Latest suspension upgrades

[Bocatrip]

I have read various posts with regards to Hyundai updating the suspension on the Genesis initially in April 2009 and supposely 2 additonal times with further tweaking. Assumingly, there was a 3rd update in Nov 2009. If the 2010 model year began in October (with production months earlier), My question is this.... If I test drive a 2010 Genesis, how do I know with certainty that it has the latest upgrade to the suspension?

 

[Mark_888]

The only changes that I heard about were a slight change in 2009 production date (April sounds about right) and a bigger change (revision to all springs and shocks) for all 2010 model year Genesis sedans (regardless of production date). Do you remember exactly where you heard otherwise?

The steering was also improved for 2010 model year, apparently with new bushings (a HMA employee announced that new bushings were included in the 2010 and that steering was improved for 2010, so the association between the two is my presumption).

 

[Bocatrip]

The only changes that I heard about were a slight change in 2009 production date (April sounds about right) and a bigger change (revision to all springs and shocks) for all 2010 model year Genesis sedans (regardless of production date). Do you remember exactly where you heard otherwise?

The steering was also improved for 2010 model year, apparently with new bushings (a HMA employee announced that new bushings were included in the 2010 and that steering was improved for 2010, so the association between the two is my presumption).

All the info I mentioned was read on this forum. I believe the Nov 2009 update had to do with the rear stabalizer bar bushings.

 

[Mark_888]

All the info I mentioned was read on this forum. I believe the Nov 2009 update had to do with the rear stabalizer bar bushings.

I believe that the V6 and V8 have slightly different stabilizer bars, but not sure if that is on the front or the rear. You can check the production date of the vehicle based on the sticker in the drivers door jam.

One easy way to narrow down late build dates (without traveling to the dealer) is to look at the dealer inventory online (if they have it online) and check the VIN number or the dealer inventory number. Obviously the newest ones have the highest numbers (but check the door jam build date for conclusive information). But in most places the 2010 models have been selling well, so maybe not too many built before Nov 2009 are still unsold.

 

[Bocatrip]

I believe that the V6 and V8 have slightly different stabilizer bars, but not sure if that is on the front or the rear. You can check the production date of the vehicle based on the sticker in the drivers door jam.

One easy way to narrow down late build dates (without traveling to the dealer) is to look at the dealer inventory online (if they have it online) and check the VIN number or the dealer inventory number. Obviously the newest ones have the highest numbers (but check the door jam build date for conclusive information). But in most places the 2010 models have been selling well, so maybe not too many built before Nov 2009 are still unsold.

After 3 test drives, I have not gone on one that has had a satisfactory ride. I guess to be certain I have all the suspension updates is to go for test drive # 4 on a car with the most recent production date I can find. I wonder if Hyundai is still continuing to make additional suspension tweaking without any general fanfare. Of course the bigger question is if they have any plans for doing more for the 2011.

 

[Mark_888]

After 3 test drives, I have not gone on one that has had a satisfactory ride. I guess to be certain I have all the suspension updates is to go for test drive # 4 on a car with the most recent production date I can find. I wonder if Hyundai is still continuing to make additional suspension tweaking without any general fanfare. Of course the bigger question is if they have any plans for doing more for the 2011.

Keep in mind that Genesis has a firm ride by design, regardless of which suspension updates it has. If you don't want a firm ride, then you might want to try another car.

The problem with the original 2009 suspension is that in addition to being firm, it was also bouncy in the rear, and the bounciness tended to oscillate under certain road conditions. This was most likely because the 2009 springs were overpowering the shocks (which were too weak to damp the springs). Speculation is that 2010 shocks are firmer and the springs slightly softer to compensate, but the overall ride is still firm.

Toyota has just released the all new 2011 Avalon, which is reported to have a very smooth and cushy ride, which might better fit your requirements. Given the Toyota PR problems recently, you might be able to get a very good deal. If you don't need a vehicle quite that large, then the Lexus ES350 might be a good choice.

Don't know about 2011, but unless they offer an air suspension as an option (like on the Korean domestic version of the Genesis) I would not expect big differences.

 

[ckon]

Also, if you're taking a test drive, you're not really going to know the handling characteristics of the car you're driving unless you KNOW the tire pressures. Many (most?) of the new cars I've bought over the years didn't necessarily have the proper inflation in the tires. Judging a test drive of one of these cars without assurance of proper tire pressure may mislead you, for better or worse.

 

[Bocatrip]

The firmness of the ride is not an issue for me. I've been driving a G35 Coupe for the last 6 years and know about a firm ride. The Genesis reacts to road irregularities unlike any car I have ever driven. I'm sure it is not something I am inclined to get used to. This is without me ever sitting in the back seat! With regards to the tire pressures, I adjusted my last V8 test drive to 33 lbs with no real effectiveness other than seeing the TPMS light come on. Unfortunately, other than the ride, I do like this car very much and would like to try some additional test drives in order to convince myself definitively one way or the other. Are the riding characteristics identical in both the V6 and V8?

 

[Mark_888]

Are the riding characteristics identical in both the V6 and V8?

I wouldn't say that they are identical, but both V6 and V8 owners have expressed concerns about the 2009 suspension, so I think the concerns are similar (I don't want to get into what percent of owners have expressed concerns). One thing to be careful about drawing conclusions from posts on this forum is that despite 80% of 2009 Genesis sedan production being the V6 (according to HMA), a disproportionate number of frequent posters on this forum have the V8 model.

 

[Bocatrip]

I wouldn't say that they are identical, but both V6 and V8 owners have expressed concerns about the 2009 suspension, so I think the concerns are similar (I don't want to get into what percent of owners have expressed concerns). One thing to be careful about drawing conclusions from posts on this forum is that despite 80% of 2009 Genesis sedan production being the V6 (according to HMA), a disproportionate number of frequent posters on this forum have the V8 model.

I've made that very same observation about more V8 posts than V6.

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[tom717]

Just took my '10 Tau Tech for a very hard run on rolling back country twisty roads (Pa and Md border roads) - rough and smooth and in between surfaces - extremely pleased - any thoughts of suspension issue went out the door- steering and road feel was very good, had brake smell after awhile but those brakes kept me out of trouble - not one rattle. Great car.

 

[Gambler]

I just got back from a long trip this weekend, and finally hit some bad roads where the bounciness became apparent. It would be nice to just be able to replace the shocks. I'll wait it out and let somebody else try it first

 

[Bocatrip]

I just got back from a long trip this weekend, and finally hit some bad roads where the bounciness became apparent. It would be nice to just be able to replace the shocks. I'll wait it out and let somebody else try it first

What was your production date?

 

[Gambler]

What was your production date?

I'm not sure. I'll try to remember to check it.

 

[Mark_888]

I just got back from a long trip this weekend, and finally hit some bad roads where the bounciness became apparent. It would be nice to just be able to replace the shocks. I'll wait it out and let somebody else try it first

I would not count on that helping as much as replacing the springs.