What did I do wrong with the rear shocks?

[bhs2687]

I had the self leveling shocks and they went out twice. Second time they were out of warranty. I replaced them with KYB 3440062. The ride was great for a couple of days and now it’s horrible.
What do I do next?

 

[Socal949]

Had them professionally installed? Also how long after installation did you notice the difference from good to getting worse a week or so? Just trying to see what it felt like and how it feels now. Making noise? Does suspension bottom out?

 

[bhs2687]

I installed them. Wasn’t hard. They are bottoming out and a harsh ride.

 

[Gregg]

I had the self leveling shocks and they went out twice. Second time they were out of warranty. I replaced them with KYB 3440062. The ride was great for a couple of days and now it’s horrible.
What do I do next?

Hello,
Two most likely things:
1. They didn't give you the right shock. Check that what you have is for this vehicle.
2. That one of the shocks was bad or went bad. Does just one side act differently when you load them down (pushing) and rebound differently?

Hope on of these is it.
Greg

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[bhs2687]

Some more details.
I removed the self leveling shocks and bumper stop. Installed the new shocks with the bumpers from the stock Kia non-self leveling shocks.
Ride was good until I loaded up the rear of the car and now it’s like riding on the frame … with very little tire clearance.
Going to check with RockAuto and make sure they sent the correct shocks. Length was correct. Not sure what happened.
What turned out to be a very easy job has no turned very frustrating as we are now on vacation in So. Cal. Away from all my tools… I think I will try and get it to the dealer and have them install OEM non-self leveling shocks.

 

[Socal949]

I have tools and located in SoCal if you want a hand.

 

[bhs2687]

That would be awesome. Unfortunately I don’t think I can get the parts.

going to make some more calls tomorrow.

 

[bhs2687]

Socal949, tried to message in the group but I get a message that I don’t have permission. Currently staying in Newport, checking to see if that was close to you.

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[Socal949]

Alright sounds good and no worries. I am not that far. I am close to Laguna Niguel.

 

[BK42]

bhs2687 - We have a 2021 EX AWD w/ the self leveling POS shocks, which have been replaced twice under warranty. I've looked into replacing w/ non self leveling shocks, and from what I've found there's different springs for the self-leveling and normal shocks. Did you only replace the shocks?

Here's a link for rear suspension parts. If you look at the bottom of the page there' separate springs for self leveling and normal. And also for upper mount, dust cover, and jounce bumper.

Shocks & Components for 2021 Kia Telluride | Kia.Parts Store

www.kia.parts

 

[bhs2687]

I called a Kia parts guy today and he thought it was the same spring but wasn’t sure. I replaced the bumper stops. The bumper stop for the self leveling shocks are larger.

And yes, mine went out twice. You would think we could take action against Kia. It was an expensive add that didn’t last. I think mine went out around 30,000 but didn’t take it in until 58,000z then at 72,000 they went out again.

 

[BK42]

I'm surprised the parts guy couldn't tell you the information about any spring differences between the two types of shocks. My understanding (please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong) is that the self-leveling shocks carry more of the vehicle's weight, instead of the springs, and that's why there's two different variations of rear springs.

Did the bigger bump stops help?

I'm concerned with the second replacement set on our Telluride, and plan to have the dealership check them before the warranty expires and if they're starting to fail even a little I'm going to push for them to be replaced.

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[WhiteSX]

I had my dealer replace the Nivomat self leveling shocks with standard shocks over 3 years ago. You also need to replace the springs with the standard ones when you do this conversion. The springs for the self leveling shocks are different, which allow the the movement of the body. The standard springs are needed with standard shocks because they help maintain consistent ride hight. Check out this thread for more info Bad Shock on a 2020 SX with factory towing package

Enjoy the ride new springs and shocks

 

[BK42]

I had my dealer replace the Nivomat self leveling shocks with standard shocks over 3 years ago. You also need to replace the springs with the standard ones when you do this conversion. The springs for the self leveling shocks are different, which allow the the movement of the body. The standard springs are needed with standard shocks because they help maintain consistent ride hight. Check out his thread for more info Bad Shock on a 2020 SX with factory towing package

Enjoy the ride new springs and shocks

Thanks for the clarification, I thought the springs and bump stops needed to be replaced if swapping self-leveling for regular shocks.

Are you happy with the switch to regular shocks?

I'm curious - who paid for the replacement? Was it covered under warranty, by Kia, etc?

 

[WhiteSX]

Thanks for the clarification, I thought the springs and bump stops needed to be replaced if swapping self-leveling for regular shocks.

Are you happy with the switch to regular shocks?

I'm curious - who paid for the replacement? Was it covered under warranty, by Kia, etc?

Yes, the complete rear shock / spring setup needs to be replaced. No issues with the shock / spring conversion over 3 ys ago. Ride height hasn't changed. I don't tow anything. The replacement is not a warranty item. Kia ensures dealers follow strict guidelines for warranty work. Everything by the book, or no compensation for the repair. That's just the way it is. You'll need to negotiate with your dealer for this work if you have them do it. Be prepared for them to refuse to do it. It's not something they do every day. As noted in the thread I linked, I had a long standing relationship with this service manager going back to other brands I purchased from this dealership group over the years. I leveraged that relationship to make it happen.

All the best.