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

[Teo]

i'M WITH U BROTHER,i called the corporate and they told me to take it up with my dealer.Nothing we can do about it,maybe they will wake up a bit when they start loosing coustomers(they lost me,that's for shure).GOOD LUCK TO U

 

[Sparkometer]

I bought an early 09 Genesis 4.6 sedan new and have been watching the forums regarding the suspension complaints and possible upgrades. The comparison of the ride to a buckboard wagon fits my car. I love everything else about the car, and I'm the type that buys a car and drives it until the wheels fall off. (10 years plus). I've got a 1999 BMW 740IL with 275,000 + miles on it to give you an idea. I'm using my Genesis for a commuter car to work, 46 miles round trip every day. I'm at 50K on the mileage now, and the suspension has not softened up over time. I put some Bridgestone Serenity tires on it and lowered the pressure to 31 PSI, and that helped a tiny bit, but not much. I left my car at the dealership a few days ago for a master cylinder replacement, and they gave me a new Sonata for a loaner. I can't believe how nice it rides, it feels like a Cadillac. At any rate, I normally like a firm ride, but the 09 Genesis is a little extreme. If the Sonata is the same frame/chassis, and any suspension upgrades to my 09 Genesis could get me any closer to that, then I might be wiling to roll the dice. So my basic question is, should I upgrade to the 2011 suspension parts on my 09 to get a smoother, less bumpy ride? I think I found all the parts on the Hyundai parts site recommended in this forum (front struts, front springs, rear springs, rear shocks and sway bar). Total price for parts was a hair under $1000. I've seen comments about upgrading from 09 to 10 suspension parts for the 3.8 model, but not any comments about suspension upgrades on the 4.6 V-8 models form anyone that's actually done it. I realize this car is never going to feel like the new Sonata or a Cadillac regardless of what I change on it, and I don't want it to, but I would like some improved ride over the wagon ride I have now. Any suggestions? Will all the 2011 parts for the V8 fit my 09 V8? Thanks in advance for any comments. And no, I'm not going to sell the car. I can live with it like it is, but would be a little more pleasant to drive if the ride was a little more smooth over rough terrain.

 

[Mark_888]

I bought an early 09 Genesis 4.6 sedan new and have been watching the forums regarding the suspension complaints and possible upgrades. The comparison of the ride to a buckboard wagon fits my car. I love everything else about the car, and I'm the type that buys a car and drives it until the wheels fall off. (10 years plus). I've got a 1999 BMW 740IL with 275,000 + miles on it to give you an idea. I'm using my Genesis for a commuter car to work, 46 miles round trip every day. I'm at 50K on the mileage now, and the suspension has not softened up over time. I put some Bridgestone Serenity tires on it and lowered the pressure to 31 PSI, and that helped a tiny bit, but not much. I left my car at the dealership a few days ago for a master cylinder replacement, and they gave me a new Sonata for a loaner. I can't believe how nice it rides, it feels like a Cadillac. At any rate, I normally like a firm ride, but the 09 Genesis is a little extreme. If the Sonata is the same frame/chassis, and any suspension upgrades to my 09 Genesis could get me any closer to that, then I might be wiling to roll the dice. So my basic question is, should I upgrade to the 2011 suspension parts on my 09 to get a smoother, less bumpy ride? I think I found all the parts on the Hyundai parts site recommended in this forum (front struts, front springs, rear springs, rear shocks and sway bar). Total price for parts was a hair under $1000. I've seen comments about upgrading from 09 to 10 suspension parts for the 3.8 model, but not any comments about suspension upgrades on the 4.6 V-8 models form anyone that's actually done it. I realize this car is never going to feel like the new Sonata or a Cadillac regardless of what I change on it, and I don't want it to, but I would like some improved ride over the wagon ride I have now. Any suggestions? Will all the 2011 parts for the V8 fit my 09 V8? Thanks in advance for any comments. And no, I'm not going to sell the car. I can live with it like it is, but would be a little more pleasant to drive if the ride was a little more smooth over rough terrain.

I can't believe you made me read this entire post.

Can you upgrade and will the parts fit? Yes. I did the upgrade on a V6 and others have done it on a 2009 V6 and V8. I hade mine done at an independent suspension shop for $625 labor (I purchased parts online from Hilton Head Hyundai). At this point, you could even upgrade to 2012 suspension. That might a a tiny bit more risky since I don't know anyone who has done it, but I would at least use the 2012 rear stabilizer bar, which several people with a 2009 have switched to. Many have reported that the 2012 rear stabilizer makes a big difference by itself.

