24.08.2018
Now we will change the front struts of the Kia Optima with a mileage of 50,000 kilometers. Oddly enough, they started to flow. In principle, they are still holding them, and their condition did not affect the behavior of the car when driving. At seasonal replacement rubber, oil smudges were noticed on the shock absorber housings, so it was decided to replace them.
As you know, the Optima's front suspension is a standard MacPherson strut with stabilizer lateral stability and support bearings with which the rods are attached to the car body. The service life of the shock absorbers is directly affected by the condition of the roadway, as well as the condition of the rubber boots, which cover the rods from dust and water. Usually, the racks on such machines serve up to 80 - 100 thousand kilometers, but on ours they have already flowed for fifty when operating in a small city with an average quality of roads. This is not bad when you consider that sometimes even one strong blow, for example, when a wheel hits a pothole, so that the shock absorber drips.
Replacing the front struts of the white Optima
What racks should you put?
To choose shock absorbers on Kia Optima, you need to know their numbers. Further, according to the original part codes, you can select substitutes for a car of any year of manufacture. Also, when repairing racks, you should immediately pay attention to the condition of the anthers. If they are damaged and have significant signs of wear, they must be replaced, otherwise the new struts will not last long. The supports of the front struts also require attention, and they are often changed without even waiting for them to knock. This is explained by simple logic: they are unlikely to survive one more shock absorbers, and disassembling the front suspension again to replace them is only time-consuming and expensive.
Front shock absorber codes for cars from 2010 to 2013:
- Left - 54651-2T022;
- Right - 54661-2T022.
- 54651-2T410 (left);
- 54661-2T410 (right).
Spare parts for the dorestyled model and the restyled one differ in the location of the mount for the stabilizer bar. For a correct and accurate selection, you need to search through the catalogs of original parts or substitutes using the VIN number of the car, since for cars, for example, 2012, different front struts were used.
New racks for Optima
Shock absorbers rarely fail at the same time, on cars that move on roads with right-hand traffic, most often, ammono starts to flow first from the right side. At the same time, it is recommended to change them in pairs, since the work of the struts affects the handling, and the uneven counteraction to body roll in corners can lead to a decrease in the predictability of the car's behavior.
Support pillars Kia Optima right / left:
- 36553 - Mapco;
- 35041 - SKF VKD;
Replacement process
We put the car on a flat surface on the handbrake. Under rear wheels put wheel chocks... We remove the wheel. Unscrew the stabilizer strut nut. We unscrew the shock absorber mounting bolts in the steering knuckle.
Changing the stance
We open the hood. We unscrew the three nuts with which the Optima's front struts are attached to the body glasses. We remove the stand assembly, for this you may have to lower it a little rounded fist down to be able to free her.
Now the entire structure must be disassembled to remove the thrust bearing, boot and spring. All these parts, if they are in poor condition, it is better to replace them as well. Rubber boot may be torn. Because of this, dirt and water can get on the stem and the shock absorber will quickly lose its tightness and become unusable. Optima front springs are not very susceptible to subsidence and live much longer than shock absorbers, so if there are no questions about them, you can put them back. Supports are generally advised to always change.
Finally disassembled
To disassemble the rack, you need to compress the spring and unscrew the stem nut. Ties must be used to compress the spring. You should work with them carefully, they can be very dangerous to break off. Putting it all in reverse order.
➖ Ergonomics
➖ Suspension
pros
➕ Dynamics
➕ Roomy trunk
➕ Spacious interior
Advantages and disadvantages of Kia Optima 2018-2019 in a new body revealed based on reviews real owners... More detailed pros and cons Kia optima 2.0 and 2.4 with a gun and mechanics can be found in the stories below.
Owner reviews
Great car! The car is 1.5 months old. Cute appearance, pleasant management. Even with a 2.0 liter engine, excellent dynamics. Good noise isolation at high speed. Very light steering wheel, cruise control in the simplest configuration, spacious salon, especially from behind.
