Kia Forte BD Quiz

Suspension System

In this manual: Suspension System
General Information — 8Maintenance — 32Engine Mechanical System — 47Engine Electrical System — 17Emission Control System — 10Engine Control System/Fuel System — 32Clutch System — 11Manual Transmission — 11DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) System — 16Drive Shaft and Axle — 8Suspension System — 26Steering — 9Restraints — 11Brake System — 27Body (Interior and Exterior) — 119Body Electrical System — 98Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning — 27
~10min read
1special tools

Service Data

Service Data

Front Suspension

Item Specification
Suspension Type MacPherson Strut
Shock Absorber Type Advanced Valve

Rear Suspension - Twist Beam Axle

Item Specification
Suspension Type Twist Beam Pair
Shock Absorber Type Advanced Valve

Rear Suspension - Multi-Link

Item Specification
Suspension Type Multi-link
Shock Absorber Type Advanced Valve

Wheels and Tires

Item Specification
Front Rear
Aluminum Wheel 16 in. 6.5J x 16
17 inch 7.0J x 17
18 inch 7.5J x 18
Steel Wheel 15 in. 6.0J x 15
16 in. 6.5 x 16
Tire 15 in. 195/65 R15
16 in. 205/55 R16
17 inch 225/45 R17
18 inch 225/40 R18
Spare Tire T125/80 D15
T125/80 D16
Tire Pressure, kPa (psi) 195/65 R15 230 (33) 230 (33)
205/55 R16 230 (33) 230 (33)
205/60 R16 230 (33) 230 (33)
225/45 R17 230 (33) 230 (33)
225/40 R18 240 (35) 240 (35)
T125/80 D15 420 (60) 420 (60)
T125/80 D16 420 (60) 420 (60)

Wheel Alignment - Twist Beam Axle

Item Specification
Front Rear
Toe (Total) Australia 0,1° ± 0,2° 0,30° ± 0,3°
General / Middle East / Europe / Russia / South America 0,24° ± 0,3°
Brazil/Mexico 0,22° ± 0,3°
Toe (Individual) Australia 0,05° ± 0,1° 0,15° ± 0,15°
General / Middle East / Europe / Russia / South America 0,12° ± 0,15°
Brazil/Mexico 0,11° ± 0,15°
Camber Angle Australia -0,5° ± 0,5° -1,2° ± 0,5°
General / Middle East / Europe / Russia / South America -0,38° ± 0,5°
Brazil/Mexico -0,31° ± 0,5°
Caster Angle 4,5° ± 0,5° -
Kingpin Angle 14,0° ± 0,5° -
Ground Clearance Australia 375 ± 10 mm (14.7638 ± 0.3937 in.) 376 ± 10 mm (14.8032 ± 0.3937 in.)
General / Middle East / Europe / Russia / South America 385 ± 10 mm (15.1575 ± 0.3937 in.) 386 ± 10 mm (15.1969 ± 0.3937 in.)
Brazil/Mexico 390 ± 10 mm (15.3543 ± 0.3937 in.) 391 ± 10 mm (15.3937 ± 0.3937 in.)

Wheel Alignment - Multi-Link

Item Specification
Front Rear
Toe (Total) Australia 0,1° ± 0,2° 0,30° ± 0,3°
General / Middle East / Europe / South America 0,24° ± 0,3°
Mexico 0,22° ± 0,3°
Toe (Individual) Australia 0,05° ± 0,1° 0,15° ± 0,15°
General / Middle East / Europe / South America 0,12° ± 0,15°
Mexico 0,11° ± 0,15°
Camber Angle Australia -0,5° ± 0,5° -1,2° ± 0,5°
General / Middle East / Europe / South America -0,38° ± 0,5°
Mexico
Caster Angle 4,5° ± 0,5° -
Kingpin Angle 14,0° ± 0,5° -
Ground Clearance Australia 365 ± 10 mm (14.3701 ± 0.3937 in.) 376 ± 10 mm (14.8032 ± 0.3937 in.)
General / Middle East / Europe / South America 385 ± 10 mm (15.1575 ± 0.3937 in.) 386 ± 10 mm (15.1969 ± 0.3937 in.)
Mexico 391 ± 10 mm (15.3937 ± 0.3937 in.)

