Suspension Noise, 09 Sonata Ltd. Options

[J-Rem]

My 08' has the same noise. Was there a fix for this for the 06-08's? Had it horribe in my 2000 Buick Centure Custom. Still, my Sonata rides better... much better.

[i360]

And take a look at all these out of reach suspension items for the Sonata.....

http://www.carspeed.co.kr/FrontStore/iGood...iCategoryId=997

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/wallbash.gif)

[campoly]

I hope everyone with problems is calling Hyundai customer service and filing a complaint. The more complaints we have the quicker we will see a fix. It is imperative we all call... not just go to the service dept and complain, but call Hyundai directly. The telephone number is listed a few posts back.

Good luck with this. I've been on the Hyundai customer service merry-go-round.

I've had problems with my noisy, bouncy Azera suspension for a long time and the dealers keep telling me nothing is wrong. I've been to three different dealers and they all used the phrase, "It is within specs" "no problems found". I think they are taught to say this by corporate Hyundai.

I filed a complaint with Hyundai customer service and they finally got their "District Parts & Service Manage (and staff; says the letter)" involved. I thought I was finally going to get some satisfaction.

Instead, I received a very cold, mater o' fact, letter basically stating that there is nothing wrong with my car...period. Here is the unedited (except for the jerks name) excerpt of the jist of the letter word-for-word:

"Please consider this Hyundai Motor America's (HMA) response to your concerns related to the above referenced 2007 Azera. HMA prides itself on superior customer satisfaction and strives to reach a mutually satisfying resolution in every situation.

We understand the concern you have with the excessive bounce in suspension when going over bumps in your vehicle. This concern has been carefully reviewed by our District Parts & Service Manager (DPSM), E** M****n and our technical staff. We have found that the suspension in your vehicle is operating within the given specifications. HMA believes that the condition you've described is a normal characteristic of the Azera, and is not a defect in material and/or workmanship.

We are sorry if our efforts have not met your expectations. HMA remains committed to complying with the terms of its New Vehicle Limited Warranty as described in the Owner's Handbook to repair any defects in material and workmanship under normal use and maintenance."


Did you notice the phrase "within the given specifications"? It's the standard answer at corporate and local dealer levels.

The last paragraph of the letter was the normal hand job drivel; "Thank you for taking the time to contact us"....."We appreciate you being an important part of the Hyundai family"....yada, yada, yada BS.

Especially disconcerting are the bits that say; " HMA prides itself on superior customer satisfaction and strives to reach a mutually satisfying resolution in every situation." and " HMA remains committed to complying with the terms of its New Vehicle Limited Warranty as described in the Owner's Handbook to repair any defects in material and workmanship under normal use and maintenance."...... Riiiiight! BTW, the bold lettering was in the original letter.


Neither E** M****n (DPSM) nor any of his "technical staff" ever drove nor even saw my car. It is stonewalling pure and simple. A Jedi mind trick, perhaps.

Many people have complained about a sh!tty ride from their Azeras. Hyundai denies that anything is wrong. However, some folks have had their shocks replaced 3 times under warranty (they would only change them once for me.... but it didn't help).

Yet every year they advertise a "new, improved suspension" as a selling point. In reality, all they do is put different shocks in the next years model and call it an improved suspension.

I don't mean to come over here and stir up things. It's just that I understand the frustration that some of you are having.

This post has been edited by campoly: May 31 2009, 07:05 AM

[marupert]

Good news for all of us with rear suspension noise!

New designed rear struts are coming for my car for trial. Upper Hyundai technical advisers are aware of the issue and acknowledged. I'm going to be the first in Canada to get them apparently.

A highly skilled mechanic at my dealer helps them to troubleshoot this problem and he told me that the struts have a major alignment problem with the upper tower causing excessive bending on the strut assy and doesn't operate freely.

They should come in a week or two and I'll post back when trying them.

Stay tuned!

Charles

Charles,
I wanted to see if you had any updates on the suspension issue. Did the new struts solve the problem?

[Sonnie Parker]

I believe several of us who also previously owned 2006 and 2007 models were told that the suspension noise was a "characteristic" of the vehicle, but it was not long before a TSB was issued that fixed the noise.

If enough people will complain, they will do something about it sooner or later, however, it is doubtful they will ever do anything if only a hand full of owners complain.

[charlesj123]

Charles,
I wanted to see if you had any updates on the suspension issue. Did the new struts solve the problem?

I'm still waiting.... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/whistling.gif)

[riceR]

KYB (part# 349060) has some for the rears for about $50-$60 each and fronts are coming in 2010. These are for the 06-08 but I'm sure they'll fit the 09 as well. Stiffer dampers (Koni Sport) are available overseas through tirerack for around $500-600 for all four as well if anyone wants to go that route...

[Sonnie Parker]

I would think they would fit too... the Hyundai part number for 06 - 09 shocks is the same.

Someone try them and let us know if they work. Actually... if no one has tried them yet, I will be happy to.

