Kia Niro: Front Suspension System / Front Strut Assembly Repair procedures

Remove the wheel and tire.

Be careful not to damage the wheel nuts when removing the wheel and tire.

Remove the stabilizer link nut.

Remove the wheel speed sensor bracket bolt (A).

Remove the caliper hose bracket bolt (A).

Loosen the front strut lower bolts.

Remove the cowl top cover.

(Refer to Body - "Cowl Top Cover")

Loosen the front strut upper nuts and then remove the strut assembly.

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

Remove the insulator cap (A).

Loosen the insulator nut (A) and then remove the insulator.

Remove the strut bearing, spring upper pad and ruber.

Remove the spring (A) and dust cover (B).

Remove the spring lower pad (A).

Check the strut insulator for wear or damage.

Check rubber parts for damage or 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.

Install the spring lower pad (D) so that the protrusions (A) fits in the holes (C) in the spring lower seat (B).

Compress coil spring using special tool (09546-26000). Install compressed coil spring into shock absorber.

a. Identification color marks are indicated on the coil spring. Pay attention to identification mark during installation. b. Install the coil spring with the identification mark directed toward the knuckle.

After fully extending the piston rod, install the spring upper seat and insulator assembly.

After seating the upper and lower ends of the coil spring (A) in the upper and lower spring seat grooves (B) correctly, tighten new self-locking nut temporarily.

Remove the special tool (09546-26000).

Tighten the self-locking nut to the specified torque.