Here are the parts you will need (obviously you need the part numbers):

• Left front strut (1)
• Right front strut (1)
• Front springs (2)
• Rear shocks (2)
• Rear springs (2)
• Rear stabilizer with bushing (2) - best to get the 2012 version even if all other parts are 2010.2011

If I were you, I would find a VIN number of a 2010 or 2011 V8, because many Hyundai parts departments (including online) require a VIN to make sure they get the right parts. You will also need a 2012 VIN for the rear stabilizer if you take my advise on that part. You can sometimes find VIN numbers at dealer websites for new and used cars.

 

[Aquineas]

I would go a step further and go with all 2012 parts (assuming they fit). I've owned a 2010 and now a 2012, and the 2012 is a definite improvement over the 2010.

 

[Mark_888]

I would go a step further and go with all 2012 parts (assuming they fit). I've owned a 2010 and now a 2012, and the 2012 is a definite improvement over the 2010.

Obviously one would go with the 2012 if it fits. But I don't know anyone who has done that, except for the rear stabilizer.

 

[Sparkometer]

Thanks for the feedback guys. And yes, I would prefer to go with the 2012 parts if I knew they would fit, but in the absence of any confirmation of fit from someone who's done it, I'll just stick with the 2011 parts upgrade. Thanks for the recommendation about using a newer model VIN number when ordering the parts.

 

[Mark_888]

Thanks for the feedback guys. And yes, I would prefer to go with the 2012 parts if I knew they would fit, but in the absence of any confirmation of fit from someone who's done it, I'll just stick with the 2011 parts upgrade. Thanks for the recommendation about using a newer model VIN number when ordering the parts.

Don't forget that I said the 2012 rear stabilizer does fit on 2009-2011 (some have made the change), and makes a big difference. There is a thread on this subject that I would check out if I were you.

 

[Vince2]

I owned the 2010 Genesis and I could not last a single day longer with the ride...I was really happy to find that Hyundai listened and changed the ride for 2012 (I bought the 2012 even though I wasn't ready to buy again -- I was finished with 2010 ride!). I just can't understand why Hyundai doesn't make this easy for owners of previous years and put together a kit with the required parts or just make public/accessible the required information (parts numbers, diagrams, how tos). Is admitting that there are a lot owners unhappy with the Genesis ride a huge embarrisment? I just don't get it. I recently watched a great looking, platinum 2010 roll over a speed bump at about 15 mph...it looked jarring! I sought out this forum looking for a solution after owning the 2010 for a month. I belived this really good car was being held back by its suspension and I thought that some company or person would have just the solution! Hyundai fixed the issue for 2012 (mostly) but the job of retrofiting the pre 12's has been made way to hard. Come on Hyundai you can do better. Can it be that those of us unhappy with the suspension are the minority? Consumer Reports identify's the suspension as the one big draw back of this vehicle and even then they still rate the Genesis very high.

 

[faizal]

Will upgrading the suspension have any effect on the warranty?

 

[Mark_888]

Will upgrading the suspension have any effect on the warranty?

It will only affect the warranty on the suspension. But most of the parts that can fail (like struts and shocks) are probably not covered under the 5-YEAR/60,000-MILE bumper-to-bumper warranty and definitely not the 10-YEAR/100,000-MILE drivetrain warranty anyway. Also, the parts look almost identical (just different shock and spring rates) so it would be hard for them to even notice.

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[cohenl]

I have been following this forum for quite some time and this is my first post, but hopefully will be a meaningful one.

I recently (week ago) upgraded my Genesis 3.8 2009 suspension with 2012 shocks,struts,coils and rear stablizer for $1600 (parts and labor) at Beaverton Hyundai near Portland Oregon. 70-80% improvement accross the board and now truly is an exceptional vehicle.

I traded in my Lexus ES for a low mileage 2009 Genesis and fell in love with the car, however my test ride was mostly highway and smooth streets. Anyone who owns a 2009 Genesis (early model) and I certainly do not need to repeat what has already been stated in these posts, understands that the early 2009 suspension was an absolute disaster which I quickly discovered on uneven or less than perfect surfaces. This became more glaring, particulary when compared to my Lexus.

I painstaikingly went over all the individual parts with a very knowledgable and helpful parts guy and we were able to figure out all the part numbers with the most recent upgrades. I took a gamble hoping everything would fit. I have all the part numbers if anyone is interested. I can answer any other questions. Bottom line: amazing difference and money well spent
Cheers
Ted

 

[Vince2]

Great job cohenl. Post the info. Lots of people on the forum are interested. WHY didn't/doesn't Hyundai provide this info? Hyundai changed the suspension because of owner complaints (I have no proof but I feel confident that it's true). Shouldn't Hyundai offer an easy way to upgrade to the latest suspension? I owned a Toyota Camry a dozen years ago and the rear suspension was so soft that I could bottom the rear out over a speed bump while traveling 10mph! I took the car to the Toyota dealer and complained. They re-sprung my car that day and the problem was solved. Maybe the issue with Hyundai not being very public about suspension complaints is because they felt their growing image might be marred by admitting that among Genesis owners there are many unhappy with the car's suspension. Hyundai should be out front on this or just more helpful to those owners who want to upgrade their vehicles.

