2012 Suspension upgrade

[NYCGPS]

tomorrow, I probably gonna test drive a 2010. assume that they will let me. it was one of the dealerships I've been to but last time their battery was dead and their jump start thing was locked.

if the price is right, I probably hit that too (even it has a scratch in the front)

 

[Kamkaze]

I thnk the ride is great, very smooth, yet still a little sporty, but I also drive a genesis coupe on coilovers set to full stiff, 20" wheels and about 1.5" of ground clearance.

 

[MHT]

Please disregard.

 

[GripperDon]

Going to drive a 2912 v6 today if really better will likely trade my 2009 made after the suspension change.

However if possible to buy all the suspension parts of the 2012 it would probably be less than the depiction loss on the 2009. I only have 9500 miles on my Genesis.

 

[Vince2]

GripperDon of course it would be cheaper to buy the new suspension set up. Someone will have to ferret out the new components...it's just a shame Hyundai doesn't make it easier. I would still be driving my 2010 if Hyundai would put together a package to upgrade the suspension (or change if that "upgrade" term is too much for some of you). I was hoping that an aftermarket company or Hyundai itself would have offered a change. Actaully Hyundai might be smart not to help. I just traded my 10 for 12 and that cost a lot more than a few suspension parts! I've read a lot of your posts and you clearly called Hyundai out for the poor suspension and you did it early when most of us where trying to persuade ourselves that is was OK. I think we should thank you and others like you who got the message to Hyundai about the state of their Genesis suspension.

 

[Mark_888]

Going to drive a 2912 v6 today if really better will likely trade my 2009 made after the suspension change.

However if possible to buy all the suspension parts of the 2012 it would probably be less than the depiction loss on the 2009. I only have 9500 miles on my Genesis.

Once the 2012 parts catalog is available on one of online Hyundai Parts web sites (several of the Hyundai dealers use the same software provider for their parts website) it shouldn't be too hard to figure out what the differences are and get a price. But not sure when they will get the 2012 parts catalog posted. I will try and help those interested in figuring this out, since I have some experience with this when I upgraded my early 2009 suspension to 2010-2011 specs (even though I seriously doubt I will upgrade my suspension again).

 

[ImInPA]

Going to drive a 2912 v6 today if really better will likely trade my 2009 made after the suspension change.

However if possible to buy all the suspension parts of the 2012 it would probably be less than the depiction loss on the 2009. I only have 9500 miles on my Genesis.

Wow!!! I hear the 2912's have auto-navigation and are capable of utilizing worm holes at a quantum level. Not sure if the V6 will still be used 900 years from now, but, perhaps it will be part of some "retro styling" package?

 

[JckOfSpds]

Once the 2012 parts catalog is available on one of online Hyundai Parts web sites (several of the Hyundai dealers use the same software provider for their parts website) it shouldn't be too hard to figure out what the differences are and get a price. But not sure when they will get the 2012 parts catalog posted. I will try and help those interested in figuring this out, since I have some experience with this when I upgraded my early 2009 suspension to 2010-2011 specs (even though I seriously doubt I will upgrade my suspension again).

Mark_888, if you don't mind me asking, how much was it to upgrade your suspension to the 2010-2011 specs? Want to have some idea as to what to expect. Thanks.

 

[Mark_888]

Mark_888, if you don't mind me asking, how much was it to upgrade your suspension to the 2010-2011 specs? Want to have some idea as to what to expect. Thanks.

I paid $1056 for parts (4 springs, 4 shocks/struts, and rear stabilizer) via an online parts site run by a dealer that sells parts about 20% off list. Shipping charges were included in the price above (no tax becasue out of state purchase).

Installation was $616 at an independent shop that specializes in suspension repairs. A dealer would be much more expensive and they probably don’t have as much experience replacing suspension parts. The installation charge included a 4-wheel alignment, with one free follow-up alignment check/adjustment after about 5000 miles.

