Suspension Issue - A new take

[LLT]

Don, I really feel your pain, friend. I love the car -- the styling, the comfortable interior, the luxurious appointments - all amazing. The ride and noise quality on my Genesis, however, is subpar. The ride did improve significantly with the Bridgestone Serenity's and where I live, the roads are acceptable. My biggest problem has been an obnoxious drone in the left front of the vehicle at 30+mph. The first dealer went on a test drive with me and said "oh yeah, I can feel that in the floorboards" -- they replaced the wheel bearings and lower control arm. It made improvement, but the noise was still present. The dealer initially said "it has to be tires" -- the Toyota dealer said it was bushings. Well, one factory rep, three dealers, an NTB and $1,500 later - the car rides better, but the same initial drone/humming is still there.

The rep and dealer say it's "within spec" and have basically told me it has to get worse before they can do anything. It's only in the left front wheel position and the noise is not present, even on the same stretches of road, in two other Genesis sedans I've driven. Clearly not "normal."

What's one to do though? I can moan and complain until the end of the time, trade it for another Genesis (which seems like a silly idea since HMA has proven to me they won't stand behind the one I already have) or admit defeat, take a further loss, trade it and be done with it forever. I'm strongly leaning towards the latter. Life is just too short to mess with things that bring one such grief.

A beautiful car. A comfortable interior. An incredible audio system. An incredible value by most people's standards. For a perfectionist with OCPD - it needs a touch more engineering refinement in the suspension department.

You have a chance of getting a problem vehicle with any manufacturer, but the big thing is how the manufacturer and dealers handle it. I can't say I've been impressed with Hyundai this time around, unfortunately.

Good luck, Don - hope you're able to find some peace soon. Don't let it consume you (now if I could follow my own advice... )

 

[Genesis380]

Guys - give GripperDon a break! I was EXACTLY where he is now. I was already getting appraisals to trade in my Genesis after only 2 months. I was very frustrated, hated driving it and just wanted to get rid of it to get relief from the frustration. The highest appraisal I got was about $3,500 less than I owe on it, but the dealers WANTED it on their lot.
I found that the Comfortreds have made a huge difference. I'm running them at about 29.5 psi when cold after standing overnight, and it seems to have hit the sweet spot. I have obsessed over tire pressures trying to figure out a way to improve the ride, so I know where GripperDon is right now. Amazingly, even 1-2 psi can make a big difference. The TPMS system is triggered at just below 28psi cold, so Hyundai obviously consider anything above 28psi as an acceptable operating pressure. Only a few years ago, 28 or 30psi was the norm for 60 series tires. My '97 LS400 had 17" 225 60 series and the spec on that was 30psi. Nowadays, all the manufacturers are spec'ing much higher psi for the same profile tires. As I previously surmized - could this be to meet fuel economy standards?

It is so easy for everyone to complain about someone else's venting when they don't have the problem. It seems that some vehicles are worse than others, so you are lucky if you don't have the problem.

I have run our V6 Altima on Comfortreds for the past 3 years at 30psi without any issues and they really smoothed out the Altima's firm ride. As I said, the 60 series have a higher load rating that the 55 series, so they can be run at lower pressures without sacrificing equivalent load capacity.

GripperDon, you are SO CLOSE to getting this right, please give that a try, or send me a private message if you don't want to communicate on the forum.

 

[Genesis380]

Don, I really feel your pain, friend. I love the car -- the styling, the comfortable interior, the luxurious appointments - all amazing. The ride and noise quality on my Genesis, however, is subpar. The ride did improve significantly with the Bridgestone Serenity's and where I live, the roads are acceptable. My biggest problem has been an obnoxious drone in the left front of the vehicle at 30+mph. The first dealer went on a test drive with me and said "oh yeah, I can feel that in the floorboards" -- they replaced the wheel bearings and lower control arm. It made improvement, but the noise was still present. The dealer initially said "it has to be tires" -- the Toyota dealer said it was bushings. Well, one factory rep, three dealers, an NTB and $1,500 later - the car rides better, but the same initial drone/humming is still there.