[dandaroy]

I drove a 2010 ford fusion today and compared to it the sonata suspension sounds and feels like sh*t. Man it sounds loud and feels hard although we know this is by no means a stiff suspension!!

This post has been edited by dandaroy: Jun 8 2009, 07:00 PM

[jjk]

I agree, I drove the competition back to back w the Sonata in the same area w the same poor roads, including the Fusion and the Sonata was just as good if not better than the competition w the exception of the Accord which is the class leader in terms of suspension tuning and considerably more expensive. Did not test Passat as it is in another price class (I would compare it to a genesis V6 when street price is considered)

The Camry felt unsafe and uncontrolled in le and xle trim... more than the Sonata SE was stiff riding banging over bumps. Fusions was noisy and rough compared to the Sonata. Sonata was in the middle between Camry and Accord. It is more noise than actual harshness transmitted to your body (if your tires are not over inflated but are to spec). The noise is from having so many connecting points due to the advance geometry... double-wishbones in front & 5-link in rears... This is the same reason why Accords of the past were sighted for road noise... double wishbones all round. Not surprise Campy is quieter ride... McPherson struts front and 2 links in rear. Luxury cars have advanced suspensions too much also alots of sound deadening and more weight. Plus the Sonata's structure could be stiffer... that would help.

It seems to be that the Sonata was tuned for the speed limit of most roads which is fine w me since there roads are beat up around here... it's easy to over drive the dampeners by driving faster than what they can handle and cause them to floam and then you notice more wobbling and wallowing after that. It then feels really disconnected. I noticed: dry driving the speed limit and cruising and you will notice that the dampers can keep up and that the ride becomes quite nice and damped for the lower speed the suspension hits the bumps and absorbs, rather than thumping hard on crashing over low speed bumps like some of these stiffer/sporitier suspensions, assuming you have the specified tire preassure. Like many reviews have said, the suspension is designed to get you to your destination in comfort, not quickly.

But most people these days drive faster than the speed limit and sometimes you feel like you are getting runned over so Hyundai may need to rethink their suspension tuning strategy to including faster responding dampeners... like the accord... hit a bump at a higher speed and quick thump and it's over... no wallowing or rebound body motions.

Over time I've gotten use to the Sonata's suspension as I've learned to take by time and not rush... very comfy in that mode. There's so many traffic lights here it really doesn't pay anyways. I just let people pass me and go hard on the brakes at the red light. Save me gas too. The dampener just can't handle hitting big bumps at higher speeds. It's a boulevard cruiser.. old school American suspension tuning. Like an old Hudson or a taxi cab. You can cruise like that all day and not feel as beat up as some other cars. It is what it is. If you don't like it then buy the 2009 SE or a sportier car.

[Sonnie Parker]

I noticed: dry driving the speed limit and cruising and you will notice that the dampers can keep up and that the ride becomes quite nice and damped for the lower speed the suspension hits the bumps and absorbs, rather than thumping hard on crashing over low speed bumps like some of these stiffer/sporitier suspensions, assuming you have the specified tire preassure. Like many reviews have said, the suspension is designed to get you to your destination in comfort, not quickly.

I must say... you have a completely different car than what I have. Do you work for Hyundai?

For the record... I am a slow poke. My wife tells people that the guy at the front of the line holding up all the traffic is me. At least four days per week I drive to my office which is 20 miles. 10 miles of that consist of bumpy graveled county roads that have not been paved in 40 years... along with about 3/4 mile of our dirt road that is bumpy as bumpy gets since they are poorly maintained. I drive very slow on the dirt road, if I don't I will bump my head on the ceiling from bouncing so much. It is already like one of those belt machines that shakes the noodles out of ya. I drive 40-50 on the county roads, which again are poor... many humps and bumps. I feel every one of them and this 09 Sonata lets me know it. Slow, medium or fast speed, I feel it and here it with almost every bump... even the very small ones. It gripes me to no ends and makes me want to give the car back. If I did not value my credit rating, it would belong to them, being Hyundai financed it.

EDIT: I just realized you have a 2007. This is indeed a very different suspension than the 09. I had an 06 and once they issued a TSB to fix the suspension problem on it, it became a very nice ride, like the 07.

This post has been edited by Sonnie Parker: Jun 9 2009, 09:08 AM

[MED]

I called up and filed a complaint about the suspension and also the thousand pops and cracks you get from the dashboard after the car's been sitting in the sun for a while and you start to drive it with the air on (or conversely, after it's been sitting in the cold and you run the heat).

[jjk]

No I don't work for Hyundai, but we've own a number of them. I did take the Sonata to a ski resort w reeeally bad pot marks dirt roads last winter and it didn't do to well, but that was like off-roading. Wasn't designed for that... off road suspensions have stiff springs... Those bumps/potholes are so sharp and abrupt and deep that even if you drive slow you're not gonna get a good ride. I"m talking about paved roads and my Sonata does as well as I could expect for a car w 17 inch low profile tires. i have the michelins

The suspension is tuned for the speed limit on paved roads and that's when it works best. We have alot of patched pavement and expansion joints and it seems to absorb them when I drive the speed limit. make sure your air preassure is to spec. and not overinflated.

