Yes the front right side klunks, or knocks over bumpy roadway at lower speeds.
The shocks absorber (HYU 546113L041) on the front right and both rear absorbers (HYU 553113L041) and one Nut Shelf (HYU 5483936001) have been replaced without any improvement.
I have no mention of strut inserts replacement. Do you have any experience where the strut inserts replacement provided improvements?
The St. Louis dealer replaced the front and rear shock absorbers on my 06 Azera. (HYU 546113L040 on the fronts) I am not sure of the number for the rears that were changed first. That solved nothing. With the replacement of the fronts, the noise from small bumps at slow speeds has been eliminated. I dont know what the difference is between the 546113L040s and the L041s.
I have previously posted that I have had the front strut assembly on front, both sides, replaced. The part # is: 54611-3L041 strut assy (both sides). My car is now perfectly soundless over washboard surfaces. Just took a short trip over weekend and the car, which was fine before, other than a somewhat noisy front suspension, rides as well or better than any car that I have previously owned, and that includes the Acura TLs that I used to lease. As I have said in the past, this is not a sports tuned suspension, but rather a fine "boulevard car" with excellent road manners. Only if you tinker with the suspension, in total, can you change the ride. That takes a special expertise. I bought the car because I wanted one with good highway manners, comfortable, easy on my back, most all the bells and whistles, handsome in appearance, safe and offering excellent value. If that sounds like our Azzys that's exactly what I am describing. Throw in an excellent dealership and I am a "happy camper". Don
RE: 576 It certainly appears that different owners have experienced different results with the change in struts,or is it perception. I am curious to learn, what are the EXACT suspension changes coming in the 08 Azzy
I too want to learn what the exact changes Hyundai has incorperated into the '08 Azera. Living on Long Island, I'm close to drdonrs' dealer and will more than likely get my struts replaced - (thanx don), but if the '08 upgrades are signifiant, I may look into paying for the same upgrade.
The other solution is to give the wife the 06 as she is not bothered by the clunk, & buy an '08 or Genesis!
RE: 578 The question is, if the 08 change is basically a different type of struts, perhaps we can convince the "powers to be" to change to the "new" type of struts under the warranty. Wishful thinking?
Hey folks, 06 Azera - build date 3/31/06. Just wanted to follow up on my second service visit. This time spoke to service manager who said he rode in the car and noticed the clunk. He said he called Hyundai and they directed him to repack the strut bushings with grease. He said there is NO fix yet and to keep checking back with him every few weeks. In addition, I also had another problem come up which they could not fix. When decelerating down around 1500 rpms, my AC almost shuts off during the day, and at night, my headlights dim dramatically. He said they checked the alternator output and all was normal. I will have to leave it overnight for a test next time. Anybody else have this problem? Need a new thread moderator? Overall good experience, but sure wish they had a clunk fix. I will keep calling dealer and writing Hyundai until resolved. As mentioned before, t-i-m-e is on my side, yes it is........Overall I still love this car! ebr in FLA
My car's build date is 10/05. I had a noisy/klunk right side up to 14,500 miles when I had the front shocks replaced. That is the problem. If both the left and right sides sound the same, then it probably is normal suspension noise as most all issues were on the front right side. Tell them you want the strut inserts (both) replaced or demand to see the regional Hyundai rep and reference this forum. They know about it.
theblackhole, funny you should say that your wife doesn't notice the klunk...mine didn't either. "There it is...did you hear it?" "no" :confuse:
Go back and check my recent posts regarding having had my front strut assemblies, both sides, replaced. The part # is: 54611-3L041 strut assy (both sides). This is taken right off the invoice. Replacement was done under warranty. You can tell your service manager that the dealer is Hyundai of Westchester in Yonkers, NY. Pat won't let me name the service manager but have your service manager call him and verify that they are indeed replacing the front struts. Makes a BIG difference. My wife is the main driver and she didn't hear anything. My 06 Azzy didn't have a big clunk, but the front suspension was noisy. Now the car is truly perfect. My dealer did not call regional Hyundai, as far as I know. The service manager told "parts" to order the struts, while I was standing there. It comes down to how customer oriented your service dept. is. Maybe my dealer being part of a large conglomerate of dealerships, over 20, gives them leverage. All I know is that the replacement was the answer, and there are a few others who have had the same experience on this board and over at Hyundai-Forums. Go for it.
