Bad Shock on a 2020 SX with factory towing package

[TellmeyourWHAT?]

My hope is that someone will make an aftermarket shock for our application and a heck of a lot cheaper. I would rather swap for a name brand shock than to keep purchasing and installing Kia's junk shock at $500+ each.

Are you sure that the shocks they use are made by KIA? Didn't know they were in the shock making business.

 

[2020Telly]

My hope is that someone will make an aftermarket shock for our application and a heck of a lot cheaper. I would rather swap for a name brand shock than to keep purchasing and installing Kia's junk shock at $500+ each.

The initial bill to swap might be higher because you might have to replace the shocks and springs and additional parts to get rid of the self-leveling.(Reference shock 55367-S9000 and spring 55330-S9450). The standard shocks (55307-S9050) come with more firm coil springs (55330-S9050).

The two aftermarket options I've seen advertised for the non self-leveling (non-tow package) shocks are made by KYB (3440062) and FCS (346479). I think these are made to work with the 55330-S9050 coil springs. You could start by contacting KYB and FCS and seeing if they plan to follow up with aftermarket replacements for the self-leveling.

The other option is to go to an offroad or truck suspension shop and get them to put in a universal fit option from a name brand. That might, of course, void part of your warranty if you have a related suspension issue that they can tie back to the aftermarket mod. But a good truck suspension shop will warranty their work.

Are you sure that the shocks they use are made by KIA? Didn't know they were in the shock making business.

Despite people claiming that the US Palisade shocks are better, I'm not convinced. The part numbers are so similar I think they are the same. From what I've seen both the Telluride and the US-spec Palisade are using the brand Mando perhaps licensing the Nivomat (ZF Sachs) technology.

 

[VenomKia]

Are you sure that the shocks they use are made by KIA? Didn't know they were in the shock making business.

I'm saying the shock they are using for the self levelers is junk and unfortunately at this time there is not an aftermarket option.

 

[VenomKia]

The initial bill to swap might be higher because you might have to replace the shocks and springs and additional parts to get rid of the self-leveling.(Reference shock 55367-S9000 and spring 55330-S9450). The standard shocks (55307-S9050) come with more firm coil springs (55330-S9050).

The two aftermarket options I've seen advertised for the non self-leveling (non-tow package) shocks are made by KYB (3440062) and FCS (346479). I think these are made to work with the 55330-S9050 coil springs. You could start by contacting KYB and FCS and seeing if they plan to follow up with aftermarket replacements for the self-leveling.

The other option is to go to an offroad or truck suspension shop and get them to put in a universal fit option from a name brand. That might, of course, void part of your warranty if you have a related suspension issue that they can tie back to the aftermarket mod. But a good truck suspension shop will warranty their work.


Despite people claiming that the US Palisade shocks are better, I'm not convinced. The part numbers are so similar I think they are the same. From what I've seen both the Telluride and the US-spec Palisade are using the brand Mando perhaps licensing the Nivomat (ZF Sachs) technology.

I would rather see an aftermarket shock replacement only, not a full on spring replacement. I just replaced the rear shocks on my AWD Sportage, and it did not require a spring replacement. I would not want to replace with full coilovers either (not like we are racing these cars). Looking at the setup on self-levelers now, it's only 3 bolts (one in the bottom of the lower control arm, and then 2 for the upper shock mount that can be swapped out to the new shock). Same setup as on the sportage. I think if an aftermarket company like KYB, Monroe, etc makes a shock to fit the self levelers. I would not be interested at all in a full suspension redo or delete of the self levelers that i have read people leaning towards.

I think the true issue after looking at the bad one i had replaced at the dealership is the seals. I would call this a defect more than anything. Also note i'm just talking 20-22 Tellys here, nothing with the 23-24's.

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[TellmeyourWHAT?]

Also note i'm just talking 20-22 Tellys here, nothing with the 23-24's.

I would bet the same shocks are used on the 23-24s. I'll find out in 40K miles.

Many people have replaced these self-leveling shocks, and some must have done what you are looking to do - find another source with a more reliable part. Hopefully they will respond here.

