Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2012 Kia Optima L4-2.4LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Front Subframe: Service and Repair
Replacement
1. Remove the front wheel & tire.
Tightening torque:
88.3 - 107.9N.m(9.0 - 11.0kgf.m, 65.1 - 79.6lb-ft)
CAUTION:
Be careful not to damage to the hub bolts when removing the front wheel & tire.
2. Loosen the bolt (A) and then disconnect the universal joint assembly from the pinion of the steering gear box.
Tightening torque:
29.4 - 34.3N.m(3.0 - 3.5kgf.m, 21.7 - 25.7lb-ft)
CAUTION:
Lock the steering wheel in the straight ahead position to prevent the damage of the clock spring inner cable when you handle the steering wheel.
3. Remove the split pin and castle nut and then disconnect the tie-rod end (A) from the front knuckle.
Tightening torque:
34.3 - 44.1N.m(3.5 - 4.5kgf.m, 25.7 - 32.5lb-ft)
4. Loosen the bolt & nut and then remove the lower arm (A).
Tightening torque:
98.1 - 117.7N.m(10.0 - 12.0kgf.m, 72.3 - 86.8lb-ft)
5. Disconnect the stabilizer link (B) with the front strut assembly (A) after loosening the nut.
Tightening torque:
98.1 - 117.7N.m(10.0 - 12.0kgf.m, 72.3 - 86.8lb-ft)
6. Remove the undercover (A).
7. Loosen the bolt (A) & nut (B) and then remove the roll rod stopper (A).
Tightening torque:
107.9 - 127.5N.m(11.0 - 13.0kgf.m, 79.6 - 94.0lb-ft)
8. Disconnect the muffler rubber hanger (A).
9. Loosen the bolts & nuts and then remove the sub frame (A).
Tightening torque
Sub frame mounting bolts & nuts:
156.9 - 176.5N.m (16.0 - 18.0kgf.m, 115.7 - 130.2lb-ft)
Sub frame stay bolts & nuts:
44.1 - 58.8N.m (4.5 - 6.0kgf.m, 32.5 - 43.4lb-ft)
10. Remove the front lower arm.
11. Remove the front stabilizer.
12. Remove the steering gearbox.
13. Installation is the reverse of removal.
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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