[hatesmith]

I've got a 2010 Sonata, as you will see upon looking to the left, and I'm a bit concerned about my handling. In the mountainous (sort of) area where I live, people tend to fly up on turns, then slam on their brakes. I have no trouble going around these turns at the legal speed-limit, but when Captain Durango is in front of me, and I have to slow down quickly in a turn, the front of the car seems to go down like a cargo van and it becomes very hard to control. I've just never had a problem like this in a vehicle that weighed less that 8,000lbs, and I was wondering if anyone else had any ideas on stiffening up my front end to help maintain control, as a car under control is a car that does not cause accidents. Specific products you guys have found to correct this particular issue would be helpful, as safety is a bigger concern to me than any of my planned performance/fuel mileage/aesthetic upgrades. Thanks in advance.

 

[AustinJeff]

I feel your pain. I have an `08 Sonata GLS and I really don't like how it handles. The suspension is poor. When I step on the gas, the front end lifts a lot. When I hit bumps, the car tends to lose composure. When I take a turn at speed, it seems to float too much and feel out of control. I bought the car with 36k on it and it was just 1 year old. I thought maybe it had been abused a bit and that's why the suspension feels tired. It has 50k on it now and I plan to drive it for another 50k at least.

I'd be interested in hearing what others have done to improve the suspension. I saw something on tirerack.com for shocks, but I don't know anything about the quality of those parts.

 

[riceR]

QUOTE (hatesmith @ Jul 11 2010, 11:41 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=340898

I've got a 2010 Sonata, as you will see upon looking to the left, and I'm a bit concerned about my handling. In the mountainous (sort of) area where I live, people tend to fly up on turns, then slam on their brakes. I have no trouble going around these turns at the legal speed-limit, but when Captain Durango is in front of me, and I have to slow down quickly in a turn, the front of the car seems to go down like a cargo van and it becomes very hard to control. I've just never had a problem like this in a vehicle that weighed less that 8,000lbs, and I was wondering if anyone else had any ideas on stiffening up my front end to help maintain control, as a car under control is a car that does not cause accidents. Specific products you guys have found to correct this particular issue would be helpful, as safety is a bigger concern to me than any of my planned performance/fuel mileage/aesthetic upgrades. Thanks in advance.

Better tires - OE tires are crap
Eibach or H&R springs
Kyb shocks/struts
Front strut tower bar
sway bars from SE model.

With my setup, the car handles much better. The front feels much more stable and on the road. I don't have as much body roll as before. Looks much better w/o the huge wheel gap On the downside, its a bit bouncier now, but I'm on the OEM struts/shocks.

 

[Blue07]

QUOTE (hatesmith @ Jul 12 2010, 12:41 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=340898

I've got a 2010 Sonata, as you will see upon looking to the left, and I'm a bit concerned about my handling. In the mountainous (sort of) area where I live, people tend to fly up on turns, then slam on their brakes. I have no trouble going around these turns at the legal speed-limit, but when Captain Durango is in front of me, and I have to slow down quickly in a turn, the front of the car seems to go down like a cargo van and it becomes very hard to control. I've just never had a problem like this in a vehicle that weighed less that 8,000lbs, and I was wondering if anyone else had any ideas on stiffening up my front end to help maintain control, as a car under control is a car that does not cause accidents. Specific products you guys have found to correct this particular issue would be helpful, as safety is a bigger concern to me than any of my planned performance/fuel mileage/aesthetic upgrades. Thanks in advance.

My Sonata is a second family car that mostly serves as my daughter's car. Safety is a HUGE concern for me too. I have Eibach Pro-kit springs and KYB shocks. The car now has a much higher level of control. It is about as firm as my Accord V6 or as a Nissan Altima SE (dedicated sport suspension.) The KYB shocks will run around $300 and the Eibachs will run about $260. Labor to install the parts and an alignment will run you about $300. So you're looking at around $900 total cost. That ain't cheap, but was well worth it to me. H&R also make good springs. Monroe may also manufacture front and rear struts and shocks by now. I don't know if this has been proven, but I heard the 2010 SE "sport" suspension is interchangeable with other 2006-2010 models. Those SE springs and shocks are firmer than those on the GLS or Limited models. To the best of knowledge, you can also buy coil-overs. You've got some good choices.

