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

hazelwood7

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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
 
My Genesis build date is 7/15/2008, does it mean I have the suspension everyone is complaining about?
 
Chris, great post and much appreciated. Just in case anyone happens to live in the same city as you, could you provide the name and location of your mechanic? If a PM is more appropriate than posting that in the forum, then let us know.
 
Chris, great post and much appreciated. Just in case anyone happens to live in the same city as you, could you provide the name and location of your mechanic? If a PM is more appropriate than posting that in the forum, then let us know.

I live in the suburbs of Philadelphia PA. If someone needs a good mechanic, PM me and I'll give them some names.
Chris
 
I actually talked to Chris on the phone the other day and we discussed in length about the mutual love for this car and its dis-functional suspension issues. What a nice guy and what a good job he has done to help us all out with this new 2010 install. THANKS !

Im off to the dealer now to order my new 2010 suspension parts and to see what the dealer can do about it. If they are to expensive then Im off to an independent mechanic that will do the job. I will keep everyone posted with my results. Should be completed in a few weeks, I hope.

Thanks again to all the guys that have gone thru this and shared their results.

Thanks,
Seattle Genesis
 
Looking to update and upgrade your Genesis luxury sport automobile? Look no further than right here in our own forum store - where orders are shipped immediately!
Hazelwood7. You mentioned that Hyundai replaced the rear sway bar in Oct '09. "Rear Sway Bar (October 09 Revision and latest) 55510-3M150". Do you know if this new sway bar is thicker than the previous edition? Better, do you know the diameter of this sway bar? Thanks.
 
Hazelwood7. You mentioned that Hyundai replaced the rear sway bar in Oct '09. "Rear Sway Bar (October 09 Revision and latest) 55510-3M150". Do you know if this new sway bar is thicker than the previous edition? Better, do you know the diameter of this sway bar? Thanks.


It was October or November 09 when the part was revised. I did not measure the new sway bar but I can tell you visually that the bar is thicker and the bushings are 2x thicker.
 
My Genesis build date is 7/15/2008, does it mean I have the suspension everyone is complaining about?

Yes, you have the early suspension.

Hazelwood, thanks for sharing your experience.
IMO, $1800 to do the whole suspension and alignment isn't too bad.
It's just sad that some of us actually have to PAY to enjoy it. :(

Dan
 
It was October or November 09 when the part was revised. I did not measure the new sway bar but I can tell you visually that the bar is thicker and the bushings are 2x thicker.
Are new bushings required for the swap out of the stabilizer bar? I didn't see a part number for bushings in your list above.
 
The bushings are included with the sway bar part.
Thanks. About 9 months ago, HMA_Heather (on Hyundai Think Tank website) mentioned that revised bushing were part of the 2010 suspension changes, and I guess that is what she meant.
 
Seattle and Mark did you guys make the change?
I need to find a trustworthy mechanic in the Atlanta area. If anyone has suggestions, let me know.
 
Seattle and Mark did you guys make the change?

I went to my dealer here in Seattle (the same dealer Chris got his parts from) and chatted with the parts guy. He did say there have been a few request for 2010 parts for 2009 Genesis. He did not offer any more info other than Hyundai seems to know there was a problem with the earlier 2009's. DUH ! or should that be DOH !

Im working on HMA to get them to resolve this issue. Still doubtful they will, but Im going to try before I lay out $1800 for a decent riding $40,000 luxury automobile.

Seattle Genesis
 
I went to my dealer here in Seattle (the same dealer Chris got his parts from) and chatted with the parts guy. He did say there have been a few request for 2010 parts for 2009 Genesis. He did not offer any more info other than Hyundai seems to know there was a problem with the earlier 2009's. DUH ! or should that be DOH !

Im working on HMA to get them to resolve this issue. Still doubtful they will, but Im going to try before I lay out $1800 for a decent riding $40,000 luxury automobile.

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)
 
I went to my dealer here in Seattle (the same dealer Chris got his parts from) and chatted with the parts guy. He did say there have been a few request for 2010 parts for 2009 Genesis. He did not offer any more info other than Hyundai seems to know there was a problem with the earlier 2009's. DUH ! or should that be DOH !

Im working on HMA to get them to resolve this issue. Still doubtful they will, but Im going to try before I lay out $1800 for a decent riding $40,000 luxury automobile.

Seattle Genesis

Seattle Genesis,

IS HMA actually listening to your claim to help reimburse for the suspension parts? I would love to know if it's worth it for more people to complain and how far it will take us.
Chris
 
I need to find a trustworthy mechanic in the Atlanta area. If anyone has suggestions, let me know.

The parts are not difficult to install. It's basic automotive repair, it just takes time. Hyundai did not do anything crazy. The springs and shocks can be popped in like any other car and the rear sway bar is four bolts.
Chris
 
Wanted to add that the car does much better with passengers in the back and does not get unsettled and bouncy when people are riding in the car. Also, make the sure the tire psi is set to 31 or 32 psi. 33psi is fine but will give you a firmer ride. I have noticed that the car is dependent on uniform tire pressure. If one tire is off, it really effects the ride of the Genesis in a bad way.
Chris
 
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)

Yes... Lithia Hyundai of Renton. A bunch of good guys there. The parts guy is real nice and i really think he understands the issue here. They have an online parts store you can buy all these parts from. They ship directly from HMA in California.

They had an used 09 3.8 and a 2010 3.8. I did not drive another one since Ive already done that and realize this issue. Didnt want to waste the salesman's time.
 
Wanted to add that the car does much better with passengers in the back and does not get unsettled and bouncy when people are riding in the car. Also, make the sure the tire psi is set to 31 or 32 psi. 33psi is fine but will give you a firmer ride. I have noticed that the car is dependent on uniform tire pressure. If one tire is off, it really effects the ride of the Genesis in a bad way.
Chris
I realize it is not difficult, but trustworthy is a different issue. There are always those car repair shops who will claim to have changed a part, and not really changed it.
 
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