With my height (190 cm), it is comfortable in any of the seats and there is even a margin of adjustment behind the wheel! True, I can't get used to large size auto (the previous car was lower class). The gasoline consumption of the highway is about 7 liters per 100 km, the city is about 11 liters per 100 km.
Of the shortcomings, I note a small opening in the trunk and large hinges. Ground clearance, 155 mm is indicated, but it seems to me that it is smaller. Highly soft springs behind - there are two people on the seat, and the drawdown rear suspension such as if there were 500 kg of cargo in the trunk!
Vladimir, drives Kia Optima 2.4 (150 hp) 2016
Has gained this car after AUDI Q7 2007, which had to be expensively refurbished. In addition, a car was needed mainly for the track. Of course, Audi drives better, but these are completely different cars.
Six months have passed since the purchase of the Kia Optima GT, the first conclusions can be drawn. I ran it in carefully. After 10,000 km, the car really has a very decent dynamics. It does not start from a hurricane (unpleasantly surprised), but from a speed of 30 km / h it is very brisk, from 50 km / h - with slipping. On the track, problems with overtaking simply do not exist, the dynamics are very decent at any speed. All-wheel drive is definitely not enough!
Automatic transmission 6-step, works perfectly. Consumption on the highway on a cruise at a speed of ~ 105 km / h - 6 liters. In the city, 11-12 liters, but with very active driving, you can bring it up to 16. There was a small, fast-moving "tripping" of the engine when warming up, I will pay attention to MOT. Gasoline only 95 from a proven gas station. Doesn't eat oil.
The suspension is very comfortable, it really adjusts to the road surface. It rides on a dirt road like on asphalt. A couple of times on the highway, getting into deep and "sharp" holes, the suspension triggered a breakdown, which was not very pleasant, but the holes were really big.
Strains a little not "sharp" steering, which practically does not change depending even on the inclusion of the "sport" mode, which cannot be said from the sensations on the dynamics of the car, which differs radically from the "eco" mode. The car does not feel the rut.
Lateral support of the seats is designed, perhaps, only for a very voluminous driver and passenger. There is a lot of space in the car. The trunk is huge. At the back, three passengers are very comfortable. The noise is good, the soundproofing of the wheel arches fails. The music is great. The climate works fine. High beam excellent, but the close one, even after additional adjustment (raised a little up), suits only for a four.
The owner drives a KIA Optima GT 2.0 (245 hp) 2016
Impressions of the car. About the 2.0 engine (150 hp), everyone says it does not go, it does not overtake the trucks. Well, I don’t know, but I’ve got it. Of course, not a fighter, but enough for me. I am a family man, I have children, there is no hurry.
Consumption on the highway in sport mode at a speed of 130-140 km / h is about 7.5-9 liters of 95 gasoline, in the city in a calm manner 10-11 liters, in sport mode in the city with air conditioning - 15 liters, without air conditioning - 12-13 liters. I have never traveled in eco-mode, they say the consumption will be even lower.
The automatic transmission does not kick in normal mode, you don’t even feel when it switches, but in sport mode it kicks a little (from the second to the third). Many write that the box itself adapts to the driving style, so if you drive dynamically (aggressively) in sport mode all the time, then it does not kick.
The suspension is normal on 17-inch wheels, it swallows small and medium irregularities, but it is harsh for deep bumps. The handling is good, you don't feel the speed, but sometimes it recognizes the track under the wheels. The noise is not bad, but there is noise from the arches. Interior comfort for "five".
What I didn’t like about Optima was the slippery steering wheel, covered with very smooth leather (maybe with leatherette). I don’t know how long it will last. Also, the car has painfully wide thresholds, and children get dirty on their trousers all the time.
What I miss in it is all-round visibility (although there are more expensive trim levels). The car is large, and the hood is wide, so I will not get used to the dimensions when I drive into the garage.
Review of the Kia Optima 2.0 with a gun 2017
Video review
I will not particularly comment on the appearance. In my opinion, it looks solid with a slight touch of sportiness, but nothing more.
The interior is more interesting here. It reminds me of the salons of German cars, especially the Audi of five or seven years ago. The console is deployed towards the driver. All buttons are at hand. The quality of materials is at the level of competitors and, of course, a cut above what I have ridden before.