I have been following this forum and Edmunds for many months waiting for an answer to the suspension problem. I don't know that we have one yet. This area is muddied by perception and subjective thinking. I mean no disrespect, but, I sense that those who have had struts replaced, still have the problem, unless the replacement struts are the same part number as those to be installed on the 2008's. More later on this point. My opinion....every 2006-2007 has a sloppy suspension. It is not the right front, not both front, it is all 4 struts. It is not loose nuts and bolts, not strapped too tightly to the ship floor on the boat ride from Korea. The "ride engineers",poorly designed the struts on the 2006-07 azeras and perhaps the sonatas. They opted for a plush ride on a smooth surface road. When designing shocks, you can't have it both ways. They did not choose a good compromise in design.However, their proving ground in S. CA., probably does not have surface streets with the type of irregular surfaces that we find in most of our cities. So, they may not have been aware of this low speed bounce on certain surfaces. My experience is that it feels as tho the tires are bouncing off the road surface at low speed simulating a worn shock, when in fact they are operating as designed. I believe most or all of the posters who are happy with their strut replacement simply had good struts replaced with the same new strut. However, if the strut replacement ending in 41, is the strut being installed on the 2008 Azera, I stand corrected. To support my opinion, I call your attention to the below Hyundai press release on the 2008.Note the enhanced suspension refers to FOUR "REVALVED" dampers or struts. The question....is strut ending in 41 the same as the 2008 strut. If it is, I want them on my 2006 azera. If they ain't, I will wait until the 2008 strut appears in the parts computer and" circle the wagons" at my dealer at that later date.
COMFORTABLE AND CONTROLLED SUSPENSION
Hyundai engineers benchmarked the best cars in the category before designing the Azera’s double-wishbone front and multi-link rear four-wheel independent suspension system. By utilizing high-tensile steel in critical unibody areas, the Azera features increased stiffness and rigidity, which ensures formidable resistance to flexing, enhanced ride and handling tuning, while at the same time lowering interior noise levels. Attached to the 2008 Azera’s rigid structure is improved suspension and steering hardware to keep the Azera even flatter through turns and more compliant over bumps. The enhanced suspension features four revalved twin-tube, gas-charged dampers, softer bushings and a quicker steering rack. The Azera also has front and rear stabilizer bars and rides on 17-inch wheels and 235/55VR17 tires
The Azera doesn’t track down the road like a Jaguar, and while it attempts to waft along like an older XJ, the suspension ultimately proves too busy to pull off that impression. Indeed, the suspension is the worst aspect of driving the Hyundai Azera. The shocks are too stiff and the springs are too soft, so the car ends up with excess body float combined with sharp wheel motion. And that sharp wheel motion isn’t soaked up by the suspension; it’s transferred to the cabin in the form of impact harshness and occasional snapping sounds that make it seem as though the components are loose. Put the car across diagonal railroad tracks or bridge joints, and it dances beneath you while the suspension tries, and fails, to control body and wheel motion. The car just doesn’t feel connected on any kind of irregular pavement. Hyundai should take a look at what its corporate sibling, Kia, is doing with suspension tuning to get an idea of how to get it right.
Can anyone give us a clue as to the difference between the 40 and 41 strut.
I couldn't disagree more with that article. After all, it is simply one individuals' opinion. My one month old SE with 2000 miles doesn't act like that at all.
Do you own and drive an Azzy regularly? Are you located in Southern California? I rest my case!
"When decelerating down around 1500 rpms, my AC almost shuts off during the day, and at night, my headlights dim dramatically..."
Here's an update from a different site:
"I returned the car a few more times for this problem and another field rep got involved and replaced the battery wiring assembly with part #91850-3K110. The dealer and field rep found a voltage drop which this new wiring assembly seems to have corrected.
Just to give you more information which I hope will be helpful. The note on service statement when the new wiring was installed is:
Hyundai field tech found 3mv drop in charging system wire from alternator to junction block. Replaced battery harness.