 

[ceenote]

I have a '22 and just got my shocks replaced today..i have 49k on mines and it had been making noise for some time now but not enough make me hurry and take it in. But i did as it is still under warranty and also got a wheel alignment which they said i should get another 20-30k miles out of it.which should take me pass the winter, hopefully! The back tires were dipping outwards...and also my sunroof was making noise as well. They lubricated sunroof run channels and the noise stopped...they said if anything else happens don't hesitate to make an appointment! Just in case someone is in chicagoland i went to gerald kia of north aurora..service is better there than my original place where i made my purchase..just sharing

 

[LeslieDCW]

Well the dreaded knocking noise got so bad that my wife said I am not driving it anymore. I changed the insulators on both right and left, which is piece of cake and just about anyone can do. Changing the insulator definitely helped as you could not go more than 50 feet without hearing a knock, but there is still a knock present that happens occasionally on each drive. I assume one of the shocks is also causing the noise. My questions is are the Hyundai shocks the same Kia because there is a $200 price difference for some reason. The stamped part number on the shock is 55367-S9000 while the suggested part number is 55360-S9000. Hyundai part number on the Palisade is 55367-S9300. I am thinking they are the exact same part. In fact I purchased the insulator from Hyundai for $13 and Kia wanted $50.

just curious, Were you able to use the Hyundai version? The Kia dealer quoted me $3080 to replace both rear shocks.
Kia corporate customer service said they are unaware of any issues, claimed the technical bulletin was unrelated. I did file a NHSB report.

 

[jmac]

just curious, Were you able to use the Hyundai version? The Kia dealer quoted me $3080 to replace both rear shocks.
Kia corporate customer service said they are unaware of any issues, claimed the technical bulletin was unrelated. I did file a NHSB report.

Yes I purchased Hyundai version which is the exact same shock for a little over $400. The shock is really easy to replace and took me about 30 minutes. Part number was 55367-s9300 and purchased through Hyundai.worldoemparts.com.

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[WiscoJack]

@tokmane ...Do you suggest someone looking to order to not get the tow package/self leveling?

In the 11+ pages of these posts, I see more than a handful of owners wishing they NOT get tow pckg. Not worth the issues?

 

[WiscoJack]

This is why I love forums. You get to see that "you're not crazy"...LOL. As for my experience, first I had to see if there was something I was doing wrong. I can tell you, I ended that thought quickly. Then I started asking my passengers, "do you hear that"? Of course every time I turned the radio down and shooshed everyone and said listen, the noise(thump) was non existent. I have a '20 SXP and just hit 14K~ miles but I have been hearing the thump/knock for close to 6 months now. I've kept all my current maintenance appointments but I've been slow to mention it to the dealer since I expect a back and forth situation that I didn't have the time and energy for. Especially with Covid and making appointments. That has all changed now. I see that this "issue" is REAL and I want my ride fixed.


I do have some questions for all. Based on all the posts, does it seem to happen to the driver side shock first? Is this mainly happening to 2020 models? Has anyone done any mods to their rides as far as wheels, exhaust, or pedal response? I'm not trying to place any blame, I'm just trying to gather all of my possible responses in case the Kia dealership I go to tries to give me the song and dance.

I have a '21 SX with 77k and it sounds like passenger rear

 

[jmac]

In the 11+ pages of these posts, I see more than a handful of owners wishing they NOT get tow pckg. Not worth the issues?

After seeing how unreliable the shocks are I would choose to not get towing and add after market hitch to avoid the shocks. They are garbage.

 

[RiseUpBears1990]

Is there any issue with swapping from the self leveling shocks to non-self leveling?

I have the nivomats, and the ride in the rear has gone to shit over the last 20k miles or so (40k total miles). It isn't popping or anything, and I don't have high hopes that the dealer will step up replace the components based on how I "feel" the ride has degraded. If it is a simple drop in I don't mind spending the $100 (closer to $50 with the mfg rebate that is currently going on) on the KYB. Plan to swap to the eibach lift springs as well.

