Review and Info on Upgrading my Genesis 3.8 from 2009 Suspension to 2010

[hazelwood7]

bye bye Hyundai !

Did you sell your car or is it still on rails? I find it hard to believe that you would do such a thing when you are not driving something that is depreciating and just siting there unused, while paying for it.

 

[hazelwood7]

Genesis 45 and I have both upgraded the suspension of our cars from 2009 to 2010 and have seen a SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT in the behavior of the suspension. Again, this is an issue with the early 09 suspensions where the springs were overloading the shocks in the rear and the car and way too much sway. These two issues were solved in the 2010 upgrade. Before the upgrade, I wanted to get rid of the car, after the upgrade I will keep it for 3-4 years. That's the best endorsement I can give for getting it done.

I see no one else has gone our way and completed the upgrades but enjoy posting their opinions about what the suspension upgrade will or will not do. If you do not want to spend the money on the suspension upgrade then get rid of the car. In my mind 1800 dollars is better then loosing 8,000 dollars or whatever depreciation hit. Forget about Hyundai helping you out, unless you want to bring a class action law suit against them, they will probably not listen to claims on paying for or changing the suspension parts. It is sad that they will not step up to the plate and make things right, because the early 09's has a real suspension design flaw issue which was corrected mid model year. This is different to the issue with people not liking the firm ride of the Genesis. The sad thing is that there is a solution to correcting this design flaw and it requires out of pocket money to fix it. Go test drive a 2010 Genesis, if you feel a difference and like what they did compared to the early 09 Genesis suspension that you are driving, then read the OP and get the work done and be happy. If you drive the 2010 and you still do not like the suspension, then sell the car and buy something else.
Chris

 

[Seattle Genesis]

Did you sell your car or is it still on rails? I find it hard to believe that you would do such a thing when you are not driving something that is depreciating and just siting there unused, while paying for it.

no. I still have it. The only reason I put it up in storage was to keep the miles off it. I will end up trading it very soon. Im sure I can get something for it. I know this is an extreme and non-rational step to take.

I have a 1998 Dodge Ram pickup truck with 128K miles on it. Its been a work horse of a truck and rides better than my car. I'll keep that one !

 

[JimM]

We have a 2010 3.8 V6 Tec Pac. built August 18 2009. What suspension parts do you think I have or need ?

 

[hazelwood7]

We have a 2010 3.8 V6 Tec Pac. built August 18 2009. What suspension parts do you think I have or need ?

none, you have the upgraded suspension.

 

[hazelwood7]

no. I still have it. The only reason I put it up in storage was to keep the miles off it. I will end up trading it very soon. Im sure I can get something for it. I know this is an extreme and non-rational step to take.

I have a 1998 Dodge Ram pickup truck with 128K miles on it. Its been a work horse of a truck and rides better than my car. I'll keep that one !

So I will assume that you did not upgrade the suspension.

 

[kennyboy2]

Chris

I have a 2009 3.8 with a May 19, 2009 build date. To replicate the 2010 suspension, are you saying that I need to replace only the Rear Sway Bar P/N 55510-3M150? If so, how much improvement do you think I would notice and any idea as to the cost of just replacing the one part versus multiple parts as you did? BTW, your post is very helpful and much appreciated.
Ken

Below is my experience with upgrading my October 2008 build 2009 Genesis 3.8 to the latest 2010 suspension upgrades. Special Thanks to Griper Don, Genesis 45 (who was first to do this upgrade), Seattle Genesis and Mark 88 for the info and the help with this project. Disclaimer, that this my opinion on an option that I exercised to fix a suspension issue on the early 09 Genesis sedan 3.8 that I own. Some people have different opinions on whether this is a design flaw and some people share my opinion that Hyundai went through first year “teething issues”. People will ask if it’s worth the time and money. For me it was, but for others it may not. I would suggest for people who are interested in upgrading their suspension to 2010, test drive a 2010 model to see if it is worth it to you. This upgrade will bring you very close to the 2010 suspension experience.

I purchased the parts online from www.hyundaipartsonline.com. Good place to buy parts because you get 20% off list but shipping can be pricey depending on were you live. The parts are also available at your local Hyundai dealer, just bring in the part numbers the parts guy and you are set. My local Hyundai dealer was willing to do the labor and install the upgrade but they wanted 3 times the amount that my local trusted mechanic wanted. I would suggest to shop around but hire someone who knows what they are doing and someone you trust if you go through with this. Again, just my opinion.