The only article I found on that website referencing a test drive did not seem to mention all these negatives, but maybe I missed it. The only thing I saw was that it was not "sporty" on hairpin turns and so forth. However, my 2007 does seem to bounce more and have a choppier ride over rough roads than I like. On the other hand, it is very comfortable most of the time. I tested five 2006/2007 ones in two different cities in S.C. over various road types and never noticed a clunk or a less than comfortable ride. I compared it to Acuras, Infinitis, Avalons and Lexus' over the same roads and found the Azera as good as or better. Perhaps living with the car on a daily basis reveals these ride features - or maybe reading all these posts. On the other hand, it could just be the compromise that comes with all types of cars. That said, if it can be made to ride better and Hyundai agrees to pay all or most of the costs, I am all for it.
I would like a stiffened sway bar (anti roll bar) too, if Hyundai wants to pay for it. Actually I am generally happy with the suspension, but if it were a little stiffer, but still compliant on the bumps, I would not be complaining. If/when I am ever replacing my shocks/coils, I will take a look at what is on the market at that time. I know the Korean Azera parts websites list upgraded suspension parts, (adj coil over springs, stiffer bushings, and thicker anti roll bars, but I am not willing to part with the additional $2,500 necessary for just the parts.
"WHY DA H# WOULD YOU POST SOMETHING THAT REQUIRES A SUBSCRIPTION?"
I thought the same thing but suddenly realized Huyndai is not going to notify us directly of any negative issue, unless of course it's a mandated recall.
Suffice to say TSB's are designed to be posted out of customer's view in the dealers service department.
TSB's are there, in a scroll box, far left-hand side. BUT the older TSB's tend to go away, so it's necessary to check the site and copy the appropriate pdf files from time to time...
fortin ,please clarify,what is the part no. of the new strut that was installed on your rt. front? Is it HYU546113041 or is that the part no. of the strut that was removed as defective. I am trying to understand if there is a difference between strut -----41 and the previous strut-----40 thanks Don
It does seem like the part numbers are bassackwards but that is the way my service order reads when they replaced both my front shock absorbers (struts). It is a normal riding car now. '06 Azera with build date of Dec.19, 2005.
I just recently had the front shocks replaced, pre TSB, and the part # of the replacement is 54611-3L041 and the car is riding perfectly now. However I am going to check in with my service manager and see if there is a logical explanation. Bottom line, though, is everyone who has had their "nose bent out of shape" can now have a solution. Tells me that Hyundai is trying to get the house in order and satisfy the customer. Don
grayfox,drdonrs, Florda Bob, et. al. that have new shocks. Did the ride improve? Mine has a build date of 11/06, but never had the knocking noise. However, as Consumer Guide noted in their Sept. 2007 road test, the ride is not as smooth as it should be on rough roads. Thanks for sharing this information.
RE:601 scbob in my opinion the ride has improved, however it's a perception on the part of each of us. I also have read in some reports (ie.Consumer Reports) that they thought the suspension a bit noisy. That was true before I had my front shocks replaced. The car is exactly what I wanted, a smooth, somewhat softer ride than my former Acura TL's. What it is NOT is a sports tuned sedan and that most all of us took for granted. Some people insist on comparing apples to oranges and that is not the way to go. If I wanted a sports tuned racer I would have gone with a 3 series BMW or something similar. I think the fact that the TSB was issued shows that Hyundai is listening. Don
I think I'm going to add drdonrs and dborth to my will. drdonrs for sharing the information of his strut replacement and dborth for identifying a TSB which addresses the dreaded clunk problem.
After reading dborths' post, I went on the Hyundai Service site and printed out the TSB last night. This morning I drove to my Hyundai dealer and met with the service manager.
I showed her previous service invoices where I had been in twice for the clunk problem and they were unable to correct the problem by greasing this and lubeing that and tightening something else. I then pulled out the TSB and said Hyundai now has a solution to the problem. She read it and said, "This is the first time I've seen this." She then said she'd order the struts in and get the problem fixed. She indicated that it would take a couple of days to get them and she would call me when they were in so I could bring the car in to get them replaced.
I'm so excited to be getting rid of this darn clunk. I love my Azera and would have been very pleased if I'd had to live with the clunk, but with out the clunk I'm down right loony about the car.
