Suspension Issue - A new take

[Pahaska]

I have been very pleased with the service at our Hyundai dealer. They have two dealerships in the city, but the branch I go to is well away from the big city. The difference to me is the attitude that I find away from the city. They are never rushed. I actually bypass two closer branches of the dealer to go to the one I like best.

 

[LLT]

The unfortunate nature of the Internet is, we don't hear enough positive experiences. It's an outlet for negative experiences, not many of us sing from the rooftops about how great of an experience we've had.

For those with positive experiences, maybe we should compile a list of those dealer names and locations in the dealer forum. I for one don't mind traveling a bit out of my way for a competent service department.

Just a thought.

 

[Mark_888]

This started out as a suspension thread, then turned into a tire thread (very informative), and now is a dealer thread.

 

[Mark_888]

Actually - it seems all GM brands, including Chevy, rate better than Hyundai's (source) service network so a chevy tech could be perceived as an improvement. :lol: To be fair though, Hyundai rates in the top 5 in quality, which is impressive.

In regards to paying more for a premium service department... the price tag is at a point where I'd expect better than average service (and based on the reviews jwaters posted, most customers feel they're well below average in that regard.) No, I don't expect the free massages and cafe passes that I received with Lexus... but I do expect something better than the Jiffy Lube recruit changing air filters on Elantras. If nothing else, I expect them to know how to start the car without my assistance.

I would pay more for "premium service" and believe me, next time, provided Hyundai doesn't get it together, I will via a different brand. I currently have a Chevy, Lincoln, Toyota, Ford and of course the Hyundai. Never a significant service problem with any of them -- most dealerships have met my expectations, so I don't think I'm being terribly unrealistic. Hyundai -- at least from my experience, provides the worst experience I've encountered and that's not limited to even one, two or three dealerships. Obviously, many have had positive experiences and I certainly don't wish to take from those experiences (and apologize if those have taken offense to my inane ramblings) just as I'd hope they wouldn't downplay the concerns I and others have had and continue to have.

One of the problems that Genesis owners are facing is that we are purchasing a car from a dealer where their normal customer base is usually quite a bit different than us in terms of amount of money they will pay for better service, and also based on what their expectations are as a customer (Genesis owners on average have probably purchased many more vehicles in their life-time than other Hyundai owners). It is no secret that Hyundai vehicles are "bargains" in their class, and for most Hyundai customers price is a very important consideration, and dealers have to keep margins slim to move product. This leaves very little money to provide the kind of service that some other brands can offer.

 

[GripperDon]

At least the tires are part of what effects the suspension systems performance. I hope the moderator moves the dealer service department discussion to a separate location. I am not belittling the value or interest of the discussion just think it belongs in it's own location.

 

[genesis 45]

thx bro that is axactly right.........................

 

[Genesis380]

http://hmaservice.com/ now has the specifications for the 2010 Genesis sedan. I compared the 2010 suspension specs with the 2009 specs and they are 100% identical - even the alignment and torque settings are the same. The spring color codes have not changed so I guess suspension improvements, if any, are limited to possibly shock rates, or bushings.

 

[GripperDon]

I am now doubly glad we changed wheels and tires.

 

[genesis 45]

so how are the new tires on the road? im getting ready to change mine out also.......how much trade in valure did you get for your old tire at americas tire company?? i have 9000 miles on my dunlaps (rocks)

 

[genesis 45]

But i think i need to ask you LLT how are those serenitys doing since i will be getting the 18 inch wheels.....it your ride still great after a few days on them?? Pls let me know since im leaning toward those tires.....im looking for the smoothest and quietess ride i can get............thx

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[GripperDon]

Well the chromed 17 stock rims look pretty good, I put the Genesis centers in them.

The comfort tread doesn't impress me I am very sorry to say. While in the tire store getting thing done I read a 10000 mile comment in a car MAG that said Hyundai needs to have the guy that set up the suspension learn about spring rates and damper settings. (boy do I agree.) answering the questtion I got $200 for the 4 Dunlops sp5000M trade in on the comfort treads. I am thinking about calling them Monday morning and seeing if I can buy them back for the $200 ( sure took a lot of weights to balance one of them.) To my bottom the new tires didn't make any difference even at 32psi. Sorry to say that.

Wondering about the Bridgestone Serenities and Toyo Versado LX.

I am so depressed about this whole thing.