Tightening Torque

Tightening torque

Front Suspension

Item Tightening Torque
N·m kgf·m lbf·ft
Wheel Hub Nuts 107,9 - 127,5 11,0 - 13,0 79,6 - 94,0
Strut Assembly with Steering Knuckle 156,9 - 176,5 16,0 - 18,0 115,7 - 130,2
Strut to Body Assembly 53,9 - 73,5 5,5 - 7,5 39,8 - 54,2
Lower Arm to Front Subframe (Front) 117,7 - 137,3 12,0 - 14,0 86,8 - 101,3
Lower Arm to Rear Subframe (Rear) 156,9 - 176,5 16,0 - 18,0 115,7 - 130,2
Lower Arm Ball Joint 58,8 - 70,6 6,0 -7,2 43,4 - 52,1
Stabilizer Bar Link to Strut Assembly 98,1 - 117,7 10,0 - 12,0 72,3 - 86,8
Stabilizer Bar to Stabilizer Link 98,1 - 117,7 10,0 - 12,0 72,3 - 86,8
Stabilizer Bar to Subframe 44,1 - 53,9 4,5 - 5,5 32,5 - 39,8
Tie Rod End Ball Joint Nut 34,3 - 44,1 3,5 - 4,5 25,3 - 32,5
Universal Joint to Steering Gear Pinion 32,4 - 37,3 3,3 - 3,8 23,9 - 27,5
Steering Gear to Subframe 88,3 - 107,9 9,0 - 11,0 65,1 - 79,6
Subframe Mounting Bolts and Nuts 44,1 - 53,9 4,5 - 5,5 32,5 - 39,8
Subframe Mounting Bolts and Nuts 176,5 - 196,1 18,0 - 20,0 130,2 - 144,7

Rear Suspension - Twist Beam Axle

Item Tightening Torque
N·m kgf·m lbf·ft
Wheel Hub Nuts 107,9 - 127,5 11,0 - 13,0 79,6 - 94,0
Shock Absorber to Body 49,0 - 63,7 5,0 - 6,5 36,2 - 47,0
Shock Absorber to Torsion Beam Axle 98,1 - 117,7 10,0 - 12,0 72,3 - 86,8
Torsion Beam Axle to Frame 156,9 - 176,5 16,0 - 18,0 115,7 - 130,2
Twist Beam Axle to Brake Caliper 63,7 - 73,5 6,5 - 7,5 47,0 - 54,2
Wheel Speed Sensor Cable and Parking Brake Hose Bracket 8,8 - 13,7 0,9 - 1,4 6,5 - 10,7

Rear Suspension - Multi-Link

Item Tightening Torque
N·m kgf·m lbf·ft
Wheel Hub Nuts 107,9 - 127,5 11,0 - 13,0 79,6 - 94,0
Pull Arm to Body 98,1 - 117,7 10,0 -12,0 72,3 - 86,8
Pull Arm to Joint 137,3 - 156,9 14,0 -16,0 101,3 - 115,7
Auxiliary arm to rear subframe 107,9 - 117,7 11,0 - 12,0 79,6 - 86,8
Support Arm to Joint 137,3 - 156,9 14,0 -16,0 101,3 - 115,7
Lower Arm to Crossmember 107,9 - 117,7 11,0 - 12,0 79,6 - 86,8
Lower Arm Ball Joint 137,3 - 156,9 14,0 - 16,0 101,3 - 115,7
Upper Arm to Subframe 137,3 - 156,9 14,0 - 16,0 101,3 - 115,7
Upper Arm to Joint 137,3 - 156,9 14,0 - 16,0 101,3 - 115,7
Shock Absorber to Frame 58,8 - 73,5 6,0 - 7,5 43,4 - 54,2
Stabilizer Bar to Stabilizer Link 58,8 - 78,5 6,0 - 8,0 43,4 - 57,9
Stabilizer Bar to Subframe 44,1 - 53,9 4,5 - 5,5 32,5 - 39,8
Crossmember Mounting Bolt and Nut 156,9 - 176,5 16,0 - 18,0 115,7 - 130,2

Special Service Tools

Special Service Tools

Tool Name/Number Illustration Description
Ball Joint Remover
09568-1C100
Used to remove the ball joint.
Shock Absorber Lock Nut Removal Tool
09546-3X100
Used to remove the shock absorber self-locking nut.
CTBA Bushing Removal and Installation Tool
Used to remove and install the CTBA bushing.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

Symptom Possible Cause Countermeasure
Heavy steering wheel feel Malfunction in front wheel alignment Adjust or repair
Lower arm ball joint rotating resistance Replace
Strut bearing rotating resistance Replace
Tire air pressure too low Adjust
Steering wheel return problem Malfunction in front wheel alignment Adjust or repair
Noise or ride comfort problems Alignment malfunction Adjust or repair
Incorrect tire air pressure Adjust
Shock absorber malfunction Replace
Damaged coil spring Replace
Damaged stabilizer bar Replace
Lower arm bushing damaged Replace
Stabilizer bar strut mounting nut loose Tighten
Damaged stabilizer bar link (boot torn, ring detached) Replace
Abnormal tire wear Incorrect camber and toe alignment Adjust or repair
Incorrect tire air pressure Adjust
Unstable steering Front wheel toe problem Adjust or repair
Lower arm ball joint swivel resistance too low Replace
Lower arm bushing damaged Replace
Vehicle pulling phenomenon Wheel alignment problems Adjust or repair
Right/left wheel imbalance Adjust or replace
Damaged or deformed lower arm bushing Replace
Damaged coil spring Replace
Steering wheel shimmy Front wheel toe problem Adjust or repair
Wheel balance problems Adjust or repair
Lower ball joint swivel resistance too high or too low Replace
Damaged stabilizer bar Replace
Lower arm bushing damaged Replace
Shock absorber problems Replace
Coil spring problem Replace