I'm a little confused about the part number for the new struts/shocks. Everyone has been posting that the replacement part number should be 54611-3L041, but as I read the TSB it looks like it directs the technician to install the old part number. I don't have a lot of confidence in my service department to figure it out on their own what part number to order :confuse:
What was the experience of those of you who have had the dealer act on the TSB? Did you discuss the part number with them, or am I misinterpreting the TSB and they knew exactly which part number to order?
RE:604 Interesting dilemma! My service manager replaced my front shocks before the TSB was issued. My invoice states that Assy parts# 54611-3L041 were installed. He told the parts manager to order new shocks, in front of me and no part number was discussed. I can tell you that my front end is now quiet and going over the irregularities in the roadbed with a normal sound. I do intend to check out with my service manager the difference in the numbers, 041 and 040. The main point is everyone is now entitled to have the front shocks/struts replaced to get rid of "hollow" knocking noise as Hyundai puts it. They are no doubt listening to their customers and may also be monitoring these Internet boards. Gives me a good feeling that they are indeed attempting to enhance their reputation as a good partner with their customer. Sometimes it takes a little time to move a mountain! Don
RE: 605 I'm not sure that the TSB says that everyone in now "entitled" to have the front struts replaced. The Service Writer or Manager must agree with the owner that the car in fact has a problem. This is not a recall.
Bob, If you hear a thunk (hollow knocking) it's not someones imagination, I'm sure. You now have the necessary ammunition to force the issue. I would hope that no service manager would make this a necessary issue. My service manager, who is one customer oriented guy, told me of receiving a call from a service manager of a Buffalo, NY dealer questioning him on the shock replacement, this from my posting. He said this service manager was literally in the dark regarding the problem. So I guess one has to be lucky and in the right place. My dealer is part of a 32 store conglomerate, selling not just Hyundai cars. I actually contacted central management and gave my thumbs up for the service manager and the service advisor with whom I deal. They know about it and as they say, "one hand washes the other". This is not a "red carpet" dealership like my previous Acura dealership was, but I get red carpet service and appreciate it. I have 2 Hyundai vehicles, my Azzy and an 06 Sonata and I want to be treated "nice". As an aside my son recently bought an 07 Santa Fe replacing a Honda CRV which was a big deal for him. Bottom line, establish a little bit of a relationship with the service people and in most cases it is reciprocated. That's been my experience in my 75+ years. Don
I took my Azera in to the dealer 2 weeks ago for the noisy suspension and was denied. They said that the noise was "normal" and within specs. I said, "[non-permissible content removed]", and left not on the best of terms.
Today I called the service rep back and told him of the TSB and asked what he had to say about that. He said I'll call you back in an hour. He called back and said that the original guy that checked the car out the first time still thinks that everything is normal but the service manager approved the replacement of the front struts anyway and they ordered the parts and will be put in next Friday. WOOHOOO!!!! He also apologized that they didn't catch the TSB and that I had to bring it to their attention. I think they felt bad about my first visit 2 weeks ago.
Mine's always been quiet too. Built 11/16/05. I can't imagine all you guys putting up with what must have been a really annoying noise for over a year. What a patient bunch of owners! Congratulations on your persistance. The owners of my last three new cars, Outback, Crv, and Jag S, would have burned down the dealerships if the service depts. had tried to kiss them off like you all have experienced.
"I'm not sure that the TSB says that everyone in now "entitled" to have the front struts replaced. The Service Writer or Manager must agree with the owner that the car in fact has a problem. This is not a recall."
Take a deep breath floridabob1. Since I posted the TSB information, re-read my post. I didn't say anything about "entitled" or "recall". I simply found something concerning the subject, and shared the information.
Some of the owners, myself included, can now address the issue with our local dealers wth a little more data now.
606 of 612 Re: Front Shock replacement TSB [drdonrs] by floridabob1 Sep 14, 2007 (1:28 pm) Bookmark | Reply Replying to: drdonrs (Sep 14, 2007 1:18 pm)
RE: 605 I'm not sure that the TSB says that everyone in now "entitled" to have the front struts replaced. The Service Writer or Manager must agree with the owner that the car in fact has a problem. This is not a recall.