The trunk is huge. In the underground there is a full-size spare wheel for cast disc, but there are no additional niches and compartments, although on the same Rio there were convenient compartments for storing small things. In general, in terms of arranging the trunk, Koreans for some reason do not look at the same Germans who have a bunch of hooks, nets and other things in their trunk.
Engine and gearbox. The fundamental moment when transferring from Rio to new car was that the dynamics of the new car should be better, or the same as in Rio. Rio drove on manual transmission very briskly for a cheap car, about 10 seconds to 100 km / h. Accordingly, I did not even look at the 2.0-liter Optima, since the power reserve for overtaking on the highway was important for me.
In principle, I did not expect anything supernatural from the 2.4 engine, given the huge mass of the car (1.7 tones, which is 200 kg heavier than the same "six"). In fact, it turned out that Optima is a little more dynamic than Rio. According to the Optima's passport, it is faster by 1.0 second, but somehow it is not felt on the move, possibly due to much better sound insulation and dimensions.
Suspension. This is just a breakthrough for Koreans. I think it's not a secret for anyone what exactly the suspension is weak point all Korean cars, not in terms of reliability, but in terms of customization. In the review about Rio, I wrote about this in detail. Optima in this regard is a breakthrough for Korean cars: the suspension is energy-intensive, at the same time it does not swing. Ride smoothness at a very good level
The owner drives a Kia Optima 2.4 (188 hp) AT 2016
Where can I buy?
About the salon: there is really a lot of space! For example, in the 2012 Accord I could not sit down by myself (height 182 cm), but here even my knees do not reach front seat... The seats are very comfortable, the lower part is long (unlike the Japanese), and there part of the leg is always "hanging" in the air.
About the engine: the engine is the # 1 reason to buy this car. Under the hood is a 245-horsepower engine, which, with the economy of a conventional four-cylinder, runs no worse, and somewhere even better than six-cylinder ones. I will say in advance that I will not judge the resource, time will tell.
Consumption now does not rise above 10 liters per hundred. While still running in. Even if you drive actively, I don’t think it will be more than on the Accord, but the car drives in a completely different way.
The automatic machine works slowly, it switches slowly, it seems to me, but with such an engine you don't notice this, as it pulls from any speed, negating the automatic machine errors.
The suspension is similar to the Chord's, due to the 18-inch wheels it is harsh. With a car that had 16-inch wheels, there is a huge difference, but beauty has to be paid for in comfort!
Review of the Kia Optima GT 2.4 (245 hp) on the machine in 2016
It is quite obvious that any node undercarriage Kia must be in good condition. This is especially true of the suspension, since, unlike the engine, which can fail and the Kia Optima simply will not go further, the breakdown of some suspension elements while driving can lead to a serious accident.
1. In addition to obvious safety, the Kia Optima chassis is responsible for a comfortable ride and good handling. The most dangerous thing is that in this case there will be a high probability of loss of control, with the next collision with an obstacle that has arisen on the road. Only regular diagnostics of the Kia Optima chassis will help to avoid such a situation.
Diagnostics of the Kia Optima chassis includes checking the elements:
- springs and shock absorbers;
- levers and supports (bearings from above, silent blocks from below);
- Kia Optima stabilizer bushings;
- steering rods and rack;
- wheel bearings;
- CV JOINT.
Diagnostics of the Kia Optima chassis should be carried out regularly, even without showing any hints of a malfunction. It is better to do this on a lift, but it can also be done on an ordinary flyover or observation pit.
3. It is important to remember how the Kia Optima behaves in good condition, then any future malfunction will be obvious. To understand that something is wrong with a car, you do not need to be an experienced driver, and even more so, an auto mechanic.
Most often, the following signs of malfunctions of the Kia Optima chassis occur:
- the sudden appearance of noise, knocking, bouncing of the Kia Optima chassis, which can both disappear and remain even on a completely flat road;
- too large rolls when cornering and noticeable swaying of the body when passing bumps or when braking;
- arbitrary steering to the side, Kia Optima leads away when driving straight;
- uneven tire wear.