One way to find a good suspension shop is to call Costco Tire Dept or Discount Tire and ask for recommendation on alignment shops (these tire retailers don’t do their own alignments).

 

[GripperDon]

Re: 2012 Suspension upgrade NAW going Air Ride

Well after driving 2009. 2010, 2011, and 2012 Test made on exactly the same set of "Test roades" same tire pressures, etc. I Just did not see anything very significant in the ride differences, There were differences just not a significant ones.

Soooo after a lot of drives in Lexus GS 350's and Equis "Ultimates" and Even Toyota Avalons I decided that eating about $20K to trade in my "9657 miles on the OD Geneis" was really stupid. I contacted a company that initially said they would make me a custon set of springs for front coil overs and new shocks and springs in the rear. Later they backed out.

So Here is what I am doing.

1. Modifing the Drivers seat bottom, eliminating the spring supports and installing a Thick Foam base to support the cushion. It will sit in kind of a bucket that is fastned to the seat frame so the seat motions are retained.

2. Installing a Air Bag suspension system front and rear.

I have settled on "Slam" air bags and met with the custom installer who will do the work. He keeps the car for 2 weeks. The install requires custom selection of most parts and custom fab of the Bag extensions in the rear.

It will have height adjustability on each corner.

The cost is $4437.00 Work will start in Mid October. A lot but cheaper than $20k to $30k at trade time and then the newones lose another $10 to $15k in their first year. So for about one sixth of the cost I'll go for the $500 and have a ride I can really love. (I hope )

Let you know how it all works out. I hope it does as I like the car other than the ride. I am retaining the origional parts, so I can replace them when I sell the car. Grip

PS remember I have already changed my wheels by an inch diameter and Gotten rid of the Dunlops for a taller side wall and run the tires at 29.5 psi inital in my Air conditioned garage. And my car was made after the 2009/2010 shock etc. change made as a running change by Hyundai.

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[Vince2]

Good luck. I really thought this issue would be over by now with a fairly easy to do aftermarket swap. Maybe your mods will become that model. I did find the changes large enough in the 2012 that I could enjoy the ride and I was willing to accept the cost. It will be very interesting to read your report on the modification.

 

[Mark_888]

As I mentioned previously, as soon as the online Hyundai Parts websites (a bunch of Hyundai dealers who sell parts online use the same software provider) post the Hyundai 2012 parts catalog, we can figure out what parts need to be changed to upgrade to 2012, and how much it will cost. This can be done by looking at drawings and comparing 2012 part numbers with 2011 part numbers (unless they made some major structural changes, which is somewhat doubtful, but not out the question).

 

[GripperDon]

As I mentioned a long time ago I put on touring tires Goodyear, Comfort Treads to fit the wheels that I reduced from 18 to 17 inch all for "Some Improvement" and that I had a car built after the 09 to 10 change over (the -01 shocks etc)

Well now I have taken a ride in a car equipped with the air ride system that I am going to have installed in mine. It was GREAT. Full control of stiffness of the ride and height. I have driven the Toyota Avalon and the Lexus 350 and the new VW Passat, This is better softer but still with grater control.

It comes with a electrical controller that will either manually or automatically control each wheels air bag pressure so that the height is exactly level front to back and side to side compensating for passenger weight and trunk load etc. This allows for much better wheel alignment all the time.

I am supplying some disposable cameras to the install company so I can post them here so you all will be able to see the install and later I can demonstrate the adjustably of the system with some pictures. I think it will be able to better the Eques of the Korean Genesis.

If it all turns out so great on my car, I'll see if he will put together a kit that can be sent to whoever wants it for install by their suspension guy with these pictures and using the install info plus the exact air bags, shocks, operating pressures and compressor.. I am having a "rescue bag" assembled so that I will have a spare section of air line, splicers, and an air bag to have in the trunk for trip security.