I would think that TSB and Recall carry about the same weight in the real auto business. Under normal warranty issues, the dealer is in the position of looking after the customer's interest and the manufacturer's[Hyundai]interest. I'm sure that there is a check and balance from Hyundai's end to insure that the work done is necessary, since that impacts Hyundai's bottom line. Warranty work, of course, also impacts the dealer's bottom line on the flip side. The TSB should put the dealer more in line with the customers concern, after all, Hyundai is going on record that there is a shock problem.The check and balance on this issue should become a wimper and the dealer keeps a tech busy for 1.4 hr replacing shocks.
RE: 613 According to a friend of mine, who was the Service Manager, of a local Volvo dealership, there is pressure put upon them to keep warranty work to a minimum, and not be too aggressive in making part swaps if not definitely required. Although we forum members are, at times, a vocal group, we are small in total number of Azera owners. Most owners are not even aware of our gripes, and simply use a car to go from A to B. If it starts, runs and stops with the a/c or heat and radio working, it is great.
It is my understanding that TSBs and recalls are very different things. Recalls are issued for safety issues and generate direct owner notification that the car should be brought in for the prescribed service to correct the safety issue.
TSBs are simply bulletins to the dealership service departments advising them that IF a vehicle is exhibiting certain symptoms, this is the technical service procedure to correct it. If a vehicle is not exhibiting those symptoms (i.e, the owner does not complain of them and/or they can't be demonstrated), the procedure is unnecessary.
Recalls are generally considered warranty work. TSBs may not be if the warranty has expired. That's my understanding, anyway.
I disagree. Hyundai, for whatever reason now admits a problem exists per the build dates indicated. Perhaps this Forum, (with the number of hits on the subject) is the reason why. Maybe too complaints about the bottom feeder service department brain dead "technicians" that take the position, "must be them big tires, man".
TSBs are simply bulletins to the dealership service departments advising them that IF a vehicle is exhibiting certain symptoms, this is the technical service procedure to correct it. If a vehicle is not exhibiting those symptoms (i.e, the owner does not complain of them and/or they can't be demonstrated), the procedure is unnecessary.
You put the burden of "proof" on the owner. In my case, the dealer is out of business. I'm not inclined to start the process over again with another dealer who will no doubt stonewall responsibility, or in the case of a previous post, the service department manager that "had not seen this TSB yet".
If I went to a service department with a demonstrable issue for which I knew a TSB existed and the service manager told me they "had not seen this TSB yet" I would not leave there until that service manager had found it. I would be prepared to show that manager documentation that the TSB does exist.
Your beef is not with me. I don't make the rules nor can I fix your problem no matter how much I wish I could.
RE: 616 If you have read the TSB, you will note that it says, some vehicles built during the specified build dates may experience these front end problems so it does not leave the door open for all owners to demand to have their struts changed. Many vehicles built outside of the posted build dates, mine included, have experienced similar problems. While the TSB makes it easier to pursue a claim, it is not a slam dunk.
I agree. A Recall is NOT the same as a TSB. I complained to Nissan once about an electric antenna failing and my having to pay full cost because it was outside warrantey. Gee, they sent me a check and said there was a TSB on it. The dealer missed it. There was no recall and Nissan was only obligated per their policy to replace/repair IF a problem surfaced. This is one reason why this forum is great as knowledegable people keep up with the TSB's and other information and let us know. BTW, used to be that dealers were paid less for warranty work than they charge for regular work for customers. So, they weren't happy to do it either unless service depts. had lot of free time.
Has anyone narrowed down the front end problems to the sites that the Azeras are produced? Not just the build dates, but South Korea or (south)Alabama?
Comments
The shocks absorber (HYU 546113L041) on the front right and both rear absorbers (HYU 553113L041) and one Nut Shelf (HYU 5483936001) have been replaced without any improvement.
I have no mention of strut inserts replacement. Do you have any experience where the strut inserts replacement provided improvements?
Thanks for the information.
With the replacement of the fronts, the noise from small bumps at slow speeds has been eliminated. I dont know what the difference is between the 546113L040s and the L041s.
