Self-Leveling Suspension

[alexdrums]

How do you get the motorcycle on there?

 

[Simmons77]

I disagree. The weight with aluminum carrier & bike is right around 350lbs (wet weight), which is nothing major. Most pull behind campers put as much or more weight on the tongue. Campers/trailers are supported by an axle, so the applied force is not the same, but trust me, a camper putting 400lbs on the tongue will sag most any vehicle with stock supsension. The suspensions is not made for it. My 2004 Pilot has MAJOR sag with this much weight on the tongue so I installed an air bag system that does the trick of leveling it. The downsides to sagging are that it will bottom out much quicker, raise the headlight line (if you have LEDs), stock shocks will wear out quicker if done frequently, and most likely will result in a rougher ride in the rear. Can it be felt? Would need a direct side by side.

 

[JCzoom]

The self leveling suspension also works well when multiple people are in the 2nd and/or 3rd row. Ever see those Honda Accords riding around with 8 people in them? Rear bumper scraping the ground? Not in the Telly!

 

[BrianF]

Has anyone noticed noise from the self-leveling shocks as they are doing their thing? I have begun noticing a slight clunking noise apparently coming from the rear suspension when I first start out after being parked for a while, but it goes away after just a short distance. I was wondering if it might be those rear self-levelers.

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[Vietvet]

Had 6 in on a trip and no issues with the rear...no noise...did what it is supposed to..

 

[G-736342]

Has anyone noticed noise from the self-leveling shocks as they are doing their thing? I have begun noticing a slight clunking noise apparently coming from the rear suspension when I first start out after being parked for a while, but it goes away after just a short distance. I was wondering if it might be those rear self-levelers.

The self leveling shocks cannot be the source of your noise.

 

[alexdrums]

Who are you

 

[Mavtek]

Has anyone noticed noise from the self-leveling shocks as they are doing their thing? I have begun noticing a slight clunking noise apparently coming from the rear suspension when I first start out after being parked for a while, but it goes away after just a short distance. I was wondering if it might be those rear self-levelers.

Yes I have, not sure if it's the shocks, but it annoys me so much!

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[Mavtek]

Has anyone noticed noise from the self-leveling shocks as they are doing their thing? I have begun noticing a slight clunking noise apparently coming from the rear suspension when I first start out after being parked for a while, but it goes away after just a short distance. I was wondering if it might be those rear self-levelers.

Yes, I'm not sure what the klunking noise is, but it's very annoying.

 

[BrianF]

I also found this on another thread — may also be an explanation:

Hi there - new here to this forum. Recently got my 2020 Telluride EX and within 24 hours of having it noticed a loud rattle that comes from the rear passenger area when I go over bumpy roads (e.g. snow packed , gravel, lots of small potholes etc). The dealership determined that it was the exhaust system hitting the frame of the vehicle when going over bumps causing this. They tested another Telluride on their lot and the same thing happens. They are advising they opened a case with Tech line who after working to troubleshoot narrowed it down to the exhaust is hitting a specific clip. Tech line advised it has now been raised to corporate as a "design flaw" with regards to where the clip is placed (very close to the exhaust system) and they will look at a solution; but, who knows how long that will be. Has anyone else experience this?

It is annoying and I’m just searching for answers.

 

[Mavtek]

In another thread they talked about it being a known issue with no fix yet. The exhaust is clanking against a hanger or clip or something.

 

[AzTelly]

Has anyone noticed noise from the self-leveling shocks as they are doing their thing? I have begun noticing a slight clunking noise apparently coming from the rear suspension when I first start out after being parked for a while, but it goes away after just a short distance. I was wondering if it might be those rear self-levelers.

BrianF....it most likely IS your self leveling shocks. Mine did the same thing. As I would back out of my driveway at low speeds, I'd hear a clunking coming from the chassis that I thought would be the shocks. It only happened at low speeds as I crossed expansion joints. I took it in to the dealer and thankfully, they heard it too. They kept the vehicle and used "chassis ears" all over the rear end as they test drove it to try to pinpoint the sound. At first, they replaced one shock and they gave it back to us thinking it might have solved it. No luck! So then they brought in the KIA rep to take a look and then they ordered both rear load leveling shocks and replaced them. Problem solved! Yay! So whomever said it isn't your shocks, I would take a bet and say it was. I knew it from the beginning just because of the characteristic from the sound. Kudos to Kia for stepping up and resolving it for us! Now I REALLY love my Telly!

