[Desi Dybuk]

As I had mentioned in my earlier post, inspired by Amyth's experience, I got the coil springs of my 2011 Fluidic Verna VTVT changed under warranty by Hyundai. While I could feel the stiffness & ride quality get better, I never had a chance to try it out on open highway to see the effects till recently.

However, the past week, I had to drive to various distant places for work & have managed to put about 1500 kms total. I got a chance to compare the new ride with how the car rode before it got the stiffer coil upgrades.

Only one word to describe it; 'WOW'!!

The car felt much much MUCH better planted on the roads. The ride was better composed over the potholes & speed breakers. There was no 'sponginess', for lack of a better word, while going over rough roads/potholes.

The car definitely feels much better! In fact, I am kicking myself that I waited so long to get the changes done. The bad roads on which I had to cringe due to the wallowy suspension everytime I went over a pothole, seemed like I could glide over them without breaking a sweat.

Can't recommend the new spring coils enough!

[prancinstallion]

Originally Posted by Desi Dybuk

Can't recommend the new spring coils enough!

My 'Blackbrûlée' Verna's 1 year service is due in a couple of weeks. Now that theres enough endorsement of the discernible experience the new coil springs make to the ride quality, It definitely makes a case for my 'Blackbrûlée' to get the coil springs replaced.

However, when I was at Hyundai ASC the last time for waterwash, I alluded to the fact that Hyundai has released a TSB for coil spring replacement but the service centre exec was typical in his denial. He although assured me of a test drive to figure out a solution for the same but I haven't been to ASC ever since. I would like to know from you guys if there is any merit in the argument that an ASC exec should ratify the need for a replacement in this case?
Even then I would fight tooth and nail if a situation were to present itself, that would be my last resort though.

Please let me know how your approach was.

Cheers,

[Desi Dybuk]

Originally Posted by prancinstallion

However, when I was at Hyundai ASC the last time for waterwash, I alluded to the fact that Hyundai has released a TSB for coil spring replacement but the service centre exec was typical in his denial. He although assured me of a test drive to figure out a solution for the same but I haven't been to ASC ever since. I would like to know from you guys if there is any merit in the argument that an ASC exec should ratify the need for a replacement in this case?
Even then I would fight tooth and nail if a situation were to present itself, that would be my last resort though.
Cheers,

The service centre warranty managers do have to ratify that the ride is indeed soft. However, as usual, they'll come back & say that everything's fine.

You have to INSIST that ASC perform the spring changes on all four as per Hyundai TSB. If they don't budge, move higher up the chain. If that doesn't work, go to a different dealer & see if they're sympathetic. In my case also, as I stood firm, the ASC relented & got the parts.

My advice is to not give in. There's a TSB & it does indeed make the ride better. Hyundai is just trying to limit it's warranty costs by hoping that if they make it difficult enough, the non-serious customers wouldn't put up a fight.

[prancinstallion]

Originally Posted by Desi Dybuk

The service centre warranty managers do have to ratify that the ride is indeed soft. However, as usual, they'll come back & say that everything's fine.

You have to INSIST that ASC perform the spring changes on all four as per Hyundai TSB. If they don't budge, move higher up the chain. If that doesn't work, go to a different dealer & see if they're sympathetic. In my case also, as I stood firm, the ASC relented & got the parts.

My advice is to not give in. There's a TSB & it does indeed make the ride better. Hyundai is just trying to limit it's warranty costs by hoping that if they make it difficult enough, the non-serious customers wouldn't put up a fight.

Yeah, I do agree with you that few Hyundai ASCs could well fool around with an unsuspecting customer but I don't think my regular Hyundai ASC here can afford to snub me on that as I will take them for a ride..No pun intended!

Were you able to access the TSB?

I would expect Hyundai to be forthcoming on issues like these. Its only in the recent past that car manufacturers have been vocal about the recalls whereas its commonplace in US/EUR. Warranty based issues too should feature in this list.

[Desi Dybuk]

Originally Posted by prancinstallion

Were you able to access the TSB?

No, unfortunately the ASC treats them as if it's got India's nuclear launch codes.