The rep and dealer say it's "within spec" and have basically told me it has to get worse before they can do anything. It's only in the left front wheel position and the noise is not present, even on the same stretches of road, in two other Genesis sedans I've driven. Clearly not "normal."

What's one to do though? I can moan and complain until the end of the time, trade it for another Genesis (which seems like a silly idea since HMA has proven to me they won't stand behind the one I already have) or admit defeat, take a further loss, trade it and be done with it forever. I'm strongly leaning towards the latter. Life is just too short to mess with things that bring one such grief.

A beautiful car. A comfortable interior. An incredible audio system. An incredible value by most people's standards. For a perfectionist with OCPD - it needs a touch more engineering refinement in the suspension department.

You have a chance of getting a problem vehicle with any manufacturer, but the big thing is how the manufacturer and dealers handle it. I can't say I've been impressed with Hyundai this time around, unfortunately.

Good luck, Don - hope you're able to find some peace soon. Don't let it consume you (now if I could follow my own advice... )

Re you vibration problem - there is a TSB on the tech site that may be something you can try:

TSB#: 09-AT-014 JULY, 2009

TCM CALIBRATION UPDATE -
REDUCED VIBRATION OR SHUDDER
DURING ACCELERATION

This TSB provides the procedure to update the Transmission Control Module with the
most recent calibration for 2009 Genesis Sedan 3.8L V6 vehicles to reduce vibration or
shudder from the automatic transmission during light acceleration from 50~62 mph.

 

[GripperDon]

THANKS LLT and GENESIS380 !I have given the Genesis praise where I felt it was warranted, Sound system, Voice command, Nav etc. and where it did not, lack of ability to download a full phone book and the ride i have only attempted to describe the problem, illustrate potential solutions, and the identify and cause of the problem or where it began to begin with.

I have never offered personal recommendation as to how anyone should conduct their selves or how to write a post. I only reacted to advice on how I should, feel or express my opinions in posts.

My posts are usually technically oriented. As the Technical Director of the Bendix Corporations Mechanical Engineering Department, with 185 engineers and over 200 technicians and about a dozen dynometers under my direction, I have a lot of Automotive experience. I have made presentations to the Board of the Ford Motor Company and GM. Spending close to 15 years working in the Auto Industry with many patents in fuel injection, Air Cushion restraints, Braking systems and electro magnetostrictive ferro fluid shock absorbers ( the last two related to suspension systems)

So I felt and reacted to what I felt was the thing not being beneficial to the problem at hand or fellow posters and that was remarks directed at me on how to feel etc.

Be that all as it may be, I am sure Mr. JWaters knows where I am coming from on this and I sincerely apologize to Mr. JWaters for any offense and anyone else that I may have indirectly offended. I am too old and experienced to react like that and am really sorry it was immature of me.

 

[jwaters943]

Be that all as it may be, I am sure Mr. JWaters knows where I am coming from on this and I sincerely apologize to Mr. JWaters for any offense and anyone else that I may have indirectly offended. I am too old and experienced to react like that and am really sorry it was immature of me.

Thanks for that Don. I appreciate it. I too apologize if I came off as overly critical or dismissive of you and your issues.

FWIW, I really do wish you the best and hope you can find a suitable fix for the ride issues you are experiencing w/ your Genesis. Like I said, I have been in your shoes before. It sucks, but sometimes a different car is the right answer (provided you can't wait for a fix from Hyundai or the aftermarket).

Keep us posted on any success you have trying to rectify the ride issue.

 

[genesis 45]

Just read a new magazine on upcomming 2010 yr model vehicles....2010 sedan did not mention any suspension changes ??? but they had touch screen nav, auto safe distance and afew others...???? thought for sure suspension changes were mentioned by several sources......or is this a defect on only some 2009 genesis sedans ???? It is all so confusing........