 

[rb cline]

Re this suspension/ride issue I have these observations or conclusions:

1.Given the overall attractiveness of the car and its other attributes the ride issue fades.

2.I doubt that fooling around with tire, wheel and air combinations will produce satisfactory results.

3. Uninformed tinkering with shocks and springs can have serious undesired consequences, not the least of which involve safety. There are few people doing business with the general public who know what they are doing in this area aside from selling bling stuff.

4.When you start to obsess about issues that are going to cost you big money it's time to step back, take a deep breath and rethink.

These observations are of course personal but based on many years of hot rodding, engine swapping, restoration, etc. I plan to get a 2010 Genesis and I do hope the folks at Hyundai can sort it out by then. Even if they don't, the car is a winner.

Keep on keeping on,

Dick


I stand by my observations, which incindentially, were not directed toward or about any specific individual posting.
I urge the average Genesis driver dude with ride/handeling issues to at least consider some of the quieter voices on the subject. It could save you money and heartburn.

Keep on keeping on,

Dick

Gentleman,

I'm sure glad that we have a few deep pocket properly educated dudes working this problem hard and "taking one for the team". My take is that Hyundai must be working hard on the issue as well. God I hope so! For me, I'm going to lay back and see what Hyundai and our more adventurous owners come up with and hope the results are retrofitable and suitable for my needs. I got enough heartburn just watching our government at work.

Big vote of thanks to you specially qualified guys leading the way on solving the problems. Don't give up the car is worth it. For the rest of you I refer you to the above.

Dick

 

[GripperDon]

Re: Suspension Issue - A last take?

That doesn't do it for me. We were told that the 2010 was going to have new suspension part by more that one and then were hear that the 2010 parts list shows the same springs, etc.

There are no sources for softer rate springs or any springs for that matter or even different shocks. So since I can't bear to drive it I tried what I could.

reducing the rim diameter and changing tires.

These Goodyear Assurance Comfort treads were rated close to 10 on ride comfort with special layers of cushioning built in them as compared to around 7 something for the OEM tires.

My pockets are not deep and neither is the fat cushion in my ass.

The "test" drives were on glass smooth roads and I convinced myself it was a great Car. I did not get a great deal and had to pay top dollar to get the car.

Now I am stuck and I am just trying to solve my problem and share my experiences.

Personally, I am very close to trading the damn thing off so I don't have to suffer riding in the truck anymore as I don't find such great things to love about it.

I'll stop posting as it seems to be so distasteful to the fans.

 

[Genesis380]

GripperDon:
You should have noticed a significant improvement with the ComfortTreds. Again, this leads me to think that not all Genesis' are created equal. Everyone seems to have a different degree of "firmness".
For interest, I looked up Toyota's specs on the Avalon. The base XL is fitted with a 215/60-16 inch wheel/tire which has a very similar load rating to the 215/60-17 we both have now, and their spec is 29psi for a car similar in size and weight. The load rating of the 60 series is higher than the 55 series, so you can drop the psi a couple of points and and still retain the same load using the lower psi.
Try dropping the psi. The ComfortTreds do respond differently to the change in psi - unlike the Dunlops. The tire dealer said that I could run these at around ~30psi without a problem.
I have also been on some Lexus LS460 forums and there were firm ride complaints there too. Some posted that the Lexus dealers have dropped their psi to 29 - 30 to improve the ride.
Also makes me wonder if manufacturers are specifying higher tire pressures so their cars get better EPA fuel economy numbers so they can meet the CAFE requirements. They may pick up 1 - 2 mpg but is it worth having a very hard ride?

 

[Genesis380]

...also came across some possibly "interesting" info. The Hyundai dealer told me that HRE and Eibach are now manufacturing "softer" after-market springs for the Genesis. I can't find info on their website though.

 

[rb cline]

Re: Suspension Issue - A last take?

Take a deap breath Don, we've come too far to lose you now. You may have not resolved the complete issue but you made some improvement and, just as importantly, you have discovered what doesn't work. Given your background, you must know that's half the battle.
Take my advice; tune out for a few days or a week and reengage. Your fans got too much invested in your struggle to see you burn out.
Keep on keeping on'
Dick

 

[GripperDon]

Re: Suspension Issue - More info, they did change it.