So I recently bought an early 09 Genesis used and had read some of the concerns about the unsettled bouncy suspension but after several test drives on decently paved roads, I did not notice the problem. On the ride home from the dealership, I went over some harsher roads with bumps etc., and the 09 Genesis became unglued and could not absorb multiple bumps and bounced all over the place. After investigating and finding that Hyundai made changes in mid 09 and in the 10 model year, I investigated if it was worth the money and trouble to upgrade the parts. After a test drive of the 2010 3.8 over some real rough bumpy roads, I noticed a real noticeable improvement as the car was much more controlled. The bumpiness was reduced by 70-80% and the ride handled bumps much better. The ride was still firm but better controlled. It was very apparent in driving both my car and the 2010 back to back. I did not want to trade my car in so I consulted fellow board members Griper Don and Genesis 45, who helped me with getting the parts (what to order) and what were the design issues with the 2009 suspension. If you have a car made before April 09, here are the parts needed to do the upgrade. This info was verified by the parts guy at the Hyundai dealership as well as the revision dates to get the latest parts.

(Parts to upgrade Genesis to 2010 suspension for a Genesis 3.8) Note: If you have a 4.6 Genesis your parts guy will be able to get you the updated parts list. The same parts were replaced in the V8 but they have different part numbers.

Right Front Strut 54621-3M801
Left Front Strut 54611-3M801

Rear Shocks (x2) 55310-3M801

Front Springs (x2) 54650-3M300 (Same as old part number put spring is softer. Verified by my mechanic and Genesis 45’s mechanic).

Rear Springs (x2) 55350-3M301

Rear Sway Bar (October 09 Revision and latest) 55510-3M150

After April 09 but before the 2010 model year you need to replace the rear sway bar with the one in October/November 09, Front Struts and Front Springs.

I purchased the parts online from www.hyundaipartsonline.com. Good place to buy because you get 20% off list on parts but shipping can be pricey depending on were you live. The parts are also available at your local Hyundai dealer, just bring the part numbers and you are set. My local Hyundai dealer was willing to do the labor and install the upgrade but they wanted 3 times the amount that my local trusted mechanic wanted, so I would suggest to shop around but hire someone who knows what they are doing and someone you trust if you go through with this. Again, just my opinion.

The total for parts should run you between 950-1100 if you replace all the parts and you are looking at 5-7 hours of labor and after it is done, an alignment will be needed. It was an easy install job for my mechanic.


Total cost for me was 1800 dollars and I am satisfied with the results and the suspension is much more livable, still firm and great on smooth roads and improved on the roads that gave me so much trouble in the past. Bounciness is improved by 70-80%. Again, this is my opinion and your mileage may vary so don’t sue me, ok
Chris

 

[hazelwood7]

Chris

I have a 2009 3.8 with a May 19, 2009 build date. To replicate the 2010 suspension, are you saying that I need to replace only the Rear Sway Bar P/N 55510-3M150? If so, how much improvement do you think I would notice and any idea as to the cost of just replacing the one part versus multiple parts as you did? BTW, your post is very helpful and much appreciated.
Ken

The rear sway bar is like 4 to 6 bolts and would be easy to swap out and will greatly improve the bounciness of the rear. I would do that as the sway bar can be bought for around 100 dollars. The install should be quick at the local mechanic.

They also changed the front struts after April 09 builds. I would start with the rear sway and see what happens.
Chris

 

[kennyboy2]

Chris, Thanks for the follow-up info. I've got a query into Hyundai as well. Sounds like I would get the most bang for the buck in replacing the sway bar, and secondly the front struts. So I don't duplicate all of your efforts, can you tell me how were you able to verify what parts were changed prior to April vice after April 09? I guess I should count myself lucky that I have a build date of 19 May.

 

[kennyboy2]

Chris, Thanks for the follow-up info. I've got a query into Hyundai as well. Sounds like I would get the most bang for the buck in replacing the sway bar, and secondly the front struts. So I don't duplicate all of your efforts, can you tell me how were you able to verify what parts were changed prior to April vice after April 09? I guess I should count myself lucky that I have a build date of 19 May.

