Changing out 2009 springs and shocks with 2010 parts

[Mark_888]

Several people have contacted Hyundai Motor America about this and the official line is that HMA will not be providing any information about how to do this (changing out 2009 springs and shocks with 2010 parts). However, it should not be rocket science for a local independent shop to do this if they can get the 2010 parts. Apparently, the rear shocks and springs were changed. Speculation is that springs were softened, and shocks beefed up to compensate (2009 springs are overpowering shocks). Bushings were also changed, but I think that is to improve steering.

Here is a website that shows the 2009 suspension parts (and sells them at a reasonable price). The don't have 2010 parts yet, but I assume that is just a matter of time.
http://www.parts.com/oemcatalog/ind...5575&callout=7&catalogid=2&displayCatalogid=0

I would bet a lot of money that some people who work for dealers and purchased a 2009 Genesis have done (or will do) the swap at their dealership. If anyone is willing provide confidential info about that (any details or just confirmation that it was done without revealing their name or which dealership), please let us know (posting, email, or PM).

 

[flyboy2]

Mark,

For what it's worth I drove a 09 and 10 within twenty minutes of each other on the same rough road and noticed no difference. Maybe going to another shock and spring supplier might be the way to go--

 

[GripperDon]

Mark,

For what it's worth I drove a 09 and 10 within twenty minutes of each other on the same rough road and noticed no difference. Maybe going to another shock and spring supplier might be the way to go--

Depends on when the 2009 was built, 2009's built after early April had the new parts. It's a running change not a model change.

Most like likely you had a later 09 especially if you drove it when there was 2010 around.

 

[GripperDon]

Several people have contacted Hyundai Motor America about this and the official line is that HMA will not be providing any information about how to do this (changing out 2009 springs and shocks with 2010 parts). However, it should not be rocket science for a local independent shop to do this if they can get the 2010 parts. Apparently, the rear shocks and springs were changed. Speculation is that springs were softened, and shocks beefed up to compensate (2009 springs are overpowering shocks). Bushings were also changed, but I think that is to improve steering.

Here is a website that shows the 2009 suspension parts (and sells them at a reasonable price). The don't have 2010 parts yet, but I assume that is just a matter of time.
http://www.parts.com/oemcatalog/ind...5575&callout=7&catalogid=2&displayCatalogid=0

I would bet a lot of money that some people who work for dealers and purchased a 2009 Genesis have done (or will do) the swap at their dealership. If anyone is willing provide confidential info about that (any details or just confirmation that it was done without revealing their name or which dealership), please let us know (posting, email, or PM).

You need to order using a valid VIN for a 2010 car to get the later parts. Most ask for your VIN because the part numberss are keyed to the VIN.

Hyundai is going to end up like TOYOTA, if the handling is ever linked to an accident. Denial is bad business. Especially when their is so much actually know and record destroying is a crime, a real crime, not just bad business.

 

[Mark_888]

You need to order using a valid VIN for a 2010 car to get the later parts. Most ask for your VIN because the part numberss are keyed to the VIN.

No problem. I can just go to a dealer and copy down a VIN number of a 2010. I don't think the online parts vendor is going to be picky about it.

 

[Mark_888]

Mark,

For what it's worth I drove a 09 and 10 within twenty minutes of each other on the same rough road and noticed no difference. Maybe going to another shock and spring supplier might be the way to go--

Quite a few people have done the same and noticed a difference (although sometimes subtle depending on the road).

HMA claimed on their website that they improved the suspension on the 2010 model by changing the spring and shock rates. These claims later disappeared from their website after protests by dealers that they could not sell their remaining 2009 units if HMA made that information public. There is no question in my mind that a change was made, although I am not sure about the claims from GripperDon that a change was also made to some later built 2009 models.

 

[Mark_888]

Depends on when the 2009 was built, 2009's built after early April had the new parts. It's a running change not a model change.

There may have been a parts change mid year 2009, but I am fairly certain there was another part change for 2010 models.

 

[GripperDon]

I am only basing my comment on the date that the part numbers for the front and rear suspension components changes according to the parts ordering data sheet at a dealer. It was the only change that was noted so far, about 10 days ago. If they have made undocumented changes I am unaware of it. Seems like it would cause troubles for damages autos having a mixed set of components, that is why they use the vin number. That way they are sure they are suppling corrrect parts for the specified car.

Well that is all I can add, did my duty to share.