Well as you can tell I am excited. I can't wait for the long travail to be finished, Either with this new suspension or a new car. I liked the Eques ride but not the price. So if this is a flop I'll but the spring system back on and sell the Genesis. I really love the car except for the ride so I really would be sad to see it go. The cost is not cheap but a lot lot less than trading it in or selling it and buying something else. Hopefully now I can keep it for many ears and the upgrade will be small spread over the longer time.

 

[roblaw]

I would drive the 2012 before you spend a great deal of money. I just got a 3.8 Premium. It is a fantastic car is so many ways but is still a pretty firm ride. I would caution you to drive it before you spend a bunch of money upgrading the suspension. You may want to wait and simply buy a new car since I do not see the new suspension parts adding nearly as much to the value as you would spend. Plus the powertrain improvements to the 2012 are pretty nice and the cosmetic changes are attractive.

 

[Mark_888]

I would drive the 2012 before you spend a great deal of money. I just got a 3.8 Premium. It is a fantastic car is so many ways but is still a pretty firm ride. I would caution you to drive it before you spend a bunch of money upgrading the suspension. You may want to wait and simply buy a new car since I do not see the new suspension parts adding nearly as much to the value as you would spend. Plus the powertrain improvements to the 2012 are pretty nice and the cosmetic changes are attractive.

Possibly, but it would only cost about $1600 for parts and labor (independent suspension shop) to switch out the 4 springs, 4 shocks/struts, and rear stabilizer. For those who don't drive a lot of miles, and will keep the car for a while, it might be worth it if they find their current suspension unacceptable (especially 2009 owners).

 

[Genesis-In-The-Burgh]

I test drove the 2011 and 2012 4.6. The 2012 suspension is vastly improved over the 2011. Our roads here are terrible and the 2011 seemed completely unrefined, bouncing and jerking over side streets and construction zones. The 2012 was firm but didn't seem to offer an punishing a ride. It was still quite firm though. I almost wonder what the 2012 gives up for ride comfort?

I ended up buying a certified used (7K mi) 2011 4.6 for $31K - couldn't resist the deal. I put 1,000 miles on it last week and have to say that, at first, the ride punished my back, and I struggled to find any redeeming qualities. And, then I realized that I was driving on I79 in WV at 80-90 MPH - easily - no white knuckes - no worries. I haven't driven a large car this stable since the 740iL.

Once I accepted the entire packaage - luxury, options, performance and stiff ride - I'm pleased. If only I could find a deal on an R-Spec!

 

[GripperDon]

Final Comment: Truly Final !

After getting the drivers seat, steering wheel adjuster and seat memory fixed for the third time. I was able to drive an "Air Ride" equipped passenger car. The air ride mainly improved other areas of ride performance not the jar associated by me with the Genesis ride, so I have abandoned that plan.

So far I have carefully driven a 2009, a 2010, 2011 and a 2012 Genesis over a variety of roads.

Then I drove a VW 2012 Passat, A 2012 Lincoln MKZ, a 202 Toyota Avalon and a Chrysler 300 with 20 inch wheels and one with 18 inch wheels.

All OVER THE SAME ROADS at the same typical velocity and all at factory recommended tire pressure.

All this was a serious and studied endeavor I was accompanied by 2 additional passenger in the car at all times. Carefully attention was given to the test drives.

ALL the cars felt the same on the section of the freeway chosen, SMOOTH.

On the section of surban and city roads selected all the Genesis felt the same with very very minor differences: Unsettled, Jarring on tar strips and manhole covers and really bad on small pot holes. ( no large pot holes were tested).

In order of increasing all around comfort the cars were: VW, Lincoln, Toyota and Chrysler. The Avalon was easily the least reactive to pot holes and Tar Strips but the Chrysler although a bit more reactive to those, was a better all around experience. So I traded the Genesis in on a Chrysler 300 Limited. So now I have no reason to post complaints about the Genesis since I don't own it anymore.

It has been a pleasure being on this forum, I personally wish each and everyone, all the best, good luck and farewell. Gripper

 

[Car Fan]

Wow I did not see this coming. Good luck with the Chrysler. Don't be a stranger to the forum.