 

[jwaters943]

There have been several rumors of a revised suspension. Some even went so far as to say the changes were a sure thing and given to them by Hyundai personnel, but there has not yet been one confirmed report that the 2010 Genesis suspension will be any different than the '09.

 

[genesis 45]

A service manager named Pat Rawling from Hyundai told me the 2010 genesis sedan would have a " slightly differnt tuned suspension but it is not a redesign. The 2010 Genesis will not have a "soft" ride; it will continue to be a dynamic luxury vehicle. if and when any countermeasure suspension parts become avaiable, i will let you know" This is a bit vague and confusing ???? Something is wrong aand Hyundai knows it.................

 

[LLT]

Maybe it's something they're not advertising? Maybe the employee that posted it on the Think Tank site is misinformed, but it was indeed posted by an actual HMA employee on the think tank website. I've seen it myself, as have others here.

Someone else posted a reference to hmaservice.com and the specs being the same. I really don't think it's overly meaningful information (the shop guide) as the part numbers are not listed, only torque specifications and alignment information.

It does seem odd that they're not being more publicly forthcoming with any changes they might be making. Then again, they have quite a few unhappy customers with 09's that might revolt if told they have to take a huge loss and upgrade to a 2010 if they want what should have been on the 09's in the first place.

JMO.

 

[genesis 45]

It is possibly starting to look like a "TSB" may come out to address this issue for the 2009 customers who want it addressed.....Maybe it was just a quaility control issue on some of the suspension parts to some 2009 cars. This of course would not tarnish the image of the 2009 North American Car of the year.............Im sure a lot of "issues" are circulating artounf this with the launch of this second pivital year for the Genesis.................Which beside the suspension in some cars, is simply awesome................

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[genesis 45]

But we will see..........Hey LLT are those Serenitys still working out great.....Im close to changing out.......Pls let me know................THX

 

[Genesis380]

A service manager named Pat Rawling from Hyundai told me the 2010 genesis sedan would have a " slightly differnt tuned suspension but it is not a redesign. The 2010 Genesis will not have a "soft" ride; it will continue to be a dynamic luxury vehicle. if and when any countermeasure suspension parts become avaiable, i will let you know" This is a bit vague and confusing ???? Something is wrong aand Hyundai knows it.................

I just saw your post now - coincidentally I just got off the phone with a Genesis team member and asked them if any suspension fixes were planned. He said he had no info on the 2010 models or on any planned fixes for the 2009's, but I got the feeling he was aware of the issue. He opened a case number and said he would get back in touch with the dealer and the regional rep, but we all know what that means. Nada.

 

[genesis 45]

I am starting to think we will find out a lot more after the 2010 genesis actually hits the sales lots..........

 

[dataguy]

It is possibly starting to look like a "TSB" may come out to address this issue for the 2009 customers who want it addressed.....

I'll believe it when I see it. I don't think there's a lot of precedent in the industry for taking care of early adopters. I all but expect that it will not be a no-cost service, especially if it involves parts or a lot of time.

 

[doug725]

Don - all of this sounds eerily familiar. I hope you fnd a solution that works for you my friend. With my Genesis I realized it was ridiculous to have to buy new rims ,tires, inflate/deflate obsessively, add bags of sand in the back, etc., etc. all in the quest for even a normal ride. There's a lot of nice cars out there without this issue if you are so inclined. Heck ,I'm driving a rental Ford Focus today - it's a crappy tin can and still rides better on my area roads than my Genesis ever did. As much as I loved about the Genny I feel I made the right decision trading in for the Milan. Hyundai is not going to help you for sure. I hope you find a good solution!

THANKS LLT and GENESIS380 !I have given the Genesis praise where I felt it was warranted, Sound system, Voice command, Nav etc. and where it did not, lack of ability to download a full phone book and the ride i have only attempted to describe the problem, illustrate potential solutions, and the identify and cause of the problem or where it began to begin with.