Originally Posted by prancinstallion

I would expect Hyundai to be forthcoming on issues like these. Its only in the recent past that car manufacturers have been vocal about the recalls whereas its commonplace in US/EUR. Warranty based issues too should feature in this list.

But technically, the soft suspension isn't a manufacturing defect per se. There's no safety or manufacturing defect with the suspension.

It's only that Hyndai probably heard that a lot of people were not happy with the softly-tuned suspension & stiffened it up. Even the TSB apparently says that the springs will be changed only if the customer complains. In fact, if many more opt to get the springs replaced under warranty, Hyundai can wash their hands off if they feel like it.

[stanjohn123]

Originally Posted by Desi Dybuk

But technically, the soft suspension isn't a manufacturing defect per se. There's no safety or manufacturing defect with the suspension.

Even then there are complaints of silencer cracks due to Verna's bottoming out which means stiffer suspension could avoid this problem.

I feel Hyundai should have encouraged dealers to replace the springs for customers without giving much trouble or I just think Dealers want to save some money by not replacing it for customers, either way next month I will be nagging my dealer to change my springs too.

[mani_jeenu]

Originally Posted by Voyager-1

I did change my front springs, but it was an ordeal.

Originally Posted by Amyth Prabhakar

I spoke to my SA and here is what he said.
The TSB is not publicised and only the Service Authorities have them.
He told me that they have been given clear directions from Hyundai to replace them if the customer asks for it and the car is under warranty period.

Hi Voyager-1 and Amyth

I gave my car today for the 30k service and to get a door dent fixed. Regarding the suspension I pressed them for the thud issue as well as the soft nature of the springs which were being replaced down South but he was unaware about it. I asked him to get it verified from the warranty guy but response was not satisfactory so the SA informed me that if I can get the Work Order number from the people that have got this done, something can be done about it as the Work order will have the TSB number indicated/printed. Request you to please contact your service center where you got the springs changed. The invoice number will not help as per the SA.

[Amyth Prabhakar]

Originally Posted by mani_jeenu

Hi Voyager-1 and Amyth

I gave my car today for the 30k service and to get a door dent fixed. Regarding the suspension I pressed them for the thud issue as well as the soft nature of the springs which were being replaced down South but he was unaware about it. I asked him to get it verified from the warranty guy but response was not satisfactory so the SA informed me that if I can get the Work Order number from the people that have got this done, something can be done about it as the Work order will have the TSB number indicated/printed. Request you to please contact your service center where you got the springs changed. The invoice number will not help as per the SA.

I will call up my SA and ask him to dig out this info,but as far as i know this is not going to help you much. The TSB is something that is universal to all Hyundai dealers across the country. Most of them outside Bangalore are facing this issue.I still don't understand the mystery behind its localisation to only certain service centers. I am guessing this has probably got something to do with Service center Reputation and rating.. so this would depend upon how well they are positioned against other dealers.. if they stand out well..probably the hyundai would have given them the TSB.. please remember this entirely my guess work.. i am too not aware of the actual story behind the scenes.. but in real this is not how it would be... Anyway i will do the needful..

[Desi Dybuk]

Originally Posted by mani_jeenu

Regarding the suspension I pressed them for the thud issue as well as the soft nature of the springs which were being replaced down South but he was unaware about it. I asked him to get it verified from the warranty guy but response was not satisfactory

I do not know what's the problem with Hyundai's Delhi dealers! I tell you, down here in South, our dealers seem to care to keep a customer happy & shut up than have a whining customer bad mouthing them to potential customers.

Maybe this is one more reason for you to move south to Namma Bengaluru??

[raghu_gg]

I am another owner of verna posting to get rid of my spongy bumpy drive.
I purchased a new 2014 variant Wine red verna, And I feel dejected about when the car rubs on crappy pot holes and road humps of Bangalore. I donno what to do, Would spacers be right ??? I had them to my Swift Dzire in the past, But the suspensions crapped out soon, Hence do not wanna go this path...

Any other suggesions, Would showroom guys do some thing about it???