If I may share my opinion, if you intend to do this, don't go halfway and get just shocks or just springs. Get both or don't do it at all. If you get only shocks it will provide a minor improvement only, probably not worth the cost. If you install springs only, you will encounter a rebound problem. The springs will feel firmer on the way down but will bounce back up. The soft OEM shocks can't handle the spring's upward force and the suspension will be out of balance. Good luck.

 

[Itchiee]

I have the front strut bar and it made a nice difference. The car doesn't feel as boaty into turns while applying the brakes.
It also levels out quicker and doesn't have as much body lean as well.

You may also want lowering springs as well if you find the bar isn't enough.

 

[hatesmith]

QUOTE (Blue07 @ Jul 12 2010, 05:02 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=341154

My Sonata is a second family car that mostly serves as my daughter's car. Safety is a HUGE concern for me too. I have Eibach Pro-kit springs and KYB shocks. The car now has a much higher level of control. It is about as firm as my Accord V6 or as a Nissan Altima SE (dedicated sport suspension.) The KYB shocks will run around $300 and the Eibachs will run about $260. Labor to install the parts and an alignment will run you about $300. So you're looking at around $900 total cost. That ain't cheap, but was well worth it to me. H&R also make good springs. Monroe may also manufacture front and rear struts and shocks by now. I don't know if this has been proven, but I heard the 2010 SE "sport" suspension is interchangeable with other 2006-2010 models. Those SE springs and shocks are firmer than those on the GLS or Limited models. To the best of knowledge, you can also buy coil-overs. You've got some good choices.

If I may share my opinion, if you intend to do this, don't go halfway and get just shocks or just springs. Get both or don't do it at all. If you get only shocks it will provide a minor improvement only, probably not worth the cost. If you install springs only, you will encounter a rebound problem. The springs will feel firmer on the way down but will bounce back up. The soft OEM shocks can't handle the spring's upward force and the suspension will be out of balance. Good luck.

I know not to install shocks without springs. Shocks and springs I can replace myself for free, and my boy will align my **** for a 24oz can of Coors after his boss goes home. I'll try the Eibachs and the KYBs in a couple paychecks and see.

As far as tires go, I'm wearing out the Michelins that came on it before I get some Kumhos (the only brand new tires I'll throw away are B.F. Goodrich, those things probably cost more American lives every year than smoking), and even though I plan on replacing the wheels, I'm still keeping 16" wheels. I got tired of dodging potholes in that old Elantra with it's 1.5" sidewalls. I like having beef on my wheels again & I'll sacrifice a little bit of handling to keep it. There are some crappy roads around here, and I used to have to buy about 10 tires and 2 or 3 rims a year for that Elantra. I'm tired of it.

 

[HSpeed]

Hello all,
I've a 2007 Hyundai Sonata V6 and agree about suspension issues. i360, interested in knowing manufacturer of the strut tower brace you've installed. Would you have photo available of strut tower brace installed in engine bay?
riceR, what year hyundai SE did the sway bars come from? Was it V6 and do you know what the front / rear diameters are? Would anyone know where information can be obtained on sway bar sizing (2006 - 2010)?
Also, from what I understand, the 2009 offers stiffer hydraulic engine mounts (usure if installed on all models or just V6) which may also help suspension, if able to install on previous model years.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to reply with comments and information.

 

[riceR]

QUOTE (HSpeed @ Oct 26 2010, 07:42 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=366366

Hello all,
I've a 2007 Hyundai Sonata V6 and agree about suspension issues. i360, interested in knowing manufacturer of the strut tower brace you've installed. Would you have photo available of strut tower brace installed in engine bay?
riceR, what year hyundai SE did the sway bars come from? Was it V6 and do you know what the front / rear diameters are? Would anyone know where information can be obtained on sway bar sizing (2006 - 2010)?
Also, from what I understand, the 2009 offers stiffer hydraulic engine mounts (usure if installed on all models or just V6) which may also help suspension, if able to install on previous model years.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to reply with comments and information.