I have never offered personal recommendation as to how anyone should conduct their selves or how to write a post. I only reacted to advice on how I should, feel or express my opinions in posts.

My posts are usually technically oriented. As the Technical Director of the Bendix Corporations Mechanical Engineering Department, with 185 engineers and over 200 technicians and about a dozen dynometers under my direction, I have a lot of Automotive experience. I have made presentations to the Board of the Ford Motor Company and GM. Spending close to 15 years working in the Auto Industry with many patents in fuel injection, Air Cushion restraints, Braking systems and electro magnetostrictive ferro fluid shock absorbers ( the last two related to suspension systems)

So I felt and reacted to what I felt was the thing not being beneficial to the problem at hand or fellow posters and that was remarks directed at me on how to feel etc.

Be that all as it may be, I am sure Mr. JWaters knows where I am coming from on this and I sincerely apologize to Mr. JWaters for any offense and anyone else that I may have indirectly offended. I am too old and experienced to react like that and am really sorry it was immature of me.

 

[Seattle Genesis]

how does one get access to this site?

https://hyundaithinktank.com/app

 

[Seattle Genesis]

found this on a Hyundai site..



Genesis features a suspension design that is among the most sophisticated and refined anywhere, at any price. The front five-link suspension features upper and lower arms linking the front wheels to the chassis. This artfully articulated arrangement creates a virtual king pin axis that dramatically reduces unwanted kickback through the steering wheel as well as improving responsiveness. The five-link independent rear suspension is equally sophisticated, enabling precise suspension geometry for a premium ride and engaging handling prowess. The capabilities of the advanced front and rear-suspension are maximized through Amplitude Selective Dampers (ASD) allowing tuning flexibility at smaller damper displacements. The ASD suspension provides:
- Improved ride comfort with more body / wheel control
- Increase driving comfort without compromised handling
- Optimizes road surface contact
- Technology used in Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz models

 

[YEH]

Check out this thread w/ reviews of the BMW 135i and the Acura TSX w/ similar issues regarding the suspension.

http://www.genesisowners.com/hyundai-genesis-forum/showthread.php?p=28146#post28146

 

[Mark_888]

Maybe it's something they're not advertising? Maybe the employee that posted it on the Think Tank site is misinformed, but it was indeed posted by an actual HMA employee on the think tank website. I've seen it myself, as have others here.

Someone else posted a reference to hmaservice.com and the specs being the same. I really don't think it's overly meaningful information (the shop guide) as the part numbers are not listed, only torque specifications and alignment information.

It does seem odd that they're not being more publicly forthcoming with any changes they might be making. Then again, they have quite a few unhappy customers with 09's that might revolt if told they have to take a huge loss and upgrade to a 2010 if they want what should have been on the 09's in the first place.

JMO.

I think that once the 2009's have all been sold, they will be a little more forthcoming and open about it. How many people would buy a 2009 right now if they knew that the 2010 would have suspension improvements, especially since Hyundai says the 2010 will not be soft and will be just as sporty as the 2009, but with an improved suspension?

 

[Mark_888]

found this on a Hyundai site..

Genesis features a suspension design that is among the most sophisticated and refined anywhere, at any price. The front five-link suspension features upper and lower arms linking the front wheels to the chassis. This artfully articulated arrangement creates a virtual king pin axis that dramatically reduces unwanted kickback through the steering wheel as well as improving responsiveness. The five-link independent rear suspension is equally sophisticated, enabling precise suspension geometry for a premium ride and engaging handling prowess. The capabilities of the advanced front and rear-suspension are maximized through Amplitude Selective Dampers (ASD) allowing tuning flexibility at smaller damper displacements. The ASD suspension provides:
- Improved ride comfort with more body / wheel control
- Increase driving comfort without compromised handling
- Optimizes road surface contact
- Technology used in Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz models

I think that is what surprised a lot of people after purchasing the car and then hitting some rough roads. The Genesis clearly has a sophisticated suspension design, it just needs to be tuned properly.