If you hear a crunch, especially when cornering or with a sharp acceleration of the Kia Optima, then we can almost say with complete certainty that the reason lies in the malfunction of the CV joint of the Kia Optima, the so-called grenade. A squeak most often occurs after replacing the stabilizer bushings, often this indicates a poor-quality bushing.
5. If Kia Optima began to drift aside, more often it happens after hard passage of pits and potholes, then you may have to do similarity disorder (wheel alignment Kia Optima). V best case this will eliminate the trouble, at worst, upon impact, something could bend, starting from the steering rod and ending with the steering knuckle.
In the event of at least one of these signs, it is necessary to diagnose the Kia Optima undercarriage as soon as possible. Even the regulations explicitly prohibit operation with a faulty suspension, not to mention the fact that it is simply dangerous.
6. Not replaced in time Kia Optima suspension silent block, which is not so expensive, can lead to damage to the lever, with a price of one hundred dollars. Many drivers drive without paying attention to the sounds that appear in the chassis of the Kia Optima, and drive until the sound becomes completely critical, or until something simply falls off, this approach is simply absurd.
7. Periodic visual inspection of the Kia Optima undercarriage will help save money, after all, if you find a cracked boot or cover in time and make a prompt replacement, then the element that was protected by the boot will last longer. If, on examination Kia Optima an already torn boot was found, then you can be sure that soon this suspension element will need to be replaced.
After checking all the anthers, you should start diagnosing the Kia Optima front suspension elements. The front suspension is more complex than the rear, it is subject to heavy loads, as a result, it breaks much more often. First, we inspect the Kia Optima shock absorbers, they should not have dents or oil leaks. You can also try to swing the shock absorber to the sides, the swing amplitude should be insignificant.
But the easiest way to check the serviceability of this suspension element is to swing the Kia Optima by pressing the corner where the shock absorber to be diagnosed is located. If, after pressing, Kia Optima, having returned to its original state, continued to swing up and down, then this indicates a malfunction of the shock absorber.
8. Next, the springs of the Kia Optima are examined, often their turns break off, so you need to inspect them for cracks and the integrity of all turns. But here you can also determine the functionality of the springs without looking under the car. To do this, you just need to pay attention to the clearance of the Kia Optima, if the car has become noticeably lower, then this already indicates a malfunction of the springs, they sagged and can no longer perform their function properly.
9. Ball and silent blocks are checked only from the bottom side of the Kia Optima. To diagnose them, it is better to use some kind of metal lever to make it easier to check everything for backlash, they should not be in a working car. The stabilizer and link supports of the Kia Optima are checked in the same way. To check the wheel bearing, you need to shake the wheel, if there is a play, this indicates a poor condition of the bearing.
Getting started tuning Kia Optima, you should understand that improving this car can cost a lot of money. Especially when it comes to finalizing parts from the engine compartment of the 2013-2014 car. Therefore, it is best to retrofit those Optima elements that require it in the first place. This way you will achieve excellent results with the minimum amount spent.
1 Improving exhaust by removing catalyst
The Optima, like most other business cars, is equipped with a direct-flow exhaust system. The design of the latter contains a catalyst - an element with a short service life, but at a very solid price. A catalyst is a kind of filter whose role is to convert toxic gases into harmless ones. Many experts believe that the presence of a catalyst in cars from 2013–2104 is not necessary at all, since since 2010 most car manufacturers have started to use updated front mufflers. They not only suppress the sound, but also recycle the harmful emissions of the car. That is why many mechanics consider the catalyst to be the result of the requirements of Euro-3 standards and assign it a rather small role in exhaust system auto.
Also, this element serves as another obstacle to the air, which is thrown out by the engine of the machine. Therefore, we will make it easier for recycled vapors to escape, which will increase the Kia's power by 10-15 hp. with. In addition, the Optima engine will sound a little louder and more aggressive, which is sure to be appreciated by fans of street racing. The only drawback of this tuning is that with the removal of the catalyst, the cooling of the emitted vapors will disappear, which will negatively affect other links of the Kia exhaust system. Fortunately, it is not difficult to solve this problem by installing a flame arrester instead of a standard part. To remove the catalyst in the Optima exhaust system, we need to prepare the following tools:
- a set of keys;
- screwdrivers;
- welding machine;
- grinder;
- flame arrester.
