Can the power steering be adjusted?

[Kon]

I love everything about the Genesis except the steering, it's much heavier than every other car I've driven and makes driving needlessly difficult. I wouldn't mind heavy steering in a sports car where road feel and extremely precise control is important, but it makes no sense in a luxury sedan like this.

Is there any way to increase the power steering assistance so the wheel doesn't feel so heavy?

 

[Mr. Incredible]

Heavy steering is usually the result of low tire pressure.

I don’t experience this in my 2018. In fact the steering in my g80 is a bit loose/light for my tastes. Better in sport mode but still not as tight as my RCF.

 

[Kon]

Heavy steering is usually the result of low tire pressure.

I don’t experience this in my 2018. In fact the steering in my g80 is a bit loose/light for my tastes. Better in sport mode but still not as tight as my RCF.

I double-checked the tire pressure yesterday. Dash was already saying 33 all around (increased a couple PSI after driving for a while) and I stopped at a gas station with a digital air pump just to be sure.

I've read that some vehicles like the Sonata have a service menu for adjusting power assist level, guess I'll give the dealer a call and see if the Genesis has anything similar.

 

[Mr. Incredible]

Been discussed a lot on this forum 33psi is way too low for a vehicle of this weight. Try 36-38 psi cold outside air temp around 70 and after car has been sitting 5-6 hours.

You will find handling and steering to be a lot better. Ride might initially feel a bit firmer, but personally I didn’t notice it.

And no there is no menu item for this.

 

[Kon]

Can't hurt to try I guess. I'd read through a few tire pressure threads on these forums and the consensus seemed to be that we should just trust Hyundai's recommendation.

While we're on the topic of tires, is there a specific set that's recommended for the 3.8 AWD Genesis if your goal is comfort rather than performance?

 

[Mr. Incredible]

Look for tires labeled for TOURING. Those will provide the most comfortable ride. Just be sure they are properly rated for the weight of the vehicle.

popular models of touring tires include: Michelin Defender, BFGoodrich Advantage T/A, and Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring.


I prefer the BFGoodrich. I’ve run them on several cars and trucks. My wife currently has them on her 2017 Camry and loves them over the Bridgestone tired the car came with, she says they are quieter and the ride is more “floaty” which is her preference over mine, which is firmer and more performance orientated.

We’ve had good luck with the BFGoodrich tires lasting well past their warranty and neve had any defect issues. They also have Better traction in rain and on slick roads over Goodyear and bridge/fire stone brands IMO. Especially on the trucks I’ve had them on.

 

[EdP]

Can't hurt to try I guess. I'd read through a few tire pressure threads on these forums and the consensus seemed to be that we should just trust Hyundai's recommendation.

While we're on the topic of tires, is there a specific set that's recommended for the 3.8 AWD Genesis if your goal is comfort rather than performance?

Auto makers are always compromising on tire pressure. They want to give you that smooth ride and only a few people drive where performance is priority. I trust the experience of people here over a sticker on the car.

As for tires, do you want a summer, winter, year round tire? I was very happy with Nokian WRG3 on my last two cars. They have a true snow rating yet can be used all year.

 

[carguy75]

I set my tire pressure at 34 psi front and 36 psi rear cold and the handling and steering works well for me. The tires heat up to about 36psi front and about 38psi rear while driving per the tire monitoring system.

To my knowledge the steering ratios and assist is set by the factory. You can only change the steering assist by selecting drive modes I believe.

 

[Kon]

As for tires, do you want a summer, winter, year round tire? I was very happy with Nokian WRG3 on my last two cars. They have a true snow rating yet can be used all year.

I live in the Northeast but really just want comfort above all else -- I can drive my SUV to work on the rare snow day we get around here.

 

[Vince1415]

I love everything about the Genesis except the steering, it's much heavier than every other car I've driven and makes driving needlessly difficult. I wouldn't mind heavy steering in a sports car where road feel and extremely precise control is important, but it makes no sense in a luxury sedan like this.

Is there any way to increase the power steering assistance so the wheel doesn't feel so heavy?

I agree 100%. No one has answered the ? Can heavy steering be adjusted lighter??? Mine also very heavy!

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[EdP]

I agree 100%. No one has answered the ? Can heavy steering be adjusted lighter??? Mine also very heavy!

Never heard of it being done. Going back some years it was a common complaint that power steering was too light and no road feel. Never heard any mention in the reviews of any car.

If you feel there is a problem, ask the dealer or drive another car for comparison. Heavy or light is subjective.

 

[princelybug]

I replaced my power steering fluid last oil change @ 65K. Not sure it made the steering lighter, but it "felt" lighter/quieter/smoother. Definitely can't rule out placebo effect, but this quick/cheap depending on vehicle mileage.

You could also change out the power steering pump to a more robust one, but this is definitely not worth it.

 

[Mr. Incredible]

I replaced my power steering fluid last oil change @ 65K. Not sure it made the steering lighter, but it "felt" lighter/quieter/smoother. Definitely can't rule out placebo effect, but this quick/cheap depending on vehicle mileage.

You could also change out the power steering pump to a more robust one, but this is definitely not worth it.

2015 on up has electric power steering. No fluid to change..

 

[princelybug]

I should have been more clear: I changed the fluid out of my Equus.

 

[EdP]

2015 on up has electric power steering. No fluid to change..

Install a rheostat to adjust the steering feel.

 

[Suburbazine]

The electric power steering rack has 2 modes: 3.8 and 5.0 engine variants. Presumably the 5.0 assist curve makes for a lighter wheel since the 3.8 curve made mine even more sport-like.

The setting is literally a Mode C or Mode D option on the rack programming.

 

[Peepinggame]

Look for tires labeled for TOURING. Those will provide the most comfortable ride. Just be sure they are properly rated for the weight of the vehicle.

popular models of touring tires include: Michelin Defender, BFGoodrich Advantage T/A, and Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring.


I prefer the BFGoodrich. I’ve run them on several cars and trucks. My wife currently has them on her 2017 Camry and loves them over the Bridgestone tired the car came with, she says they are quieter and the ride is more “floaty” which is her preference over mine, which is firmer and more performance orientated.

We’ve had good luck with the BFGoodrich tires lasting well past their warranty and neve had any defect issues. They also have Better traction in rain

 

[Andyj]

The steering on our 2015 3.8 rwd is not heavy at all especially for the size and weight of the car. The turning radius is decent as well.

 

[skipgen]

Install a rheostat to adjust the steering feel.

My wife's KIA Soul has 3 levels of power steering assist via a button on the steering wheel. Does nothing to actually increase the (non existent) road feel...

 

[skipgen]

Been discussed a lot on this forum 33psi is way too low for a vehicle of this weight. Try 36-38 psi cold outside air temp around 70 and after car has been sitting 5-6 hours.

You will find handling and steering to be a lot better. Ride might initially feel a bit firmer, but personally I didn’t notice it.

And no there is no menu item for this.

I run 36 on my 5.0 Ultimate & notice no degradation in ride, probably because of the electronic shocks and the DH Genesis seems has a LOT of available suspension travel.