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 lift support struts (also known as gas shocks, "springs", prop rods or prop bars) for the manual tailgate.

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) support struts part numbers are as follows: Left Hand Side # 81771-C6000 and Right Hand Side # 81781-C6000. (Also known as part numbers 81771C6000 and 81781C6000.)

Two sets of compatible replacement aftermarket tailgate door lift support struts with their part numbers include the following: Tuff Support 611974 and Lift Supports Depot PM3350.

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

The first step is to open the tailgate door for the cargo area at the rear of the vehicle.

I recommend only replacing one support strut at a time for extra safety by reducing the risk of having the heavy tailgate door fall rapidly on to your head, hands or fingers.

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

Locate the "C" shaped metal retaining clips on the top and bottom of the strut.

Insert the blade of the small flat head screwdriver underneath the retaining clip and gently pry it out and away from the strut.

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

Hold the clip out in the released position and carefully pull the socket off the ball mount attached to the tailgate door.

Do not let the strut fall and scratch the paint or cause a ding or a dent.

Repeat the process to release the retaining clip on the bottom of the strut.

Pull the lower socket off the lower ball mount.

Clean off the ball mounting points with a paper towel to remove any debris.

The new struts should have some grease in the ball sockets, but you might need to apply a bit of grease to the ball mounts.

The OEM support struts were marked with the following part numbers: RH 81781-C6000 744038 0670N 136/18 A 22 and LH 81771-C6000 733522 0670N 142/18 A 22.

Two compatible sets of aftermarket struts include the Tuff Support # 611974 and Lift Supports Depot # PM3350.

Carefully pry out the "C" shaped metal retaining clip and push the socket over the ball mounting peg.

Push on the center of the two retaining clips with the flat head screwdriver to make sure they are securely in place.

Double check that the new strut is properly installed.

Remove the towels or folded cardboard boxes from the other side of the tailgate door.

Test the new support strut by carefully opening and closing the tailgate.

Repeat the procedure to replace the other strut.

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

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