24.08.2018

Now we will change the front struts of Kia Optima with a mileage of 50,000 kilometers. Oddly enough, they ran. In principle, they are still holding, and their condition did not affect the behavior of the car during movement. 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 front suspension is a standard MacPherson strut with a stabilizer. roll stability and support bearings with which the rods are attached to the car body. The service life of shock absorbers is directly affected by the condition of the roadway, as well as the condition of the rubber anthers that close the rods from dust and water. Typically, 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, considering that sometimes one strong blow can be enough, for example, when a wheel hits a pothole, so that the shock absorber drips.

Replacing the front struts of the white Optima

What racks to put?

To choose shock absorbers for Kia Optima, you need to know their numbers. Further, according to the original part codes, you can also 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 racks will not last long. The A-pillar supports 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 absorber, and disassembling the front suspension again to replace only them is time-consuming and money-consuming.

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 pre-styling 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 the catalogs of original parts or substitutes using the VIN number of the car, since for cars, for example, 2012, different A-pillars were used.

New racks for Optima

Shock absorbers rarely fail at the same time, on cars that move on right-hand traffic roads, most often ammo starts to flow first with right side. At the same time, it is recommended to change them in pairs, since the operation of the struts affects handling, and the uneven counteraction to body roll in corners can lead to a decrease in the predictability of the behavior of the car.

Supports racks Kia Optima right / left .:

• 36553 - Mapco;
• 35041 - SKF VKD;

Replacement process

We put the car on a flat surface on the handbrake. Put under the rear wheels wheel chocks. We remove the wheel. Loosen the stabilizer bar nut. We unscrew the bolts of the shock absorber in the steering knuckle.

We change the rack

We open the hood. We unscrew the three nuts with which the Optima front struts are attached to the body glasses. We remove the rack assembly, for this you may have to lower it a little rounded fist down to be able to release it.

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 boots can 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's front springs are not very susceptible to sagging 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 change always.

Finally disassembled

To disassemble the rack, you need to compress the spring and unscrew the stem nut. Couplings must be used to compress the spring. Care must be taken when handling them, as breaking them can be very dangerous. We collect everything in the reverse order.

➖ Ergonomics
➖ Suspension

pros

➕ Dynamics
➕ Roomy trunk
➕ Spacious interior

Advantages and Kia disadvantages Optima 2018-2019 in a new body identified based on feedback from real owners. More detailed pros and cons Kia Optima 2.0 and 2.4 with automatic 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 soundproofing for high speed. Very light steering wheel, cruise control in the simplest configuration, spacious salon especially at the back.

With my height (190 cm) it is comfortable on any of the seats and there is even a margin of adjustment behind the wheel! The truth is, I can't get used to it. large sizes auto ( previous car was below class). Gasoline consumption is about 7 liters per 100 km on the highway, about 11 liters per 100 km in the city.

Of the shortcomings, I note a small opening in the trunk and large loops. Ground clearance, indicated 155 mm, but it seems to me that it is less. Very soft springs at the back - there are two people on the seat, and the drawdown rear suspension such, as if in the trunk of 500 kg of cargo!

Vladimir, drives a Kia Optima 2.4 (150 hp) 2016

I bought this car after the AUDI Q7 2007, which had an expensive repair. In addition, a car was needed mainly for the track. Of course, Audi rides better, but they are completely different cars.

After Kia purchases Optima GT has been half a year, we can draw the first conclusions. Rolled carefully. After 10,000 km, the car really became a very decent speaker. From a place it starts not like a hurricane (unpleasantly surprised), but from a speed of 30 km / h it is very brisk, from 50 km / h - with a slip. There are simply no problems with overtaking on the track, the dynamics are very decent at any speed. Definitely not enough all-wheel drive!

Automatic 6-speed, 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 “triple” of the engine during warm-up, I’ll pay attention to maintenance. Gasoline only 95 from a proven gas station. Doesn't eat oil.

The suspension is very comfortable, really adapts to the road surface. On the primer rides like asphalt. A couple of times on the track, getting into deep and “sharp” pits, the suspension worked on breakdown, which was not very pleasant, but the pits were really big.

