Repair Procedures: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2020 Kia Sorento. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal.
Remove the tail gate pillar trim.
(Refer to Body - "REAR PILLAR TRIM ")
Disconnect the STG spindle connector (A).

Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Using a screwdriver, lift the socket clips (A) up slightly.
Remove the STG spindle assembly (B).

Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

CAUTION:

Work in a group of two or more when removing and installing the STG spindle.
Take care not to close the tail gate while the STG spindle is being removed.
Do not reuse the STG spindle drive if it is dropped on the ground. Discard any dropped STG spindles.
When carefully removing the socket clip, take extra care not to lose the socket clip as it may pop out.
When carefully removing the socket clip, take care not to scratch the clip surface as scratches may cause corrosions in the future.