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[montana100]

So after about 6,000 miles on the odometer, I started noticing knocking sound from the rear left wheel area at very low speeds. After eliminating every obvious potential reason by myself, I have decided to turn to the dealer with this as part of the 7,500mi service. They also couldn't find any obvious reason so after 2 days of investigation they decided to replace the shock to a new one and that solved the issue. The vehicle was never abused or went off-roading or anything like that, so it was simply a case of bad part from the factory.

Just sharing in case some else bumps into something similar...

Same issue, 2020 EX. Seeking aftermarket solution.

 

[wrb7271]

Does anyone have a sound clip from their car? I am also hearing a clunking noise in the rear and suspect the shocks. I have had it in twice and the dealership says nope not it. They are telling me its because I have aftermarket 22" tires. I call bullshit. The noise comes from the rear driver's side only. If it were the tires, it would make the noise on all four tires.

Do you have the self leveling shocks. If so that is most likely the culprit. It happened to me and I had a terrible time convincing the service manager to replace them. There is a service bulletin out there that calls for them to be rebuilt. The first dealer did that and it did not help. He refused to replace them. I took it to another dealer that used a tool I think he called chassis ears to isolate the noise. I tool weeks to get the repair approved by Kia but that's what solved the problem.

 

[drizzt]

There's a Bilstein B6 monotube shocks and struts tuning craze in SK right now for the Palisade owners there. Supposedly absorbs bumps and cracks much better and also much better at cornering. There's been a lot of complaints about oscillating movements with the factory shocks especially for those sitting in the backseats getting car sick. Following model for Telluride or Palisade turns up nothing for some reason. Perhaps Bilsteins are available in Korea but not in the US? Any one here installed Bilstein on their KT?

BILSTEIN B6 - BILSTEIN Werkstatt

Our yellow BILSTEIN B6 shock absorber delivers a better quality of OE replacement when the demands are high.

workshop.bilstein.com

 

[RiseUpBears1990]

There's a Bilstein B6 monotube shocks and struts tuning craze in SK right now for the Palisade owners there. Supposedly absorbs bumps and cracks much better and also much better at cornering. There's been a lot of complaints about oscillating movements with the factory shocks especially for those sitting in the backseats getting car sick. Following model for Telluride or Palisade turns up nothing for some reason. Perhaps Bilsteins are available in Korea but not in the US? Any one here installed Bilstein on their KT?

BILSTEIN B6 - BILSTEIN Werkstatt

Our yellow BILSTEIN B6 shock absorber delivers a better quality of OE replacement when the demands are high.

workshop.bilstein.com

Do you have a specific part number for what people are using on the Palisade? Bilstein's catalog doesn't turn up any results for that vehicle.

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[drizzt]

Do you have a specific part number for what people are using on the Palisade? Bilstein's catalog doesn't turn up any results for that vehicle.

Good question. I tried both Palisade and Telluride in the search page at Bilstein, but neither turned up a match. They have list of Kia compatible struts, but the only one with model specific designations are for Soul and Sorento. So I searched korean websites for P/N, but looks like Koreans never use P/N! Looks like the only way to find the P/N for sure is to contact Bilstein directly. Bummer.

Here's some youtube video of Bilstein installation on Palisade.

 

[saltyorange]

I just got this in the mail today. Kia has extended the warranty for the self-leveling shocks to 15 years / 180,000 miles. I just had my second replacement of these shocks completed right before my 2021 Telluride SX-P with Tow Package hit 60,000 miles (the end of the original limited warranty). This definitely provides a lot more piece of mind since it appears these shocks die after ~25,000 miles.

 

[dtburgh]

I just got this in the mail today. Kia has extended the warranty for the self-leveling shocks to 15 years / 180,000 miles. I just had my second replacement of these shocks completed right before my 2021 Telluride SX-P with Tow Package hit 60,000 miles (the end of the original limited warranty). This definitely provides a lot more piece of mind since it appears these shocks die after ~25,000 miles.

thats great that they offer this, but why cant they just find a shock that wont fail after 10-20,000 miles? that part i dont understand... i've owned a ton of vehicles and i've never had a shock fail on any of em...

 

[cferraro85]

Does anyone know if they part number has changed for the self leveling shocks since this warranty notice. I just got the same notice.