Strains a little not "sharp" steering, which practically does not change even depending on the inclusion of the "sport" mode, which cannot be said from the sensations in the dynamics of the car, which differs radically from the "eco" mode. The car does not feel the track.

Lateral seat support is designed, perhaps, only for a very voluminous driver and passenger. Lots of space in the car. The trunk is huge. Behind three passengers are placed very comfortably. Shumka is good, the insulation of the wheel arches fails. The music is great. The climate works great. high beam excellent, but the neighbor, even after additional adjustment (raised a little up), suits only a four.

The owner drives a KIA Optima GT 2.0 (245 hp) 2016.

Car impressions. Everyone says about the 2.0 engine (150 hp) it doesn’t drive, it doesn’t overtake trucks. Well, I don't know, but I'm on my way. 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 approximately 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 l. I have never ridden 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 it when it switches, but in sport mode it kicks a little (from second to third). Many write that the box itself adapts to the driving style, so if you drive dynamically (aggressively) all the time in sport mode, then it does not kick.

The suspension is normal on 17-inch wheels, it swallows small and medium bumps, but it is harsh for deep bumps. Handling is good, you don’t feel the speed, but sometimes it recognizes the track under the wheels. Shumka is not bad, but there is noise from the arches. Interior comfort at "five".

What I didn’t like about Optima was the slippery steering wheel, covered with very smooth leather (maybe leatherette). I don't know if it will last long. Also, the car has too wide sills, and the children get their pants dirty all the time.

What I miss in it is a circular view (although in more expensive trim levels there is). The car is big, and the hood is wide, so I won’t get used to the dimensions when I drive into the garage.

Review of Kia Optima 2.0 with a 2017 automatic

Video review

I won't comment on the appearance. In my opinion, it looks solid with a touch of sportiness, but nothing more.

The interior is where it gets interesting. Reminds me of salons German cars, especially Audi five-seven years ago. The console is turned towards the driver. All buttons are at hand. The quality of the materials is on par with the competition and certainly head and shoulders above anything I've ridden in the past.

The trunk is huge. In the underground is a full-size spare tire on cast disk, but there are no additional niches and compartments, although on the same Rio there were convenient compartments for storing small items. In general, in terms of arranging the trunk, for some reason, the Koreans do not look at the same Germans who have a bunch of mesh hooks and other things in the trunk.

Engine and box. The fundamental point 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 in manual transmission was very brisk for a cheap car, about 10 seconds to 100 km / h. Accordingly, I didn’t 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 tons, 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 passport, Optima is faster by 1.0 seconds, but this is somehow not felt on the go, perhaps due to much better sound insulation and dimensions.

Suspension. Here is just a breakthrough for the Koreans. I think it's no secret to anyone that the suspension is weak point all Korean cars, not in terms of reliability, but in terms of customization. In the review of Rio, I wrote in detail about this. Optima in this regard is a breakthrough for Korean cars: the suspension is energy-intensive, at the same time it does not sway. Smooth running 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 are really a lot of places! For example, in the 2012 Accord, I couldn’t sit down by myself (height 182 cm), and here even my knees don’t reach front seat. The seats are very comfortable, the lower part is long (unlike the Japanese), and there part of the leg always “hangs” 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, rides 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 I'm still rolling. 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, since it pulls from any speed, nullifying the errors of the automatic machine.

The suspension is similar to the chord one, due to the 18-inch wheels it is harsh. With a car that had 16-inch wheels, a huge difference, but you have to pay for beauty with comfort!

Review of Kia Optima GT 2.4 (245 hp) on the machine in 2016

Getting Started tuning kia Optima, you should understand that improving this car can cost a lot of money. Especially when it comes to the refinement of details from engine compartment cars 2013–2014 Therefore, it is best to upgrade those elements of the Optima that require it in the first place. So you will achieve excellent results by spending the minimum amount.