[Desi Dybuk]

Originally Posted by raghu_gg

I am another owner of verna posting to get rid of my spongy bumpy drive.
I purchased a new 2014 variant Wine red verna, And I feel dejected about when the car rubs on crappy pot holes and road humps of Bangalore. I donno what to do, Would spacers be right ??? I had them to my Swift Dzire in the past, But the suspensions crapped out soon, Hence do not wanna go this path...

Any other suggesions, Would showroom guys do some thing about it???

I would stay away from Spacers. (Others might disagree with me, but I'd rather not change the OEM spec).

Since your previous ride was a Swift, you need to get used to driving a car with reduced ground clearance. It would be the same case with City or Vento as they all have clearances of 165-170mm. In few weeks, you'd be intutively learn the skill of driving low ground clearance cars. (Now, if you had chosen Fiat Linea, the 185mm ground clearance on it would be comparable to your old Swift)

Since yours is a 2014 Verna, you already have the latest coil springs. I have a 2011 & barring few weeks in the beginning, I drive carefully enough that I don't hit the undersides anymore.

[ad3952n]

Originally Posted by raghu_gg

I am another owner of verna posting to get rid of my spongy bumpy drive.
I feel dejected about when the car rubs on crappy pot holes and road humps of Bangalore. I donno what to do, Would spacers be right ??? I had them to my Swift Dzire in the past, But the suspensions crapped out soon, Hence do not wanna go this path...

Any other suggesions, Would showroom guys do some thing about it???

Well Raghu, I own a 3rd gen Honda City Ivtec which was born with a low ground clearance issue. I did not go in for spacers as it harms the suspension and overall ride of the car. If you are looking for showroom people then be ready for another disappointment since they will not help at all.

I am giving you a desi and a non-expensive way to improve your car's height and reduce the scrapping issue; Get the front mud-flaps cut by 2-3 inches and for sure you will see the difference because they are the ones which rub against the speed bumps. In my car after doing this 8 out 10 times it does not hit the speed breakers. I even told this suggestion to the Ace Honda people and they were surprised about it but agreed that this is one good way to address the issue.

As for the expense in this process, it costed me only Rs. 20/-. You may do it as DIY as well. All you need is a proper "Aari Blade" which can be bought from any hardware shop for about 20-30 rupees.

Here is a pic of my car. Hope it helps.



Thanks.

PS: On higher bumps do try to angle your car slightly diagonal. It also helps.

[vsrivatsa]

Originally Posted by raghu_gg

I am another owner of verna posting to get rid of my spongy bumpy drive.
I purchased a new 2014 variant Wine red verna, And I feel dejected about when the car rubs on crappy pot holes and road humps of Bangalore. I donno what to do, Would spacers be right ??? I had them to my Swift Dzire in the past, But the suspensions crapped out soon, Hence do not wanna go this path...

Any other suggesions, Would showroom guys do some thing about it???

I am surprised that you are reporting this on the 2014 Verna
I thought the issue was already solved with the 2014 variant.

Chitta Pradhan installed the Spacers/Assisters and has been very happy with it. He also checked that ABS etc works well despite the changes/modifications made. You can read more about it here: URL

[DoctorKK]

This is a wonderful thread,nice review by the author and some really useful info about a wonderful car. I am a Verna fan myself and am planning to buy one shortly. Definitely with the introduction of City diesel,I guess there may be many like me who are confused regarding whether to go for city diesel or a verna!! My one big fear is whether Hyundai will bring a face lifted version of the verna since this one was launched in 2011? Does anyone have any info regarding this?


Sent from my iPad using Team-BHP

[vsrivatsa]

Originally Posted by DoctorKK

This is a wonderful thread,nice review by the author and some really useful info about a wonderful car. I am a Verna fan myself and am planning to buy one shortly. Definitely with the introduction of City diesel,I guess there may be many like me who are confused regarding whether to go for city diesel or a verna!! My one big fear is whether Hyundai will bring a face lifted version of the verna since this one was launched in 2011? Does anyone have any info regarding this?
Sent from my iPad using Team-BHP

I went thru the same confusion and landed up with the new Honda City. I have posted the comparison brochure created by Honda Dealers on my post here: URL