09-10 SE model, I believe both I4 and V6 SE models will have the thicker sway bars... unfortunately, its only 1mm bigger.

09-10
Front: 26mm (SE)27mm
Rear: 16mm (SE)17mm

06-08
Front:25mm (V6)26mm
Rear: 15mm

 

[Sequoiasoon]

QUOTE (riceR @ Oct 26 2010, 12:51 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=366436

09-10 SE model, I believe both I4 and V6 SE models will have the thicker sway bars... unfortunately, its only 1mm bigger.

09-10
Front: 26mm (SE)27mm
Rear: 16mm (SE)17mm

06-08
Front:25mm (V6)26mm
Rear: 15mm

But as compared to my '07 GLS that's 2mm front and back which could help a lot.

Blue07-
The $900 covers all 4 corners with new shocks and springs correct? I remember spending basically that for new struts/springs for my Corolla as they wore out and that was just straight replacement not lowering/performance.

i360- ditto for pics/brand/where purchased for the brace.

 

[riceR]

Here you go, just found it...

 

[downhiller88]

^so that will fit the 4 cylinder?

 

[Sequoiasoon]

QUOTE (riceR @ Oct 27 2010, 01:37 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=366627

Here you go, just found it...

That link only shows 02-05 Sonata for that one. Is that the same style you got?

What is the difference between the "flat" ones and tube ones. This one shows both
Strut Brace

OR like THIS ONE or is it to many bolts/places to flex/break? I saw an UltraRacing one that says it only attaches in 2 spots which would bother me on stress on that one bolt I think.

Would the V6 one fit the 4cyl? V6 strut bar

 

[Blue07]

QUOTE (Sequoiasoon @ Oct 27 2010, 01:10 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=366623

Blue07-
The $900 covers all 4 corners with new shocks and springs correct?

Yup. That's about what I paid for struts/shocks, springs, labor to install, and an alignment.

This is just my opinion, but I don't believe a strut bar will do much to improve handling. As it stands, the struts are located just a few inches away from the firewall. That firewall is EXTREMELY rigid and prevents the struts from flexing during hard turns. Adding a strut bar is more for looks than function. In addition, on my Sonata the hood's hydraulic support rod is located right next to the strut. I don't see how one could attach a strut brace without removing it. Without that support, I don't believe the hood will remain open on its own.

 

[riceR]

QUOTE (Sequoiasoon @ Oct 27 2010, 04:30 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=366644

That link only shows 02-05 Sonata for that one. Is that the same style you got?

opps, sorry about that... guess I didn't see that. No, I have one from the 1g Eclipse... $20, had to mod it a little for it to fit.

 

[Itchiee]

QUOTE (riceR @ Oct 27 2010, 01:37 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=366627

Here you go, just found it...

That's similar or the same one I have on mine.
Mine came from Shark Racing.

 

[HSpeed]

riceR, thank you for your reply as well as providing link for strut tower brace. I wish the design was one piece manufactured from steel rather than aluminum. i've been trying to locate a used OEM strut tower brace from the 2009 Hyundai Genesis coupe (2.0T or 3.8 liter) for test fit. I also contacted DC Sports and inquired if they might manufacture a strut tower brace for the 06 - 10 sonata 3.3 V6 (they manufactured the OEM strut tower brace for the 08 Hyundai Accent SE. Awaiting a reply.
I've also conatcted Mike ([email protected]) at Road Race Engineering (562-777-1522) about producing a strut tower brace for 06 - 2010 Sonata 3.3 V6 (this is a Mitsubishi performace shop who manufactured a quality one piece strut tower brace for 99 - 03 Mitsubishi Galant). Mike was interested however, needed a test vehicle to do so. Unfortunately I'm not located in CA, so if there's a member interested and located in the following CA area (13022 La Dana Ct. Santa Fe Springs, Ca. 90670) contact Mike!

