hazelwood7
Getting familiar with the group...
- Joined
- May 6, 2010
- Messages
- 69
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 0
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
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