 

[Mark_888]

I am only basing my comment on the date that the part numbers for the front and rear suspension components changes according to the parts ordering data sheet at a dealer. It was the only change that was noted so far, about 10 days ago. If they have made undocumented changes I am unaware of it. Seems like it would cause troubles for damages autos having a mixed set of components, that is why they use the vin number. That way they are sure they are suppling corrrect parts for the specified car.

Well that is all I can add, did my duty to share.

HMA (multiple sources) said they improved the suspension for the 2010 models. One HMA source specifically said that for 2010 that the shock and spring rates were changed.

 

[Seattle Genesis]

You need to order using a valid VIN for a 2010 car to get the later parts. Most ask for your VIN because the part numberss are keyed to the VIN.

Hyundai is going to end up like TOYOTA, if the handling is ever linked to an accident. Denial is bad business. Especially when their is so much actually know and record destroying is a crime, a real crime, not just bad business.

You can also get VIN numbers from some online sale sites. Some of them will list the VIN numbers right on the inventory page.

Seattle Genesis

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[GripperDon]

That is where I got mine. Today a friend of mine said that the part numbers for the 09 and the 10 coil springs are exactly the same. He is quite reliable. This was very confusing to me. Could they be so devious as to change a parts performance (spring rate ) and keep the part number unchanged?

 

[LLT]

Mark and Don - have you actually driven a 2010? My 09 was built in Oct 08 and as you know, I wasn't impressed with the suspension. I recently drove a 2010 over the same roads and noticed little to NO difference. I think those who notice a difference suffer from placebo effect.

As you might recall, I rebuilt the entire suspension on my Genesis -- from shocks, springs to stabilizer bushings -- I did this in late summer of 09 which means the parts would have been the same as the 2010... the difference was virtually non-existent.

I don't think any improvements were made and I suspect that's the reason it was pulled from the announcement. Part numbers are the same. Suspensions are the same. The ride is the same.

Bottom line? HMA doesn't care, doesn't consider it a problem (which, to be fair, is highly subjective) and aren't going to do anything to help you... not now, not ever. It is what it is; if you can't live with the vehicle in its current state, follow my path, take the loss now and dump it for something you can be happy with instead of something that will consume your life. The longer you wait, the less its worth and the greater your frustration and dismay grows. I'm all for a solid challenge (obviously - I had my Genesis in 40 pieces in my garage) but at some point you have to cut your losses and get something you're going to be happy with.

Sorry to be frank - it's just a bummer to see you guys still all worked up about this. I know Mark had theories about HMA not helping until the 09's are gone, but a spade is a spade. You're on your own and you can tear your suspension apart until it qualifies for antique plates - it's not going to make it ride better.

Good luck. I hope you guys gain some closure one way or another.

 

[Mark_888]

Mark and Don - have you actually driven a 2010? My 09 was built in Oct 08 and as you know, I wasn't impressed with the suspension. I recently drove a 2010 over the same roads and noticed little to NO difference. I think those who notice a difference suffer from placebo effect.

I did test drive a 2010, although not extensively. Quite a few other posters on this forum who drove both cars have noticed a difference between the 2009 and 2010 suspension.

However, the Genesis is not a Cadillac. The North American Genesis was designed to have a firm ride in the manner of many European (especially German) cars, and that is a part of their design strategy. Obviously, not everyone likes the type of ride that German cars have, and therefor not everyone is going to like the North American Genesis.

All of the pronouncements from Hyundai (official and unofficial on Think Tank Website) about the 2010 suspension improvements echoed the above, and they stated that the ride will still be similar to the 2009 in terms of firmness. What they did fix is the strange behavior of the 2009 Genesis over certain roads where the rear end gets a little jittery or bouncy (because the rear springs were overpowering the rear shocks). This can easily be fixed by softening the springs just a little and making the shocks a bit more firm. But the overall ride will still be firm (which I like). It can also be "fixed" by putting a lot of weight in the trunk or carrying a lot of passengers.

 

[ASHDUMP]

I also notice a bit of bounciness but not enough to get rid of the car. If there was a fix for it I would probably get it done, but if there wasn't or isn't going to be I'm ok with that too... Some people like different style rides.

 

[TJPark01]

Bottom line? HMA doesn't care, doesn't consider it a problem (which, to be fair, is highly subjective) and aren't going to do anything to help you... not now, not ever. It is what it is; if you can't live with the vehicle in its current state, follow my path, take the loss now and dump it for something you can be happy with instead of something that will consume your life. The longer you wait, the less its worth and the greater your frustration and dismay grows. I'm all for a solid challenge (obviously - I had my Genesis in 40 pieces in my garage) but at some point you have to cut your losses and get something you're going to be happy with.
Sorry to be frank - it's just a bummer to see you guys still all worked up about this. I know Mark had theories about HMA not helping until the 09's are gone, but a spade is a spade. You're on your own and you can tear your suspension apart until it qualifies for antique plates - it's not going to make it ride better.
Good luck. I hope you guys gain some closure one way or another.