Or maybe not that lucky! I re-read your initial post. Do I need to replace also the front springs as well as the rear sway bar and front struts to achieve the goal of replicating the FY10 suspension?

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[kennyboy2]

Several early 2009 Genesis owners have upgraded their suspensions using 2010 parts. Has anyone with a mid-year 2009 model upgraded their suspension or is considering doing the upgrade?

BTW, Chris, if you are still monitoring this forum, please see my questions previous post.

 

[hazelwood7]

Or maybe not that lucky! I re-read your initial post. Do I need to replace also the front springs as well as the rear sway bar and front struts to achieve the goal of replicating the FY10 suspension?

Yes you do. All of those parts would bring your car up to the 2010 suspension changes. If I were you I would start with the new sway bar and see how that helps.
Chris

 

[Disaster]

Chris

I have a 2009 3.8 with a May 19, 2009 build date. To replicate the 2010 suspension, are you saying that I need to replace only the Rear Sway Bar P/N 55510-3M150? If so, how much improvement do you think I would notice and any idea as to the cost of just replacing the one part versus multiple parts as you did? BTW, your post is very helpful and much appreciated.
Ken

Cars suspensions are carefully (or in the initial Genesis release...not so carefully), front to rear. The sway bar is an integral part of balancing forward and rear roll stiffness, which effects the tendency to over or understeer. It would be a bad idea to make some of the mods, but skip the roll bar.

 

[kennyboy2]

Chris,

I finally got a verbal response from Hyundai and they are telling me that with my May 09 build that I need to replace the rear sway bar plus front AND rear struts and springs. You indicated in your post that I would need to replace the sway bar and front struts and springs only, NOT rear. I need to resolve the disconnect before I can move forward. Can you tell me how you arrived at your recommendations?

(Additional clarification: Upon further discussion with the Hyundai consumer affairs agent, Hyundai can only tell me generically that I need to replace the struts and springs--it isn't clear whether they are suggesting both front and rear for my May 09 build. In any case, it would really help me if I knew how you figured out all the puzzle pieces.)

BTW, Hyundai Consumer Affairs is telling me that the 2011 suspension is essentially unchanged from 2010. I am wondering if others have heard differently.

Yes you do. All of those parts would bring your car up to the 2010 suspension changes. If I were you I would start with the new sway bar and see how that helps.
Chris

 

[hazelwood7]

Chris,

I finally got a verbal response from Hyundai and they are telling me that with my May 09 build that I need to replace the rear sway bar plus front AND rear struts and springs. You indicated in your post that I would need to replace the sway bar and front struts and springs only, NOT rear. I need to resolve the disconnect before I can move forward. Can you tell me how you arrived at your recommendations?

(Additional clarification: Upon further discussion with the Hyundai consumer affairs agent, Hyundai can only tell me generically that I need to replace the struts and springs--it isn't clear whether they are suggesting both front and rear for my May 09 build. In any case, it would really help me if I knew how you figured out all the puzzle pieces.)

BTW, Hyundai Consumer Affairs is telling me that the 2011 suspension is essentially unchanged from 2010. I am wondering if others have heard differently.

Someone on the board posted that they received info that after April 2, 2009 builds they had changes the rear springs and shocks. I don't know where they got the info 100% but I thought it was off of the Think Tank Website.

There is an easier was to figure this out. Crawl under the car and look at the rear springs and shocks using a flashlight and find the sticker with the serial number. If the serial number ends with a 1, you have the update. If it ends with 0, you have the old springs and shocks.
Chris

 

[Seattle Genesis]

That wouldn't be a certain dealership in Renton would it? I went into the parts department and had a good discussion with the parts manager about the cost of parts and the merits of changing them out. (I asked to drive a 2010 V8, but there weren't any on the lot.... plenty of Sonatas)

Hey Orcaman.

Did you upgrade to the 2010 suspension yet?

 

[kennyboy2]

Thanks for the suggestion Chris. I tried crawling under my car but my body would not fit! I'm going to run it by the dealer this week and ask them to put it on a lift. I think you are saying that there were changes to the FRONT springs and shocks after 2009, right? At any rate, I am going to get SNs for front and rear as well as the rear sway bar.

Someone on the board posted that they received info that after April 2, 2009 builds they had changes the rear springs and shocks. I don't know where they got the info 100% but I thought it was off of the Think Tank Website.

