This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the third generation (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020) Kia Sorento SUV in changing weak, failing or faulty hood lift support struts (also known as the "gas shocks", "springs", "prop bars" or "prop rods").

Owners of other Kia, Hyundai and Genesis vehicles such as the Soul, Seltos, Sportage, Niro, Telluride, Forte, Rio, Optima, Stinger, Cadenza, K900, Sedona, Kona, Venue, Santa Fe, Elantra, Sonata, Accent, Veloster, Ioniq, Nexo, G70, G80 and G90 may also find these instructions to be helpful.

The OEM (original equipment manufacturer) Kia / Hyundai part number for the struts is 81161-C6000 (also known as 81161C6000).

Two sets of compatible replacement aftermarket struts include the following: Tuff Support 613904 and Lift Supports Depot PM3386.

The only tool required to remove the old struts and install new ones is a small flat head screwdriver.

I recommend that you only replace one support strut at a time for extra safety by reducing the risk of having the full weight of the heavy hood fall down on to your head, hands or fingers.

For your safety, I highly recommend having an assistant hold up the hood and you should also firmly wedge some towels or cardboard in between the other support strut and the hood near the hinge.

I used an old cardboard box wedged between the hood and the engine bay to keep the hood in the raised position while I replaced the passenger side strut.

Gently pry out the retaining clip and pull the socket off the ball mount.

You do not have to fully remove the "C" shaped metal retaining clip.

Repeat the process to release the other socket from the ball mount.

The OEM part number for both the driver side and passenger side struts is 81161-C6000.

Two sets of compatible replacement aftermarket struts are the: Tuff Support 613904 and Lift Supports Depot PM3386.

Clean off any debris and grease from the ball mounts.

If they are not greased, apply a small amount of grease or oil on to the ball mounts to keep the struts from squeaking or creaking when you open and close the hood.

Make sure the two "C" shaped metal retaining clips are in the partially out and released position.

Push the socket over the ball mount peg on the hood.

Make sure the retaining clips are securely in place by pushing on them with the flat head screwdriver.

You will probably hear a "click" or "snap" sound when the retaining clips are secured.

Double check that the new strut is properly installed.

Remove the cardboard box or towels that you have wedged on the other side of the hood.

Repeat the process to install the other strut.

To test the new struts, carefully open and close the hood multiple times.

Be sure to write down the strut change in your vehicle's service records.

Please take a look at all of my 2016-2020 Kia Sorento DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.