Don
It certainly appears that different owners have experienced different results with the change in struts,or is it perception.
I am curious to learn, what are the EXACT suspension changes coming in the 08 Azzy
The other solution is to give the wife the 06 as she is not bothered by the clunk, & buy an '08 or Genesis!
The question is, if the 08 change is basically a different type of struts, perhaps we can convince the "powers to be" to change to the "new" type of struts under the warranty.
Wishful thinking?
theblackhole, funny you should say that your wife doesn't notice the klunk...mine didn't either. "There it is...did you hear it?" "no" :confuse:
My opinion....every 2006-2007 has a sloppy suspension. It is not the right front, not both front, it is all 4 struts. It is not loose nuts and bolts, not strapped too tightly to the ship floor on the boat ride from Korea. The "ride engineers",poorly designed the struts on the 2006-07 azeras and perhaps the sonatas. They opted for a plush ride on a smooth surface road. When designing shocks, you can't have it both ways. They did not choose a good compromise in design.However, their proving ground in S. CA., probably does not have surface streets with the type of irregular surfaces that we find in most of our cities. So, they may not have been aware of this low speed bounce on certain surfaces. My experience is that it feels as tho the tires are bouncing off the road surface at low speed simulating a worn shock, when in fact they are operating as designed. I believe most or all of the posters who are happy with their strut replacement simply had good struts replaced with the same new strut. However, if the strut replacement ending in 41, is the strut being installed on the 2008 Azera, I stand corrected.
To support my opinion, I call your attention to the below Hyundai press release on the 2008.Note the enhanced suspension refers to FOUR "REVALVED" dampers or struts. The question....is strut ending in 41 the same as the 2008 strut. If it is, I want them on my 2006 azera. If they ain't, I will wait until the 2008 strut appears in the parts computer and" circle the wagons" at my dealer at that later date.
COMFORTABLE AND CONTROLLED SUSPENSION
Hyundai engineers benchmarked the best cars in the category before designing the Azera’s double-wishbone front and multi-link rear four-wheel independent suspension system. By utilizing high-tensile steel in critical unibody areas, the Azera features increased stiffness and rigidity, which ensures formidable resistance to flexing, enhanced ride and handling tuning, while at the same time lowering interior noise levels. Attached to the 2008 Azera’s rigid structure is improved suspension and steering hardware to keep the Azera even flatter through turns and more compliant over bumps. The enhanced suspension features four revalved twin-tube, gas-charged dampers, softer bushings and a quicker steering rack. The Azera also has front and rear stabilizer bars and rides on 17-inch wheels and 235/55VR17 tires
Below is an accurate account of our problems from a test drive at this web site
http://www.autobytel.com/content/shared/ar...cle_id_int/2050
The Azera doesn’t track down the road like a Jaguar, and while it attempts to waft along like an older XJ, the suspension ultimately proves too busy to pull off that impression. Indeed, the suspension is the worst aspect of driving the Hyundai Azera. The shocks are too stiff and the springs are too soft, so the car ends up with excess body float combined with sharp wheel motion. And that sharp wheel motion isn’t soaked up by the suspension; it’s transferred to the cabin in the form of impact harshness and occasional snapping sounds that make it seem as though the components are loose. Put the car across diagonal railroad tracks or bridge joints, and it dances beneath you while the suspension tries, and fails, to control body and wheel motion. The car just doesn’t feel connected on any kind of irregular pavement. Hyundai should take a look at what its corporate sibling, Kia, is doing with suspension tuning to get an idea of how to get it right.
Can anyone give us a clue as to the difference between the 40 and 41 strut.
Don
http://www.autobytel.com/content/shared/ar...cle_id_int/2050"
I couldn't disagree more with that article. After all, it is simply one individuals' opinion.
My one month old SE with 2000 miles doesn't act like that at all.
Do you own and drive an Azzy regularly? Are you located in Southern California? I rest my case!
Here's an update from a different site:
"I returned the car a few more times for this problem and another field rep got involved and replaced the battery wiring assembly with part #91850-3K110. The dealer and field rep found a voltage drop which this new wiring assembly seems to have corrected.