There is an easier was to figure this out. Crawl under the car and look at the rear springs and shocks using a flashlight and find the sticker with the serial number. If the serial number ends with a 1, you have the update. If it ends with 0, you have the old springs and shocks.
Chris

 

[kennyboy2]

Here's my update. As I was unable to crawl under my Genesis, I took my May 2009 build car to my dealer. They indicated that it would be pointless to put it up on the lift because most suspension parts would not have a sticker--only the box clearly shows the part number. I cannot confirm this because, as I said, I could not crawl under my vehicle! The parts department looked up my VIN and provided me with the suspension part numbers on my May 2009 Genesis and they are IDENTICAL to the part numbers at the beginning of your thread. I asked them several times whether these were the replacement parts or the actual parts on my Genesis and they said that these were the actual parts on my vehicle. So, I am thinking that perhaps the gentleman who posted that additional suspension charts were changed again in 2010 was mistaken? Or, is there some other explanation? If my May 2009 is essentially identical to the 2010, then this is a good news/bad news scenario. I have no intent right now to sell my vehicle so perhaps I should just accept its many virtues and not dwell on its only really weak point, the nervous suspension. BTW, I took a 2011 on a short test drive a few weeks ago and I thought there was some slight improvement over rough roads but this may have been the placebo effect.

Someone on the board posted that they received info that after April 2, 2009 builds they had changes the rear springs and shocks. I don't know where they got the info 100% but I thought it was off of the Think Tank Website.

There is an easier was to figure this out. Crawl under the car and look at the rear springs and shocks using a flashlight and find the sticker with the serial number. If the serial number ends with a 1, you have the update. If it ends with 0, you have the old springs and shocks.
Chris

 

[hazelwood7]

kennyboy2,

So Hyundai Customer Service told you that there were no suspension upgrades in 2009 and your dealer said you had all the updates. Hmm....
First, I am surprised that Hyundai Customer Service would even comment on the issue because they won't do anything about. I am surprised they were giving you advise on how to spend your money. I think they are trying to back track and by telling you no changes were made mid 2009 because it would give evidence that changes were made mid model year to fix a defective suspension. I guess the only way that they would do anything for their customers is if there was a class action lawsuit against Hyundai for early 2009 owners to at least install the mid year updates they did. This would only be fair since the mid year update fixed the springs overloading the shocks in the back of the car. Someone would need to take the lead on this and I don't have the time to lead that crusade. The only thing I can hope for is that people continue to call Hyundai and express their displeasure with the flawed suspension. The fact they are talking to you about it is progress because they are acknowledging the issue. It comes down to dollars and cents for them. How much will it cost them to fix the issue vs. stone walling and loosing customers.

Let's recap on what they have fixed. They have given customers reimbursement for trunk speaker covers that V6 owners did not have on their car (myself included). Enough people complained and it didn't cost them alot of money(approx 150.00) to fix.

The DIS Navigation update to fix the buggy software installed on the early 2009 systems. Enough people complained and said no way will I spend 300 dollars plus labor to install the software. So they instructed the dealers to give it to owners during the next service. Again, the fix does not cost them alot of money.

The suspension issue will cost them some real dollars to fix. Hence, no fix because if they fix one and it got public they would have to upgrade them all.

So everyone with this issue, if you don't like it call Hyundai and tell them about and get them to open a case. Maybe someone will open a class action law suit and it would pressure them to see the problem as serious and they may be more compelled to do something.


As for going to the dealer and having them look at the car on the lift, they will not do it probably because it's a real pain for them to do it. I will tell you as I did before that your back shocks and springs are updated and you have the second revision sway bar dated in their parts computer April 2009 when they made the mid model year changes. They left the front alone. They fixed the issue of the shocks overloading the springs and your car has that upgrade done.

The difference that you felt on the 2011 compared to your mid 2009 was that the sway bar was revised again to reduce sway on bumpy roads in October 2009 for the 2010 model year and the front struts were also revised . The front springs were also revised and made softer but retained the same part number. This is what may have accounted for the slight change you felt in the 2011 suspension from you car. My suggestion would be to get the newest upgraded sway bar and see what they does for you. It costs around 100 dollars and only has 4 bolts. Take it to your mechanic and he could do it for you in 20 minutes. See if it makes a difference.
Chris

 

[Teo]

I'm in......!!!!!