Kia Sorento Owner's Manual Quiz
Kia Sorento XM 2011-2023 Repair Manual

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In this manual: Kia Sorento XM 2011-2023 Repair Manual
Kia Sorento XM Owner's Manual. — 168Kia Sorento XM 2011-2023 Repair Manual — 1285
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Vehicle Inspection
SYMPTOM CHART
Symptom Suspect area Remedy (Refer to page)
A squeak or grunt from the front suspension, most often occurs at low ambient temperatures. More noticeable on rough roads or when turning. Front Stabilizer Bar Under these conditions, the noise is acceptable.
Knocking from the front suspension, from inside or outside the vehicle, when turning. Loose front struts or shock absorbers. Check for loose nuts or bolts.
Tighten to specification.
Knocking from the rear suspension, occurs when shifting into reverse. Loose or Damaged Rear Suspension Components Inspect rear suspension components for looseness or damage.
Repair or install new components as necessary.
Click or rattle noise from the front suspension, more noticeable on rough roads or over bumps. Worn or damaged ball joints. Install a new lower arm as necessary.
Click or pop noise occurs when turning the vehicle. Worn or damaged ball joints. Install a new lower arm as necessary.
Click or clunk noise occurs when accelerating while turning. Damaged or worn Birfield joint. Repair or install a new Birfield joint as necessary.
Refer to Group DS - Propeller Shaft.
Noise from the front suspension: squeak, creak or rattle. Occurs mainly over bumps or on rough roads. Steering components
Loose or bent front struts or shock absorbers
Damaged spring or spring seats
Worn or damaged arm bushings
Worn or damaged stabilizer bar bushings or links		 Go to Diagnostic Procedure A.
Squeak or scrape from the front strut, occurs when driving on rough roads or turning the vehicle. Uneven mounting surface between strut mount and body panel, burrs around strut mount bolts and strut mount mounting holes. Repair or install new parts as necessary.
Noise from the rear suspension: squeak, creak or knock. Mainly over bumps or on rough roads. Loose or bent rear shock absorbers
Damaged spring or spring seats
Worn or damaged suspension arm bushings		 Go to Diagnostic Procedure B.
Shudder - occurs during acceleration from low speed or when stopping. Rear axle assembly incorrectly positioned
Damaged or worn front suspension components		 Inspect the axle supports and rear suspension for damage or wear. Repair as necessary.
Check the stabilizer bar for looseness, and check the bushings and links for damage or looseness. Check for worn or loose ball joints. Inspect the steering linkage for wear or damage. Repair or install new components as necessary.
Shimmy, most noticeable during coasting or deceleration. Also check for stiff steering condition. Excessive Positive Caster Check wheel alignment angles.
Adjust as necessary.
Tire noise - hum/moan at constant speed. Abnormal wear Rotate the tire and check for tire wear. Install a new tire as necessary. Inspect suspension components for damaged or worn parts. Perform wheel alignment.
Tire noise - noise tone decreases as vehicle speed decreases. Unbalanced tire Balance the tire and road test. Install a new tire as necessary.
Tire noise - ticking, changes with speed. Nail puncture or stone in tire tread Inspect the tire. Repair or replace as necessary.
Wheel and tire: vibration and noise directly related to vehicle speed, not dependent on acceleration, coasting or deceleration. Damaged or worn tire Go to Diagnostic Procedure C.
Tire shake or shimmy - occurs at lower speeds. Damaged wheel bearings Rotate the wheel and check for abnormal play or roughness in the wheel bearing. If necessary, adjust or install new wheel bearings.
Refer to Group DS - Front/Rear Axle.
Damaged wheel Inspect the wheel for damage. If necessary, install a new wheel.
Damaged or worn suspension components Inspect suspension components for wear or damage. Repair as necessary.
Loose wheel nuts Check the wheel nuts.
Tighten to specification.
Damaged or uneven tire wear Rotate the tire and check for abnormal wear or damage. Install a new tire as necessary.
Tire shimmy or vibration - occurs at low speeds Wheel/tire out of balance
Uneven tire wear Check the tires for abnormal wear. If necessary, install a new tire.
Excessive radial runout of wheel or tire Perform a radial runout test on the wheel and tire.
If necessary, install a new tire.
Worn or damaged wheel studs or elongated stud holes Inspect the wheel studs and wheels.
If necessary, install new components.
Excessive lateral runout of wheel or tire Perform the wheel and tire lateral runout test.
Inspect the wheel, tire and hub. Repair or install new components as necessary.
Foreign material between brake disc and hub. Clean the mounting surfaces of the brake disc and hub.
Refer to Group DS - Front/Rear Axle.
Shake or shudder at high speed - occurs at high speeds. Excessive wheel hub runout
Damaged or worn tires
Damaged or worn wheel bearings
Worn or damaged suspension or steering linkage
Brake disc or drum imbalance		 Go to Detailed Test D.
Drift left or right Tires
Steering linkage
Alignment
Base brake system		 Go to Detailed Test E.
Steering Wheel Alignment
Steering linkage
Front lower arm ball joint		 Go to Detailed Test F.
Tracks incorrectly Rear suspension
Caster		 Go to Detailed Test G.
Harsh ride Front strut and spring assembly
Rear shock absorber and spring assembly		 Go to Detailed Test H.
Excessive Noise Front or rear stabilizer bar components
Springs
Suspension components
Shock absorbers		 Go to Detailed Test I.
Abnormal tire wear Tire or unbalanced wheels
Tire inflation
Strut
Alignment		 Go to Detailed Test J.
Vibration Wheel/tire
Front drive axle shaft(s)
Steering system
Strut and spring assembly
Strut and spring mount
Front lower arm ball joint
Front lower arm bolt bushing
Stabilizer bar bushings
Wheel hubs and bearings
Rear suspension arms and bushings		 Go to Detailed Test K.
Vehicle leans Tire/wheel
Vehicle load
Suspension components

