How to Replace Front Struts 07-10 Hyundai Elantra
Difficulty: Advanced · About 100 min · Hyundai Elantra
Replace the front struts on a 2007-2010 Hyundai Elantra.
Tools you will need
- 21mm socket
- 12mm socket
- Hammer
- Socket extensions
- Torque wrench
- 14mm socket
- 17mm wrench
- 17mm socket
- 19mm socket
- Ratchet
- Breaker bar
Parts and supplies
- Front strut
Steps
- Remove the wheel
Raise the car with minimal weight on the tire, loosen the five 21mm lug nuts, raise and support it fully, then remove the lug nuts, hubcap and wheel.
- Remove the old strut
Spray penetrant on the sway bar link nut, strut mounting nuts, and ABS/brake line bracket bolts, remove the 17mm sway bar link nut and free the link, remove the two 12mm nuts holding the ABS and brake line brackets, mark the lower strut's through bolts for orientation, remove the 19mm nuts from the 17mm through bolts and hammer them out if needed, support the knuckle so it doesn't drop, then remove the three 14mm top nuts and lift the strut out.
- Install the new strut
Insert the top studs through the mounting holes and thread on the 14mm nuts, slot the knuckle into the lower mount, install the two 19mm through bolts and tighten their nuts, torquing them to about 116 ft-lb, tighten the 12mm ABS and brake line bracket bolts, reconnect the sway bar link and its 17mm nut, then after the wheel is back on and the car is lowered, torque the top 14mm nuts to about 43 ft-lb.
- Reinstall the wheel
Slide it onto the studs, refit the hubcap, tighten the 21mm lug nuts by hand, lower the car with minimal weight on it, torque the lug nuts to about 80 ft-lb in a star pattern, then lower it completely.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.