LLT:This is the most sane and realistic attitude and advice to the situations and problems I have heard in a long time on this forum. Thank you.

 

[Mark_888]

Bottom line? HMA doesn't care, doesn't consider it a problem (which, to be fair, is highly subjective) and aren't going to do anything to help you... not now, not ever.

I think you are 100% wrong about whether HMA considers the suspension a problem. Hyundai obviously thought it needed improvement since they changed the suspension for 2010 and bragged about the improvement. As early as February 2009 John Krafcik (CEO of HMA) acknowledged (on the Think Tank chat he conducted) that they came up with an improvement for the suspension and that he personally tested and approved the changes.

Regarding what HMA will do for 2009 owners (apparently nothing), that is a much more complicated story that probably includes a lot of different factors. But I don't think I absolutely need the help of HMA so long as I can get the 2010 rear spring and shock parts and have them installed on my 2009 by an independent shop. So in this case, it is not necessarily a done deal.

I am not "worked up" about this, I just would like to make some mods to make my Genesis as good as the 2010. Lots of other people make other mods on their car for all sorts of reasons (most of which I would never do to my car), but each person has the right to do what they want with the car they purchased (mine is not leased). I cannot understand why some get "worked up" about me wanting to get the 2010 suspension mods on my 2009 (especially if I pay for it).

Regarding the announcement of the suspension improvements, and whether it was "pulled", the original claim of 2010 suspension improvements on the HMA website, and then disappearance off the website a few days later was done long after the 2010 model was finalized and 2010 production runs had already started, so claiming that the 2009 and 2010 suspensions are the same based on that makes no sense whatsoever.

 

[GripperDon]

Mark and Don - have you actually driven a 2010? My 09 was built in Oct 08 and as you know, I wasn't impressed with the suspension. I recently drove a 2010 over the same roads and noticed little to NO difference..

My car has the 2010 suspension so yes I have driven the 2010 suspension and like you I am not impressed by the level of improvement. IMO Hyundai has not gone far enough an my ride IMO is harsh.

As I have tried to explain many times, I am not "worked up" or upset. I am enjoying trying to make the ride to my liking. I think it is HARSH, But not as harsh as some of the folks seem worked up over my working on what I choose to call a problem. It's my prerogative to call what I want to improve on and I work on things I consider a problem. I only hope you guys don't get too upset and spoil your lives worrying about what doesn't upset me.

I also feel that Hyundai has not been right to the folks that have the really harsh ride, not just my harsh ride. IMO they should have been helped not hindered in getting a better ride. Must be something about denial that is good for the soul, can't think of any other reason for it. I think I may name it the John Edwards syndrome.

 

[genesis 45]

Hello all..............it has been some time since i have posted because i have been busy tryin to get some answers.......there is a reason some of us like the ride of our 2009 genesis sedans and others of us do not.........i think we are both right..............hyundai changed the shocks on the sedan on 4/21/09...........they put new shocks in the cars after that date and it appears those are the same shocks in the 2010 models as well. The springs are the same part number but they are diff softer..............with info on this web site and some info i obtained i was able to discover the following info

v6 models } old rear shock part number 55310-3m800
new rear shock part number 55310-3m801
old front shock part numer 54611-3m800
new front shock part number 54611-3m801

v8 models ) old rear shock part number 55310-3m900
new rear shock part number 55310-3m901 the front changed fro part no. 54611-3m900 to 54611-3m901......

And just for info my bro is a 25 yr prof mech who has installed these on ny 2009 v8 and it drives just like the 209 model i drove....it is firm, but very controled now.............the weird old behavior i experienced is completely gone,,,,,,,,,,the parts all fit.................good luck with you changes if you need them and pls post you experiences.....i hope i could help.............................good evening.....

 

[genesis 45]

Oh im sorry i forgot to mention i did order new springs as well because i felt they must have changes the springs since the shocks changed......although the part number was the same for both years the new springs were diff softer then teh old ones i took aff even efter 20,000 miles..............

 

[genesis 45]

I just proof read my entries and realized i made a few critical typos..........i meant to say my car now drives just like the 2010 model i test drove..............