Incorrect ground clearance		 Inflate tires to specification.
Redistribute load as necessary.
Visually inspect the suspension system.
If necessary, adjust ride height.
Poor steering return High steering knuckle torque
Alignment		 Go to Detailed Test E.

DETAILED DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE A: NOISE FROM FRONT SUSPENSION
CONDITIONS DETAILS/RESULTS/ACTIONS
A1. VEHICLE ROAD TEST
  1. Road test the vehicle.
  2. During the road test, drive the vehicle over a rough road. Determine the area/component the noise comes from. ● Is a squeak, creak or rattle heard? → YES Go to A2. → NO Suspension system is normal. Diagnose other suspected systems.
A2. CHECK STEERING SYSTEM
  1. Inspect the steering system for wear or damage. Perform the steering linkage inspection. Inspect the tire wear pattern. ● Are steering components worn or damaged? → YES Repair the steering system. Install new components as necessary. Check the system for normal operation. → NO Go to A3.
A3. CHECK FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER/STRUT
  1. Check the front shock absorber/strut mounts for loose bolts or nuts.
  2. Inspect the front shock absorbers/struts for damage. Perform the shock absorber inspection. ● Are the front shock absorbers/struts loose or damaged? → YES Tighten to specification if loose. Install new front shock absorbers/struts if damaged. Test the system for normal operation. → NO Go to A4.
A4. CHECK FRONT SPRINGS
Inspect the front coil spring and front spring seats/brackets for wear or damage.

● Are the front springs or spring seats/brackets worn or damaged?

→ YES
Repair or install new components as necessary. Test the system for normal operation.

→ NO
Go to A5.
A5. CHECK STABILIZER BAR
  1. Inspect the stabilizer bar bushings and links for damage or wear.
  2. Inspect the stabilizer bar for damage.
  3. Check the stabilizer bar brackets for looseness or damage. ● Are stabilizer bar/cross member components loose, worn or damaged? → YES Repair or install new components as necessary. Test the system for normal operation. → NO Suspension system is normal. Diagnose other suspected systems.