 

[peter_302]

I wish these infomation will help those who unsatisfied with their ride and need a little change. BTW, do you think the ride of 2012 version has qualified as the luxury sedan?

first to say the difference suspension setting between U.S. version and Korean version

Hyundai Motor America Corporation (American, contemporary) explained this through the Auto Blog Genesis U.S. version is the Korean version will obviously vary with the description. Korean to draw more sporty driving performance suspension, according to a U.S. corporation, U.S. Version Genesis as a whole hand saw. Front wheel in the 31% to 13% enhanced rear wheel on the side, spring-loaded model compared to the sale of Korea said.
Korean version of the U.S. version of the difference occurs because soft like a luxury sedan that consumers' tastes, such that modern America. Korea luxury car consumers that prefer a soft, dull feeling of luxury and the car also has been expanded. U.S. automakers, as well as specialized media in Korea Media Rating react to modern America that is unprecedented. This reflects the keen interest of the United States Genesis for example.
U.S. Version Motor Trend for the U.S. market, the suspension of the U.S. The Genesis of the United States who worked at GM Wendell Collins Jr. (Wendell Collins Jr.), Led by Hyundai Engineering team only saw the hand again and harder springs, shocks, designed to equip the damping was 'he said. Of the modern American 'soft soft feel while maintaining comfort as possible was made to exclude the U.S. market for the Genesis' claims also carried

If the suspension is tight, the car ride, but the handling performance falls. Germany to get the evaluation is faithful to the sense of driving the car most of the basic importance to the United States employing solid suspension and ride car with soft suspension. Universal American consumers prefer a smoother ride. Thus, when European models to the U.S. market to be sold to soften the suspension tuning is usually Because of Hyundai's new strategy is very rigid specifications aimed at the domestic U.S. market, enhanced suspension that mounted.
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below are changes among release years compare with 3.8 version, pls ignore the price parts:
2009 hyundai genesis:
54630S SPRING - FRONT 3.8L-LAMBDA (S/ABSORBER TYPE - H.P.D) . $83.71 546503M300
54650B STRUT ASSEMBLY - FRONT LEFT ( LEFT HAND )3.8L-LAMBDA (S/ABSORBER TYPE - H.P.D) . $158.24 546113M800

55350S SPRING REAR ( REAR (RR) )3.8L-LAMBDA (S/ABSORBER TYPE - H.P.D) . $74.69 553503M300
55350S SPRING REAR ( REAR (RR) )3.8L-LAMBDA (S/ABSORBER TYPE - H.P.D) . $74.69 553503M301
55300A SHOCK ABSORBER & RUBBER BUMP ASSEMBLY REAR ( REAR (RR) )3.8L-LAMBDA (S/ABSORBER TYPE - H.P.D) . $164.83 553103M800

2010 hyundai genesis:
54630S SPRING - FRONT3.8L-LAMBDA (S/ABSORBER TYPE - H.P.D) . $83.71 546503M300
54650B STRUT ASSEMBLY - FRONT LEFT ( LEFT HAND )3.8L-LAMBDA (S/ABSORBER TYPE - H.P.D) . $158.24 546113M800
54650B STRUT ASSEMBLY - FRONT LEFT ( LEFT HAND )3.8L-LAMBDA (S/ABSORBER TYPE - H.P.D) . $158.24 546113M801

55350S SPRING REAR ( REAR (RR) )3.8L-LAMBDA (S/ABSORBER TYPE - H.P.D) . $74.69 553503M301
55300A SHOCK ABSORBER & RUBBER BUMP ASSEMBLY REAR ( REAR (RR) )3.8L-LAMBDA (S/ABSORBER TYPE - H.P.D) . $164.83 553103M801

2011 hyundai genesis:
54630S SPRING - FRONT(3800 CC - LAMBDA 2, DOHC - GDI) (S/ABSORBER TYPE - H.P.D). $83.71 546503M700
54650B STRUT ASSEMBLY - FRONT LEFT ( LEFT HAND )3.8L-LAMBDA (S/ABSORBER TYPE - H.P.D) . $158.24 546113M801