First, you need to install the Optima in the inspection pit, so it will be much easier to inspect the car and dismantle the exhaust pipe. After that, we take the keys and begin to remove the Kia tailpipe. In turn, unscrew the fasteners holding the catalyst, front muffler, center pipe and rear muffler. Next, carefully detach the entire structure and set it aside.
The next step is to cut out the catalyst. To do this, we install a small solid object under the intake pipe and cut off the part of the pipe that connects to the catalyst with a grinder. We put the cut piece aside and start sawing off the catalyst from the other side. After that, we weld a flame arrester instead of the catalyst. The last stage of tuning will be the installation exhaust pipe back to the bottom of the Kia with a mandatory check of each fastener.
2 Replacing the struts in the front of the Optima
After finalizing the Kia exhaust, you can begin to improve the car's suspension. Since the Korean model is front-wheel drive, the pillars in the front of the car are most susceptible to wear. As practice shows, it is best to replace standard parts with Optima parts from Kia carnival 2013–2014 c. They are designed for larger cars, which is why they can withstand heavy loads. In addition, Carnival struts are much better springy, which will make the Optima much more comfortable to operate even off-road. For tuning a car, we need to prepare:
- pliers;
- a set of keys;
- mounting blade;
- hammer;
- marker;
- jack.
We lift the car with a jack, and then remove the rubber plug from the upper wheel support. Then, while holding the stem securely, loosen the Kia tie rod joint. Remove the steering rod end from the steering knuckle. We turn the steering wheel to the side opposite from the tip, and use the pliers to pull out the cotter pin. We unscrew the nuts of the fastening of the steering tip and take out the "finger" from the lever with a puller. Further, we do not completely unscrew the nut from the steering rod spacer, insert the blade into the spacer and hammer it along the end of the rack arm with a hammer.
Next, you need to mark the position of the upper adjustment bolt, and then knock out its nut. In the same way we knock out the lower bolt. Then we move the steering knuckle to the side without pulling on the brake hose. We unscrew the fastening nuts of the upper support and remove the Kia strut. After that we install new part and assemble the structure in reverse order. The strut for the second front wheel is replaced in the same way.
3 Methods of improving the salon "Korean"
Since the Optima belongs to the business class, the tuning of the car interior will be more aesthetic than functional. The cockpit has almost all the devices designed to facilitate the control of the model and make the operation of the Kia more comfortable. Among the useful ones that can be additionally installed in the Optima salon, one can also note a mirror with a rear-view camera.
As for the changes in the interior of the cabin, at the request of the Kia driver, tuning can be performed by replacing the standard trim with another, more expensive material. In addition to this, the dashboard and other plastic parts of the interior can be repainted.
Another effective option for tuning the interior is replacing the car seats with sports chairs. There is an opinion that such details are not comfortable and are not suitable for every driver. This is partly true, there are indeed chairs on the market that are designed for heavy loads. Sitting comfortably in them will not work, since these parts are very solid. However, there are luxury sports seats that will suit every car owner. They are made of soft materials and absolutely do not impede the entry and exit of the driver and passengers.
There is nothing difficult in installing the seats. For replacement, it is necessary to dismantle the standard Kia seats, and then clean the seats. Then the mechanism of the fastening lever is degreased and you can start installing new seats. During installation, the levers are wiped lubricant, after which the seats are finally attached to the standard fasteners.
You should be very careful both when buying and installing the seats. If the Optima is equipped with heated seats, then it is worth purchasing sports seats with the same function for replacement. When replacing, we connect the wires exactly as indicated in the instructions.
The network of specialized technical centers Kia in Moscow carries out high-quality repair of the Optima suspension at affordable prices with a subsequent guarantee.