With regard to sway bar diameter sizes, I believe to increase understeer in a vehicle, install large diameter front sway bar and smaller diameter rear sway bar. To increase oversteer (back end of car breaking traction), do the opposite. Front-wheel-drive cars characteristically understeer, while rear-wheel-drive cars tend to oversteer. Many cars are designed to have a tendency to understeer. If the driver gets uncomfortable and "lifts" off the gas, that will cause the front end to tighten the curve - a relatively safer, and more predictable condition. Would you consider the 2006 - 2010 Sonata to oversteer or understeer? Maybe expieirment with different diameters in front and rear.

Also, would any members have a 2009 or 2010 Hyundai Sonata with 3.3 V6 available to provide detailed photos of OEM air intake assembly as well as transmission dipstick location and length? Hyundai changed air intake assembly in 09 and wanted to view some photos. I believe it was ducted without going around battery then entering air box (which is how it was ducted 06 - 08 3.3 V6 models). Curious how Hyundai routed 09 assembly over transmission dipstick (different angled and longer dipstick?). Here are links to photos I came accross showing the difference;
2007 Hyundai Sonata SE air assembly
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa296/G...pg?t=1290373012
2009 Hyundai Sonata SE air assembly
http://images.copart.com/website/data/pix/...20327570_7X.JPG
Again, thanks to all for taking the time and replying. It's appreciated!

 

[HSpeed]

If anyone is interested, came across the following strut brace for 2006 Sonata. What website or venders for strut brace don't state is that it will not fit vehicles equipped with 3.3 V6, only that it fits 2006 Sonata! I learned the hard way bar doesn't fit V6 vehicles after ording from EBAY seller (item 290446932012, $142.00) not being able to install and having to pay return shipping to send it back! Company is Ultra Racing and item appears to be a quality one piece non-adjustable brace, just misleading description. Members who own vehicle with 2.4L four-cylinder, shouldn't have an issue. Heres's link to website;
http://www.ultraracing.com.my/Catalog.asp?...006)&page=1

 

[HSpeed]

Just want to follow up with regard to front strut tower brace, and if anyone else is interested. I purchased OEM strut brace for 09 Hyundai Genesis (part # 546812M000) with left and right brackets, (part # 546832M000 & 546842M000). Did test fit and discovered bar fit / attached to existing strut bolts however, left and right brackets used to attach bar (when installed in Hyundai Genesis), did not line up with existing strut bolts in the 07 Sonata. The bar cleared manifold cover and I was able to close hood without issue. Links to photos below.

Photo of bar attached to left strut (left bracket also shown not lined up with bolts)
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa296/GSped/IMG_1623.jpg?t=1325030572

Photo of bar attached to left strut, bottom of bar seems to not sit flush when screw is tightened
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa296/GSped/IMG_1622.jpg?t=1325030572

Photo showing bar clearing intake manifold cover
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa296/GSped/IMG_1627.jpg?t=1325030573

 

[HSpeed]

My apologies for not following up sooner however, Ultra Racing has strut tower brace that will fit 2008 - 2010 Hyundai Sonata with 3.3 V6 without any issues / modifications;
Ultra Racing Front Strut Bar (TW2-2287)
$150.00

The following sway bars are also available;
- Ultra Racing part UR-AR30-404 (30mm front sway bar, HYUNDAI SONATA NF (5TH GENERATION) 3.3 (2004-2010)
- Ultra Racing part UR-AR20-405 (20mm rear sway bar, HYUNDAI SONATA NF (5TH GENERATION) 3.3 (2004-2010)

Contact Evan at nextgentuning.com

 

[HSpeed]

Has anyone installed the following (06 - 2010 Sonata V6);

Bilstein shocks 19-214481 (rear)
Bilstein struts 19-221519 (front)