Just to give you more information which I hope will be helpful. The note on service statement when the new wiring was installed is:
Hyundai field tech found 3mv drop in charging system wire from alternator to junction block. Replaced battery harness.
Again the part that was used was 91850-3K110."
:shades:
However, my 2007 does seem to bounce more and have a choppier ride over rough roads than I like. On the other hand, it is very comfortable most of the time. I tested five 2006/2007 ones in two different cities in S.C. over various road types and never noticed a clunk or a less than comfortable ride. I compared it to Acuras, Infinitis, Avalons and Lexus' over the same roads and found the Azera as good as or better.
Perhaps living with the car on a daily basis reveals these ride features - or maybe reading all these posts. On the other hand, it could just be the compromise that comes with all types of cars.
That said, if it can be made to ride better and Hyundai agrees to pay all or most of the costs, I am all for it.
I thought the same thing but suddenly realized Huyndai is not going to notify us directly of any negative issue, unless of course it's a mandated recall.
Suffice to say TSB's are designed to be posted out of customer's view in the dealers service department.
http://www.hmaservice.com/authenticator/login?returnAddress=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hma- service.com%3A80%2Findex.jsp
thanks
Don
The TSB # is 07-50-007 and applies to Azera's with build dates of 12/5/05 to 02/26/07.
You can print a copy in PDF format @ http://www.hmaservice.com/index.jsp?SSOSESSIONID=1UpUENDHyrzkJdn7weFqn1uq
Don
Did the ride improve? Mine has a build date of 11/06, but never had the knocking noise. However, as Consumer Guide noted in their Sept. 2007 road test, the ride is not as smooth as it should be on rough roads.
Thanks for sharing this information.
Don
Hyundai has published an Azera TSB for the replacement of front shocks to correct "Hollow-Knocking Noise".
The TSB # is 07-50-007 and applies to Azera's with build dates of 12/5/05 to 02/26/07.
You can print a copy in PDF format http://www.hmaservice.com/index.jsp?SSOSESSIONID=1UpUENDHyrzkJdn7weFqn1uq
I think I'm going to add drdonrs and dborth to my will. drdonrs for sharing the information of his strut replacement and dborth for identifying a TSB which addresses the dreaded clunk problem.
After reading dborths' post, I went on the Hyundai Service site and printed out the TSB last night. This morning I drove to my Hyundai dealer and met with the service manager.
I showed her previous service invoices where I had been in twice for the clunk problem and they were unable to correct the problem by greasing this and lubeing that and tightening something else. I then pulled out the TSB and said Hyundai now has a solution to the problem. She read it and said, "This is the first time I've seen this." She then said she'd order the struts in and get the problem fixed. She indicated that it would take a couple of days to get them and she would call me when they were in so I could bring the car in to get them replaced.
I'm so excited to be getting rid of this darn clunk. I love my Azera and would have been very pleased if I'd had to live with the clunk, but with out the clunk I'm down right loony about the car.
Yipee, Hooray, and Yahoo --- What a country.
Have a great weekend everybody.
What was the experience of those of you who have had the dealer act on the TSB? Did you discuss the part number with them, or am I misinterpreting the TSB and they knew exactly which part number to order?
Interesting dilemma! My service manager replaced my front shocks before the TSB was issued. My invoice states that Assy parts# 54611-3L041 were installed. He told the parts manager to order new shocks, in front of me and no part number was discussed. I can tell you that my front end is now quiet and going over the irregularities in the roadbed with a normal sound. I do intend to check out with my service manager the difference in the numbers, 041 and 040. The main point is everyone is now entitled to have the front shocks/struts replaced to get rid of "hollow" knocking noise as Hyundai puts it. They are no doubt listening to their customers and may also be monitoring these Internet boards. Gives me a good feeling that they are indeed attempting to enhance their reputation as a good partner with their customer. Sometimes it takes a little time to move a mountain!
Don
I'm not sure that the TSB says that everyone in now "entitled" to have the front struts replaced. The Service Writer or Manager must agree with the owner that the car in fact has a problem. This is not a recall.