I agree the dash does make tick or cracking sounds some time... could use stiffer body structure or softer dash materials, but that usually goes away after you drive a little. Doesn't bother me anymore after I concluded that my windshield wasn't going to crack... I just ignore it.

Am taking a long trip soon and am looking forward to cruising there in the comfort of my Sonata. Good long distance cruiser.

[Sonnie Parker]

I would take your 2007 Sonata suspension in my 2009 Sonata all day long and be happy. They just aren't the same, so you are comparing apples to oranges. I can assure you that you would not be looking forward to a trip anywhere on my 2009 Sonata, slow, fast, speed limit, whatever. The only place it rides good and is quite is on the smoothest of pavements, which we have zero of between where I live and my office. You should be good to go with your 2007, but those of us with 2009's realize the seriousness of suspension problem and we want it fixed.

[dandaroy]

No I don't work for Hyundai, but we've own a number of them. I did take the Sonata to a ski resort w reeeally bad pot marks dirt roads last winter and it didn't do to well, but that was like off-roading. Wasn't designed for that... off road suspensions have stiff springs... Those bumps/potholes are so sharp and abrupt and deep that even if you drive slow you're not gonna get a good ride. I"m talking about paved roads and my Sonata does as well as I could expect for a car w 17 inch low profile tires. i have the michelins

The suspension is tuned for the speed limit on paved roads and that's when it works best. We have alot of patched pavement and expansion joints and it seems to absorb them when I drive the speed limit. make sure your air preassure is to spec. and not overinflated.

I agree the dash does make tick or cracking sounds some time... could use stiffer body structure or softer dash materials, but that usually goes away after you drive a little. Doesn't bother me anymore after I concluded that my windshield wasn't going to crack... I just ignore it.

Am taking a long trip soon and am looking forward to cruising there in the comfort of my Sonata. Good long distance cruiser.

I don't know what Fusion you drove and what Sonata you have or maybe you are not sensitive to it, but I am telling you the difference between Fusion and Sonata is obvious. Other than the cheapish looking interior, the Fusion is a better car in terms of suspension and powertrain. The Sonata feels and sounds cheap over moderate bumps. The only plus point with the Sonata is the nice interior, much better than the plasticky Fusion.

This post has been edited by dandaroy: Jun 9 2009, 01:02 PM

[MED]

I don't know what Fusion you drove and what Sonata you have or maybe you are not sensitive to it, but I am telling you the difference between Fusion and Sonata is obvious. Other than the cheapish looking interior, the Fusion is a better car in terms of suspension and powertrain. The Sonata feels and sounds cheap over moderate bumps. The only plus point with the Sonata is the nice interior, much better than the plasticky Fusion.

"Nice interior"is a relative term. The Sonata assembly/materials make for a lot of pops/creaks.

[dandaroy]

"Nice interior"is a relative term. The Sonata assembly/materials make for a lot of pops/creaks.

You are right. I noticed with the fusion the interior is held together nicely, over bumps I did not notice any rattles. It is just that it has a plasticky feel to it. About the crackles/pops on the Sonata, I have noticed that they have subsided some with miles, but not completely gone away yet (about 7800 miles now, 10 months)

This post has been edited by dandaroy: Jun 9 2009, 06:50 PM

[Clem]

Well, I just bought a 2009 Sonata Limited V6. I was very aprehensive given a test drive back in 2007 and hearing the now infamous "K-Flunk". I don't hear that but what I do hear is the same noise everyone else has had. WHen I drive slow and hit bumps it sounds like the whole thing is loose. I have had two Dodge pickups and replaced ball joints on both and that is exatcly what it sounds like. When I spoke to the sales person they said it was fixed with new struts. 261 miles and I am hearing it. Initially I thought I was just hearing things and being picky but after reading here it appears there is a problem. I have an appointment next week with the dealership to have them check it out. I love the car but that noise and vibration will NOT WORK!. I traded a Ford Focus in on this car becasue I wanted an affordable luxury car I just hope I do not regret it. Let me know if the trial in Canada is working and if there is any after market upgrades I can make to get rid of the crapy sound.

[scottwithakay]

I have some excessive suspension noise on my '01 accent. It is not so much a "ka-thunk" as it is a bad knocking vibration. "kakakak-thunk kakakaka-thunk rattle rattle rattle, kakakakak-thunk."

I know what is wrong with my car. It is in the right rear suspension. It is the inner bushing on the right rear trailing arm bushing. It is most obvious on gravel and rough roads.

Ruts... see my new post.

[Sonnie Parker]

Hi Clem... and welcome to the forum. It is unfortunate that it is under these conditions.

Please keep us informed about what your dealer tells you and/or does to your Sonata.

If you do not mind, please call Hyundai as well. The phone number is a few posts back.

Thanks!