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[G-35419]

BrianF....it most likely IS your self leveling shocks. Mine did the same thing. As I would back out of my driveway at low speeds, I'd hear a clunking coming from the chassis that I thought would be the shocks. It only happened at low speeds as I crossed expansion joints. I took it in to the dealer and thankfully, they heard it too. They kept the vehicle and used "chassis ears" all over the rear end as they test drove it to try to pinpoint the sound. At first, they replaced one shock and they gave it back to us thinking it might have solved it. No luck! So then they brought in the KIA rep to take a look and then they ordered both rear load leveling shocks and replaced them. Problem solved! Yay! So whomever said it isn't your shocks, I would take a bet and say it was. I knew it from the beginning just because of the characteristic from the sound. Kudos to Kia for stepping up and resolving it for us! Now I REALLY love my Telly!

Thanks for the response! I couldn’t figure anything else it might be.

 

[BrianF]

Thanks for the response! I couldn’t figure anything else it might be.

That was me. I didn’t realize I wasn’t logged in when I posted it. Thanks again.

 

[Parmel]

I just rotated my tires on my NON self-leveling FWD S. Took the opportunity to grab some part numbers. I'm not sure I understand all the mechanics of a rear suspension so anyone with more knowledge please feel free to correct me. It appears that while some cars have the coil integrated with the strut or shock, the Telluride does not. There is a separate coil/spring from the shock absorber. From what I can the part number is # 55300-S9000 and the spring had 55330-S9000 on it.

Also found part numbers from the "other" telluride forum: 55367-S9000 and 55330-S9450 as possible part numbers for the self leveling "kit". Someone who has a login to that forum might be able to pull out the parts list that a member posted.

From online search I saw lowest prices at:
Standard suspension: shocks 55300-S9000 was about $?. The spring 55330-S9000 was about $96.
Self-Leveling suspension: self-leveling shocks 55367-S9000 was about $439. The spring 55330-S9450 appears to be $96.

Based on the previous Sorento models without self levelizer, I would estimate the standard shock absorber to be about $125.

So if that's all the parts required, it appears there is about a $628 upcharge for a do-it-your self install.

Reading with interest the discussion here. Just purchased an SXP that someone else ordered with a tow hitch but no tow package. Am I reading correct that it would require a pair of 55367-S9000 shocks and a pair of 55330-S9450 springs if I wanted to have a self leveling ”tow package”? While I like the idea of “self leveling”, I have not convinced myself I really “need” to spend $600+ on what might be better spent elsewhere. Any additional thoughts?

 

[AzTelly]

Totally worth it in my opinion as i had my Telly packed down and had a hitch carrier packed down and it was sagging big time. I mean slammed down. Then when we took off and in about a mile, the rear end was perfectly level and not overly harsh. I could tell the shocks firmed up but well worth the level vehicle. When we arrived and emptied out, the next ride was normal. Works for me.

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[Parmel]

Discovered

Reading with interest the discussion here. Just purchased an SXP that someone else ordered with a tow hitch but no tow package. Am I reading correct that it would require a pair of 55367-S9000 shocks and a pair of 55330-S9450 springs if I wanted to have a self leveling ”tow package”? While I like the idea of “self leveling”, I have not convinced myself I really “need” to spend $600+ on what might be better spent elsewhere. Any additional thoughts?

Discovered the attached image from another site that apparently calls for #2k+ in parts to add self leveling to a Telly. So much for that idea!

 

[Marcinboston]

There seems to be a lot of confusion on the two optional Telluride suspensions. With the tow hitch comes self leveling suspension which is just more advanced shocks that add more oil to stiffen rude with a load. It won't help rear sag towing. Only on the SX model with Prestige package can you get Self Leveling AIR SUSPENSION for $795. Shame on Kia for making it only available on the most expensive model. People who need this towiNg trailers often not rich. Wealthy stay in hotels, hellooo. It is the Air Suspension that one would want to tow eliminating need for WDH, which Kia does not endorse. And no Kia will not add air suspension at dealer but you may get it aftermarket

 

[Marcinboston]

Discovered

Discovered the attached image from another site that apparently calls for #2k+ in parts to add self leveling to a Telly. So much for that idea!
View attachment 6750

Better off ordering the SXP with the $795 Self Leveling Air Suspension. That's more tow worthy than just the tow hitch/self leveling suspension. The latter just fancier shocks that stiffen when loaded. Won't help rear sag. Kia does not make it clear they have two different leveling suspension products. Only can get air product on top model SXP and its $795. Other one comes w factory hitch.

 

[AzTelly]

My regular self levelers work great. You just have to drive about a mile and the truck is level again. No air. I have the plain SX with two package.