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)

Factory service manual diagram




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)

Factory service manual diagram




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)

Factory service manual diagram



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)

Factory service manual diagram



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)

Factory service manual diagram



6. Remove the undercover (A).

Factory service manual diagram



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)

Factory service manual diagram



8. Disconnect the muffler rubber hanger (A).

Factory service manual diagram



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)

Factory service manual diagram




Factory service manual diagram




Factory service manual diagram




Factory service manual diagram




Factory service manual diagram



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

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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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