DETAILED DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE B: NOISE FROM REAR SUSPENSION
CONDITIONS DETAILS/RESULTS/ACTIONS
B1. VEHICLE ROAD TEST
  1. Road test the vehicle.
  2. During the road test, drive the vehicle over a rough road. Determine the area/component the noise comes from. ● Is a squeak, creak or rattle heard? → YES Go to B2. → NO Suspension system is normal. Diagnose other suspected systems.
B2. CHECK REAR SHOCK ABSORBER/STRUT
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Group GI - Jacking Points.
  2. Check the rear shock absorber/strut mounts for loose bolts or nuts.
  3. Inspect the rear shock absorbers/struts for damage. Perform the shock absorber inspection. ● Are the rear shock absorbers/struts loose or damaged? → YES Tighten to specification if loose. Install new rear shock absorbers/struts if damaged. Test the system for normal operation. → NO Go to B3.
B3. CHECK REAR COIL SPRINGS
Inspect the rear coil springs and rear spring seats/brackets for wear or damage.

● Are the rear springs or spring seats/brackets worn or damaged?

→ YES
Repair or install new components as necessary. Test the system for normal operation.

→ NO
Go to B4.
B4. CHECK TRAILING ARMS
  1. Inspect the trailing arm bushings for wear or damage. Check the trailing arm bolts for looseness.
  2. Check the trailing arms for twisting or bending. ● Are the trailing arms loose, damaged or worn? → YES Repair or install new components as necessary. Test the system for normal operation. → NO Suspension system is normal. Diagnose other suspected systems.

DETAILED DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE C: WHEEL AND TIRE
CONDITIONS DETAILS/RESULTS/ACTIONS
C1. ROAD TEST VEHICLE
If the vibration can be eliminated by placing the vehicle in neutral or by changing engine speed during the road test, the cause is not the wheels or tires.

● Is there vibration and noise?

→ YES
Go to C2.

→ NO
The wheel and tire are OK. Diagnose other suspect systems.
C2. CHECK FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS
Check the front hub bearings.
Refer to Wheel Bearing Inspection (see DS group - Front Axle).

● Are the wheel bearings OK?

→ YES
Go to C3.

→ NO
Inspect the wheel bearings. Adjust or repair as necessary. Verify system operates normally.
C3. CHECK TIRES
  1. Check the tires for loads.
  2. Check the wheels for damage.
  3. Inspect the tire wear pattern. ● Is there abnormal tire wear? → YES Correct the condition that caused the abnormal wear. Install new tire(s). Verify system operates normally. → NO Go to C4.
C4. TIRE ROTATION DIAGNOSIS
  1. Slowly rotate the tires and watch for signs of lateral runout.
  2. Slowly rotate the tires and watch for signs of radial runout.

    ● Is there visible runout?

    → YES
    Go to C5.

    → NO
    Check wheel and tire balance. Correct as necessary. Verify the system operates normally.
C5. CHECK TIRE RADIAL RUNOUT
Measure the radial runout of the wheel and tire assembly. A typical specification for total radial runout is 1.15 mm (0.059 in).

● Is radial runout within specification?

→ YES
Go to C8.

→ NO
Go to C6.
C6. CHECK WHEEL RADIAL RUNOUT
Measure the radial runout of the wheel. A typical specification for total radial runout is 1.14 mm (0.045 in).

● Is radial runout within specification?

→ YES
Install a new tire. Verify system operates normally.

→ NO
Go to C7.
C7. CHECK HUB/BRAKE DISC OR DRUM RUNOUT OR BOLT CIRCLE RUNOUT
Measure the pilot or bolt circle runout. Typical specifications for runout:
● Pilot runout - less than 0.15 mm (0.006 in)
● Bolt circle runout - less than 0.38 mm (0.015 in)

● Is runout within specification?

→ YES
Install a new wheel. Verify system operates normally.

→ NO
Repair or install new components as necessary.
C8. CHECK TIRE LATERAL RUNOUT
Measure the lateral runout of the wheel and tire assembly. A typical specification for total lateral runout is 2.5 mm (0.098 in).

● Is lateral runout within specification?

→ YES
The disc and tire are OK. Diagnose other suspect systems.

→ NO
Go to C9.
C9. CHECK WHEEL LATERAL RUNOUT
Measure the lateral runout of the wheel. A typical specification for total lateral runout is 1.2 mm (0.047 in).

● Is lateral runout within specification?

→ YES
Install a new tire. Verify system operates normally.