Abnormal noise from underbody

Conditions of Occurrence Strange Noise on Uneven Surface
Parts Reference to Step Panel Step Bushing Ball Joint of Lower Arm Strut Insulator
Problem Area
Type of Strange Noise Rattling, Squeaking Noise Squeaking Noise Knocking, Tapping Clicking, Squeaking Noise
Occurrence Area Under Part Under Part Under Part Upper Part
Vehicle Speed 20 - 40 km/h (12.4 - 24.9 mph) At Low Speed (20–40 km/h (12.4–24.9 mph)) 20 - 40 km/h (12.4 - 24.9 mph) -
Road Condition Uneven Road / Bumps Uneven Road / Bumps Uneven Road / Bumps Uneven Road / Rough Road
Cause Loosening / Leakage (Damage) / Corrosion Separation of Rod and Bushing / Slider Loosening / Leakage (Damage) / Corrosion Tightened (Reduce Torque) and Interference

Conditions of Occurrence Strange Noise When Driving on Uneven / Flat Road
Parts Strut / Shock Absorber Strut / Shock Absorber Strut / Shock Absorber Strut / Shock Absorber
Problem Area
Type of Strange Noise Friction Noise Clicking, Squeaking Noise Friction Noise Clicking Noise
Occurrence Area Upper Part Upper Part Upper Part (Rear) Upper Part (Rear)
Vehicle Speed 15 - 25 km/h (9.3 - 15.5 mph) 15 - 25 km/h (9.3 - 15.5 mph) 15 - 40 km/h (9.3 - 24.9 mph) 30 - 50 km/h (18.6 - 31.1 mph)
Road Condition Uneven Road Uneven Road Uneven Road and Rough Road Rough Road
Cause Friction Noise from Piston Rod and Inner Side of Bumper Rubber Rolled Bumper Rubber
(knocking of upper bumper rubber and lower insulator)		 Adhesion Problems of Upper Bracket Rubber Suspension Tuning Problems
(damping force, rubber characteristics)

Conditions of Occurrence Strange Noise on Uneven Road Strange Noise When Steering Strange Noise While Driving
Parts Lower Arm "G" Bushing Crossmember Bushing Strut Bearing Wheel / Hub Bearing
Problem Area
Type of Strange Noise Friction Noise Clicking Noise Clicking Noise Roaring Noise
Occurrence Area Under Part Under Part Upper Part Lower and Side Part
Vehicle Speed 10 - 40 km/h (6.2 - 24.9 mph) - - 20 - 60 km/h (12.4 - 37.3 mph)
Road Condition Impact / Rough Road Smooth Road Smooth Road Smooth Road
Cause Dropped / Fell Dropped / Fell Grease Leakage Damage from External Impact, Foreign Object Intrusion

Wheel and Tire Diagnosis

Noise, vibration and harshness problems of wheels and tires are directly related to vehicle speed and are generally not affected by acceleration, coasting or deceleration. In addition, an unbalanced wheel and tire may vibrate at more than one speed. Vibration that depends on engine speed, or is eliminated by placing the transaxle in neutral, is not related to the tire and wheel. As a rule, tire and wheel vibration felt through the steering wheel is related to the front tires and wheel assemblies. Vibration felt through the seat or floor is related to the rear tires and wheel assemblies. This may help initially isolate the problem to the front or rear.

Special attention should be paid to the tires and wheels. There are several symptoms that may be caused by damaged or worn tires and wheels. Perform a thorough visual inspection of the tires and wheel disc. Slowly rotate the tires and check for signs of lateral or radial runout. Refer to the tire wear chart to determine the degree of tire wear. Conditions and Actions

Wheel and Tire Diagnosis
Rapid Wear in Center Rapid Wear on Both Shoulders Wear on One Shoulder

  • Center of Tread Worn Down to Fabric Due to Excessive Tire Inflation

  • No Rotation

  • Excessive Toe-in on Drive Wheels

  • Sudden Acceleration on Drive

  • Underinflated Tires

  • Worn Suspension Components

  • Excessive Speed Through Turns

  • No Rotation

  • Toe Adjustment Not to Specification

  • Camber Out of Specification

  • Damaged Strut

  • Damaged Lower Arm
Partial Wear Feathered Edge Wear Pattern

  • Caused by uneven burrs on brake drums.

  • Toe Adjustment Not to Specification

  • Damaged or Worn Tie Rod Ends

  • Damaged Joint

  • Excessive Toe-in on Non-Drive Wheels

  • No Rotation

Test yourself

A quick Kia Forte BD quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.