Motor Trend Quote "A limited first drive at the Namyang Research & Development Center revealed Hyundai hasn't strayed from its cushy car roots. You may have read about the Korean journalists who criticized the car as too soft when it launched in its home market last January. Hyundai's American engineering team, led by ex-GM guy Wendell Collins Jr.,(this was the oversized je** in the video some of us saw) reworked the sedan's multilink front and rear suspension for our market, with stiffer springs, shocks, and damping. It's worked, to the extent that extracting cushiness out of a suspension inherently designed for comfort can work. It's no 1960s American floatmobile, having been stiffened up about as much as possible.... " Now you know who is responsible.

Go here to read more about the suspension problems: http://blogs.edmunds.com/roadtests/2009/07/2009-hyundai-genesis-v6-suspended-animation.html


This is an excerpt of one of the posts. "FINALLY, you are addressing the single biggest problem with this car. Regarding the suspension, Consumer Reports notes the "somewhat unsettled ride", Automobile magazine calls it "appalling", USA Today says it's "bouncy", Consumer Guide Automotive indicates "rough surfaces can bring about unwanted body motion and vibration felt through the steering wheel. Overall lack of composure is Genesis's largest failing when compared with oother premium class sedans". I can personally attest that every one of these comments is on-target. Other Genesis owners have complained about this problem on Edmunds.com and on other automotive sites across the web.

I have test-driven the BMW 5 series, Infinty M35, Acura TL, Lexus ES350, Cadillac CTS, and Nissan Maxima. All have significantly better suspension than the Genesis"

 

[jwaters943]

Don, sorry the tires didn't help, but no one forced you to buy this car. I know you're just venting, but seriously, give it a rest and try to cool down. Why continually rehash what has been said many times before, especially when it's not going to fix your issue. No car is perfect, go to ClubLexus and look up rough ride and see how many threads you get. And I disagree strongly w/ your comment that the Acura TL, M & Maxima ride better. I've spent significant seat time in all of those vehicles.

I think you just need to bite the bullet and get rid of the Genesis. You'll take a bath, but hopefully you can find a car you're satisfied with instead of constantly trying to make the Genesis something it is not (e.g. a softly-sprung cruiser ala old-school Buick or Cadillac).

Try not to dismiss what I'm saying and keep in mind that I've been in your shoes before, so to speak. I bought a 2006 GS430 in June of 2005 and to this day I consider that purchase one of my biggest mistakes. It was a costly learning experiences. After 6-9 months w/ it I was completely bored and disappointed with it (rough ride, numerous rattles/loud pops from the windshield/sunroof, numb steering, peeling paint on the wheels, limited cargo-carying ability due to the ridiculously small trunk opening, etc.).

Maybe this is why I'm more happy w/ my Genesis. Buying the $60k Lexus left me w/ such a bad taste in my mouth that from that point forward I promised to thoroughly drive/examine a car before buying it. I knew exactly what I was getting w/ the Genesis and while the ride isn't great on rough roads, it's more than acceptable to me.

Best wishes and best of luck w/ whatever you decide.

 

[GripperDon]

J Please with the advice you gave it before and I did not take and do not appreciate it.

If you really read my posts then you know the following things you said are wrong i never said them!!

You stated "I disagree strongly w/ your comment that the Acura TL, M & Maxima ride better. I've spent significant seat time in all of those vehicles."

Fine stop telling me how to act, I don't need advice on my life from you who knows absolutely nothing about me or my experience. go to www.donjlewis.com for a very short peek at what I have done and know. When you live the next half of your life and get the 40more years of experience that I have you might know what you are talking about but at this point you don't, So lay of personal stuff and talk a about the car or you feeling not how I should regulate my feeling or type posts..

 

[jwaters943]

J Please with the advice you gave it before and I did not take and do not appreciate it.

If you really read my posts then you know the following things you said are wrong i never said them!!

You stated "I disagree strongly w/ your comment that the Acura TL, M & Maxima ride better. I've spent significant seat time in all of those vehicles."

Fine stop telling me how to act, I don't need advice on my life from you who knows absolutely nothing about me or my experience. go to www.donjlewis.com for a very short peek at what I have done and know. When you live the next half of your life and get the 40more years of experience that I have you might know what you are talking about but at this point you don't, So lay of personal stuff and talk a about the car or you feeling not how I should regulate my feeling or type posts..

Geez. What are you getting so worked up over?

None of this is beneficial to fellow members of this site, or to the issue at hand. If you have an issue w/ me, take it to PM.

Have a nice day!