If you hear a thunk (hollow knocking) it's not someones imagination, I'm sure. You now have the necessary ammunition to force the issue. I would hope that no service manager would make this a necessary issue. My service manager, who is one customer oriented guy, told me of receiving a call from a service manager of a Buffalo, NY dealer questioning him on the shock replacement, this from my posting. He said this service manager was literally in the dark regarding the problem. So I guess one has to be lucky and in the right place. My dealer is part of a 32 store conglomerate, selling not just Hyundai cars. I actually contacted central management and gave my thumbs up for the service manager and the service advisor with whom I deal. They know about it and as they say, "one hand washes the other". This is not a "red carpet" dealership like my previous Acura dealership was, but I get red carpet service and appreciate it. I have 2 Hyundai vehicles, my Azzy and an 06 Sonata and I want to be treated "nice". As an aside my son recently bought an 07 Santa Fe replacing a Honda CRV which was a big deal for him. Bottom line, establish a little bit of a relationship with the service people and in most cases it is reciprocated. That's been my experience in my 75+ years.
Don
Today I called the service rep back and told him of the TSB and asked what he had to say about that. He said I'll call you back in an hour. He called back and said that the original guy that checked the car out the first time still thinks that everything is normal but the service manager approved the replacement of the front struts anyway and they ordered the parts and will be put in next Friday. WOOHOOO!!!! He also apologized that they didn't catch the TSB and that I had to bring it to their attention. I think they felt bad about my first visit 2 weeks ago.
Take a deep breath floridabob1. Since I posted the TSB information, re-read my post. I didn't say anything about "entitled" or "recall". I simply found something concerning the subject, and shared the information.
Some of the owners, myself included, can now address the issue with our local dealers wth a little more data now.
If YOU don't have the issue, happy driving.
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Replying to: drdonrs (Sep 14, 2007 1:18 pm)
RE: 605
I'm not sure that the TSB says that everyone in now "entitled" to have the front struts replaced. The Service Writer or Manager must agree with the owner that the car in fact has a problem. This is not a recall.
I would think that TSB and Recall carry about the same weight in the real auto business. Under normal warranty issues, the dealer is in the position of looking after the customer's interest and the manufacturer's[Hyundai]interest. I'm sure that there is a check and balance from Hyundai's end to insure that the work done is necessary, since that impacts Hyundai's bottom line.
Warranty work, of course, also impacts the dealer's bottom line on the flip side. The TSB should put the dealer more in line with the customers concern, after all, Hyundai is going on record that there is a shock problem.The check and balance on this issue should become a wimper and the dealer keeps a tech busy for 1.4 hr replacing shocks.
According to a friend of mine, who was the Service Manager, of a local Volvo dealership, there is pressure put upon them to keep warranty work to a minimum, and not be too aggressive in making part swaps if not definitely required.
Although we forum members are, at times, a vocal group, we are small in total number of Azera owners.
Most owners are not even aware of our gripes, and simply use a car to go from A to B. If it starts, runs and stops with the a/c or heat and radio working, it is great.
TSBs are simply bulletins to the dealership service departments advising them that IF a vehicle is exhibiting certain symptoms, this is the technical service procedure to correct it. If a vehicle is not exhibiting those symptoms (i.e, the owner does not complain of them and/or they can't be demonstrated), the procedure is unnecessary.
Recalls are generally considered warranty work. TSBs may not be if the warranty has expired. That's my understanding, anyway.
You put the burden of "proof" on the owner. In my case, the dealer is out of business. I'm not inclined to start the process over again with another dealer who will no doubt stonewall responsibility, or in the case of a previous post, the service department manager that "had not seen this TSB yet".
Your beef is not with me. I don't make the rules nor can I fix your problem no matter how much I wish I could.
If you have read the TSB, you will note that it says, some vehicles built during the specified build dates may experience these front end problems so it does not leave the door open for all owners to demand to have their struts changed.
Many vehicles built outside of the posted build dates, mine included, have experienced similar problems.
While the TSB makes it easier to pursue a claim, it is not a slam dunk.
There was no recall and Nissan was only obligated per their policy to replace/repair IF a problem surfaced.
This is one reason why this forum is great as knowledegable people keep up with the TSB's and other information and let us know.
BTW, used to be that dealers were paid less for warranty work than they charge for regular work for customers. So, they weren't happy to do it either unless service depts. had lot of free time.