→ NO
Go to C10.
C10. CHECK FLANGE FACE LATERAL RUNOUT
Measure the lateral runout of the flange face. Typical lateral runout specification:
● Hub/brake disc - less than 0.13 mm (0.005 in)

● Is the lateral runout within specification?

→ YES
Install a new wheel. Verify the system operates normally.

→ NO
Repair or install new components as necessary.

DETAILED DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE D:
CONDITIONS DETAILS/RESULTS/ACTIONS
D1. CHECK FRONT WHEEL BEARING ROUGHNESS

  1. Raise and support the front of the vehicle so the front wheel and tire assembly can rotate freely. Refer to GI group - Jacking Points.
  2. Rotate the front wheels by hand. ● Do the hub bearings feel rough? → YES Inspect the wheel bearings. Repair as necessary. Verify system operates normally. → NO Go to D2.
D2. CHECK FRONT WHEEL BEARING END PLAY
Check the front wheel bearing end play.

● Is the end play within specification?

→ YES
Go to D3.

→ NO
Adjust or repair as necessary. Verify the system operates normally.
D3. MEASURE LATERAL AND RADIAL RUNOUT OF FRONT WHEELS ON VEHICLE
Measure the lateral runout and radial runout of the front wheel on the vehicle. Refer to detailed test C.

● Are the measurements within specification?

→ YES
Go to D4.

→ NO
Install new wheels and balance the assembly as necessary. Verify system operates normally.
D4. MEASURE FRONT WHEEL LATERAL RUNOUT
Measure the lateral runout of the front tires on the vehicle. Refer to detailed test C.

● Is runout within specification?

→ YES
Go to D5.

→ NO
Install new tires and balance the assembly as necessary. Verify system operates normally.
D5. MEASURE FRONT WHEEL RADIAL RUNOUT
Measure the radial runout of the front tires on the vehicle. Refer to detailed test C.

● Is runout within specification?

→ YES
Balance the front wheel and tire assembly. If any tire cannot be balanced, install a new tire. Verify system operates normally.

→ NO
Go to D6.
D6. MATCH TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY
Mark the high point on the tire and on the wheel. Separate the assembly and rotate the tire 180 degrees (half turn) on the wheel. Inflate the tire and measure radial runout.

● Is runout within specification?

→ YES
Balance the assembly. Verify system operates normally.

→ NO
If the high point is not within 101.6 mm (4 in) of the first high spot on the tire, go to D7.
D7. MEASURE WHEEL FLANGE RUNOUT
Remove the tire and mount the wheel on a balancing stand. Measure runout on both wheel flanges. Refer to detailed test C.

● Is runout within specification?

→ YES
Locate and mark the low point on the wheel. Install the tire so the high point on the tire aligns with the low point on the wheel. Balance the assembly. Verify system operates normally. If the condition persists, go to D8.

→ NO
Install a new wheel. Measure runout on the new wheel. If the new wheel is within limits, locate and mark the low point. Install the tire so the high point of the tire aligns with the low point of the wheel. Balance the assembly. Verify system operates normally. If the condition persists, go to D8.
D8. CHECK FOR VIBRATION FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE
Rotate the front wheel and tire assembly on the balancing stand while the vehicle is raised on a lift. Feel for vibration at the front fender or while seated in the vehicle.

● Is vibration present?

→ YES
Replace known-good wheel and tire assemblies as necessary.
Verify system operates normally.

→ NO
Check driveline components. Verify system operates normally.

DETAILED DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE E: VEHICLE PULLS LEFT OR RIGHT
CONDITIONS DETAILS/RESULTS/ACTIONS
E1. CHECK THE TIRES
Inspect the tires for excessive wear or damage.

● Are the tires excessively worn or damaged?

→ YES
Install new tires.

→ NO
Go to E2.
E2. CHECK THE STEERING LINKAGE
  1. Raise and support the vehicle.
  2. Inspect the steering components for signs of excessive wear or damage. Refer to Group ST - Specifications. ● Are there signs of excessive wear or damage? → YES: Repair or replace the components as necessary. → NO: Go to E3.
E3. CHECK VEHICLE ALIGNMENT

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