55350S SPRING REAR ( REAR (RR) )3.8L-LAMBDA (S/ABSORBER TYPE - H.P.D) . $74.69 553503M301
55300A SHOCK ABSORBER & RUBBER BUMP ASSEMBLY REAR ( REAR (RR) )(3800 CC - LAMBDA 2, AUTO - 8 SPEED 2WD, DOHC - GDI) (S/ABSORBER TYPE - H.P.D). $164.83 553103M802

2012 hyundai genesis:
54630S SPRING - FRONT(3800 CC - LAMBDA 2, AUTO - 8 SPEED 2WD, DOHC - GDI) (S/ABSORBER TYPE - H.P.D). $83.71 546503M705
54650B STRUT ASSEMBLY - FRONT LEFT ( LEFT HAND )(3800 CC - LAMBDA 2, AUTO - 8 SPEED 2WD, DOHC - GDI) (S/ABSORBER TYPE - H.P.D). $158.24 546113M802


55300A SHOCK ABSORBER & RUBBER BUMP ASSEMBLY REAR ( REAR (RR) )(3800 CC - LAMBDA 2, AUTO - 8 SPEED 2WD, DOHC - GDI) (S/ABSORBER TYPE - H.P.D). $164.83 553103M802

View attachment difference.zip

 

[matt21484]

So is the consensus that 2012 setup is better than 2009-2011? I just picked up a 2010 3.8 and like everyone else, the highway drive is fantastic, but the bumpy suburban roads are a bit of a jolt. With my very limited knowledge on car suspensions, this seems like an issue w/ the springs/shocks not necessarily the sway bar. My lateral movement/feel is fine, it's more the up and down movement that is no fun. So question is, to anyone who has gone from a 2010 to 2011+, was it worth it & what parts did you upgrade?

 

[Mark_888]

So is the consensus that 2012 setup is better than 2009-2011? I just picked up a 2010 3.8 and like everyone else, the highway drive is fantastic, but the bumpy suburban roads are a bit of a jolt. With my very limited knowledge on car suspensions, this seems like an issue w/ the springs/shocks not necessarily the sway bar. My lateral movement/feel is fine, it's more the up and down movement that is no fun. So question is, to anyone who has gone from a 2010 to 2011+, was it worth it & what parts did you upgrade?

As far as I know, the 2010 and 2011 suspensions are the same (improvement over both early 2009 and mid-year 2009). 2012 was another improvement over the previous model years. I believe that 2013 is same as 2012, but don't know that for certain.

If you look at list of parts posted by peter_302, you will see that 2011 lists a 3.8 GDI model. However, the GDI engine (3.8 or 5.0) was not available in the US until 2012. So that is one reason why I think that part list is suspect, at least for US models.

If you have a 2010 and want to improve the suspension, I would definitely try installing just the 2012 rear stabilizer first. It is true that an anti-sway bar affects lateral movement, but it also at can cause too much linkage between left and right wheels if it is too stiff, so that the wheels don't act as independently as they should. The 2012 anti-sway bar is thicker, but is now hollow to allow more flexibility, so that when one wheel hits a bump the other wheel is not equally affected. The 2012 anti-sway bar only costs about $100 online and can probably be installed for about $75 at a suspension shop (maybe a little more at a dealer). Or you can probably change it yourself (there is a thread with pics on this).

If you are not satisfied with just the anti-sway bar change, then you can replace the springs and shocks/struts. Make sure you replace both the springs and shocks for any given wheel, since they are tuned together.

I have some experience with this subject, since I changed my early 2009 suspension with the 2010/2011 suspension components. Parts were about $1050 (online) and labor was $600 at an independent suspension shop.

 

[matt21484]

Wow great information, thanks. I did check at Jim Ellis and the part No. is different for 2010 vs 2012.

2010
Stabilizer Bar -555103M151

2012
Stabilizer Bar -555103M600

The odd thing is that for the 2012 model year they list 3 bushings, 2 are the same but 1 is different. I imagine the bushing would need to be larger to accommodate the larger diameter bar. Ahh this stuff drives me nuts.

 

[Mark_888]

Wow great information, thanks. I did check at Jim Ellis and the part No. is different for 2010 vs 2012.

2010
Stabilizer Bar -555103M151

2012
Stabilizer Bar -555103M600

The odd thing is that for the 2012 model year they list 3 bushings, 2 are the same but 1 is different. I imagine the bushing would need to be larger to accommodate the larger diameter bar. Ahh this stuff drives me nuts.

There is a thread in this forum about someone who replaced their 2009 rear-stablizer bar with the 2012 version. I believe he posted pics of how he installed it.

Also, it may be the case that the stablizer bar normally comes with bushings attached. See if you find the thread about the guy who swapped it out.