tightening torque :

53.9 - 68.6 N.m (5.5 - 7.5 kgf.m, 39.8 - 50.6 lb-ft)

3.	Remove the front wheel and tire. (Refer to Tires/Wheels - "Wheel")

Loosen the mounting bolt (A) and then remove the brake hose bracket from the strut assembly.

Tightening torque :

8.8 - 13.7 N.m (0.9 - 1.4 kgf.m, 6.5 - 10.1 lb-ft)

Disconnect the stabilizer link with the front strut assembly after loosening the nut (A).

Tightening torque :

98.1 - 117.7 N.m (10.0 - 12.0 kgf.m, 72.3 - 86.8 lb-ft)

•	When loosening the nut (A), fix the outer hexagon of stabilizer bar link.

•	Be careful not to damage the stabilizer link boots.

Remove the front strut assembly from the front axle by loosening the bolts and nuts.

Tightening torque :

196.1 - 215.7 N.m (20.0 - 22.0 kgf.m, 144.7 - 159.1 lb-ft)

Disassembly

•	When compressing the coil spring, be cautious as there may be corrosion due to damage to the coil spring painting. In order to avoid such painting damage, compress by putting over the waste hose, etc. (Refer to the picture below.)

1.	Remove the insulator dust cover (A).

2.	Using the spring compressor, compress the coil spring (A). Do not compress the spring more than necessary.

3.	Using SST (0K546-F6100), loosen the self locking nut.

4.	Remove the insulator, spring pad, coil spring and dust cover from the strut assembly.

Inspection

1.	Check the strut bearing for wear and damage.

2.	Check the spring upper and lower seat for damage and deterioration.

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

Disposal

4.	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.

Reassembly

Install the insulator, spring pad, coil spring and dust cover from the strut assembly.

•	When install the insulator and strut bearing align the insulator lug (A) with the sturt bearing hole (B).

•	Align the strut upper housing with the lower housing lug and than installing.

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

Using the special tool (0K546-F6100), install the self locking nut.

•	Do not reuse the self locking nut.

Tightening torque :

107.8 - 117.7 N.m (11.0 - 12.0 kgf.m, 79.6 - 86.8 lb-ft)

4.	Install the insulator cap (A).

Installation

1.	Install in the reverse order of removal.

2.	Check the alignment. (Refer to Suspension System - "Alingment")

Front Suspension System

Components and components location Components 1. Strut complete 2. Roll rod bracket 3. Sub frame 4. Stabilizer bar 5. Steering gear box 6. Dynamic da ...

Front Lower Arm

Repair procedures Removal 1. Disconnect the (-) battery terminal. 2. Remove the front wheel and tire. (Refer to Suspension System - "Wheel&q ...

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