Diagnostics and repair of chassis
Any repair of a chassis in car services begins with an input diagnostics that allows you to determine its real technical condition, find existing faults and draw up a repair plan. Along the way, the condition of the pipelines is checked. brake system and power supply systems.
Repair of the Optima suspension consists of the following operations:
- Visual inspection of the suspension for the integrity of the protective covers of all moving joints, mechanical damage to the chassis elements and the condition of silent blocks, ball bearings, shock absorbers, springs;
- Replacement of all elements of the undercarriage with increased wear.
Replacement of levers, silent blocks
The need to replace the levers on the Optima arises in cases of mechanical damage, or wear of silent blocks, ball bearings or their mounting holes.
To replace the mechanics of auto centers, they use original products, or their counterparts from trusted manufacturers.
Replacing silent blocks with Kia Optima is required when they are significantly worn out, such as:
- Mechanical damage;
- Sagging of the inner sleeve of the silent block;
- Cracks or bulging or bursting of the filler.
The replacement of silent blocks in Kia branded technical centers is carried out using pressing equipment, which guarantees the quality of their installation and reliability of operation.
Replacement of shock absorbers, support bearing
The condition of the shock absorbers directly affects driving safety. So in a car with faulty shock absorbers, the braking distance increases, which is especially critical in emergency situations.
Therefore, replacing shock absorbers with Kia Optima should be done immediately after their malfunction is detected. In this case, both shock absorbers must be replaced on one axis of the car to maintain the characteristics of the suspension.
The replacement of the support bearing of the struts on the Optima is carried out when signs of its malfunction are detected. it can be a creak when turning the wheels, emanating from both the bearing itself, and a characteristic sound from the stuck spring of the strut.
To replace the support bearing, mechanics of Kia auto centers use original parts, or a replica from trusted manufacturers.
All installed spare parts and the service itself are subject to a mandatory quality guarantee.
Prices for repair and diagnostics of the Kia Optima suspension
Suspension diagnostics
from 500 rub.
Replacing the thrust bearing
from 1"300 rub.
Replacing the front / rear arm
from 800 rub.
Replacing the silent block of the front / rear arm
from 600 rub.
Replacing the hub, ball Kia Optima
The operation to replace the hub on the Kia Optima is performed in cases where a bearing play appears, or it buzzes. To determine which hub requires replacement, it is recommended to contact the branded Kia car services where mechanics will identify the faulty unit and replace it.
Operating a car with a faulty hub is fraught with unpredictable consequences, since the hub bearing may simply fall apart, which will lead to its seizure.
In cases where the bearing can be changed separately from the hub, the hub bearing is replaced. If the bearing is integrated into the hub, then only the hub assembly is replaced.
When models have ABS system, then the sensor can come with a hub or separately.
Front hub bearing, original
Manufacturer: HYUNDAI
Reference: 5172038110
Optima hub, original
Manufacturer: HYUNDAI
Article: 527303S200 - rear axle
517202G000 - front axle
Replacing the stabilizer struts
Structurally, the body of the stabilizer is attached by means of bushings to the body elements, and the stabilizer struts to the suspension parts. Therefore, it is recommended to replace the stabilizer struts immediately after detecting their malfunctions, since the associated suspension elements will be unnecessarily loaded.
Stabilizer stand, original
Manufacturer: HYUNDAI
Article: 555301R000 - rear axle
548302T000 - front axle
Replacing the ball joint, CV joint
Replacing the ball joint on the Kia Optima is carried out when a backlash is detected in the support or a rupture of its protective cover.
Ball joint, original
Manufacturer: HYUNDAI
Reference: 545302T010
Premature failure of CV joints is caused by a violation of the integrity of their protective covers. The SHRUS is replaced when a crunch appears in corners, jerks when picking up speed and extraneous noise.
To replace the mechanics of car services, use original parts, or a replica from trusted manufacturers.
CV joint, original
Manufacturer: HYUNDAI
Article: 495833S000 - CV joint boot
4950738D00 - external
All installed spare parts and the service itself are subject to a mandatory quality guarantee.