1 Improving exhaust by removing the catalyst

The Optima, like most other business class 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 are sure that the presence of a catalyst in cars of 2013–2104 is not at all necessary, since starting from 2010, most car manufacturers began to use updated front mufflers. They not only suppress sound, but also recycle harmful emissions from cars. That is why many mechanics consider the catalyst to be the result 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 that the engine of the car throws out. Therefore, we will make it easier for the recycled vapors to exit, which will increase the Kia's power by 10-15 hp. With. In addition, the Optima engine will start to sound a little louder and more aggressive, which fans of street racing will definitely appreciate. The only disadvantage of such tuning is that with the removal of the catalyst, the cooling of the emitted vapors will disappear, which will adversely affect other parts of the exhaust kia systems. Fortunately, it is not difficult to solve this problem by installing a flame arrester instead of a regular 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 on the inspection hole, 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 downpipe. In turn, unscrew the fasteners holding the catalyst, front muffler, middle 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 exhaust 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 a catalyst. The last stage of tuning will be installation exhaust pipe back to the bottom of the Kia with a mandatory check of each fastener.

2 Replacing the pillars in the front of the Optima

After finalizing the Kia exhaust, you can begin to improve the suspension of the car. Since the Korean model is front-wheel drive, the racks in the front of the car are most susceptible to wear. As practice shows, parts from Kia Carnival 2013–2014 They are designed for more overall cars, due to which they can withstand large loads. In addition, the Carnival struts are much better springy, which will make the operation of the Optima much more comfortable even off-road. To tune a car, we need to prepare:

• pliers;
• a set of keys;
• mounting blade;
• hammer;
• marker;
• jack.

We raise the car with a jack, after which we remove the rubber plug from the upper wheel support. Then, holding the stem securely, loosen the Kia tie rod connection. Remove the steering rod end from the steering knuckle. We turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction from the tip, and pull out the cotter pin with pliers. We unscrew the nuts securing the steering tip and pull the “finger” out of the lever with a puller. Next, we do not completely unscrew the nut from the tie rod thrust, insert the blade into the thrust and hit the end of the rack lever 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 bottom bolt. Then we take the steering knuckle to the side, without pulling brake hose. Unscrew the fixing nuts of the upper support and remove suspension strut Kia. After that, we install a new part and assemble the structure in the reverse order. Similarly, the rack for the second front wheel is replaced.

3 Methods for improving the interior of the "Korean"

Since Optima belongs to the business class, the tuning of the car interior will be more aesthetic than functional. The cab has almost all the devices designed to facilitate the management 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, a mirror with a rear-view camera can also be noted.

As for 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, you can repaint the instrument panel and other plastic interior elements.

Another effective option for tuning the interior is to replace the seats with sports seats. 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. It will not be possible to sit comfortably in them, since these parts are very hard. However, there sports seats superior comfort, which will suit every car owner. They are made of soft materials and absolutely do not impede the boarding and disembarking of the driver and passengers.

There is nothing complicated in the installation of chairs. To replace, it is necessary to dismantle the standard Kia seats, and then clean seats. Then the mechanism of the mounting lever is degreased and you can proceed with the installation of new seats. During installation, the levers are wiped lubricant, after which the seats are finally attached to the regular fasteners.

It is worth being very careful both when buying and when installing seats. If the Optima is equipped with heated seats, then you should purchase sports seats with the same function as a replacement. When replacing, connect the wires exactly as indicated in the instructions.

The network of specialized Kia technical centers in Moscow carries out high-quality repairs of the Optima suspension at affordable prices with a subsequent guarantee.

Running gear diagnostics and repair

Any suspension repair in car services begins with an input diagnostic that allows you to determine its real technical condition, find existing faults and draw up a repair plan. Along the way, the condition of pipelines is also checked. brake system and power systems.

Repair of running Optima consists of the following operations:

• Visual inspection of the suspension for the integrity of the protective covers of all movable joints, mechanical damage to the chassis elements and the condition of silent blocks, ball bearings, shock absorbers, springs;
• Replacement of all elements of the running gear 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 analogues from trusted manufacturers.

Replacing silent blocks with Kia Optima is required when they are significantly worn, such as:

• Mechanical damage;
• Subsidence of the inner bushing of the silent block;
• Cracks or bulging of the filler, or its rupture.

The replacement of silent blocks in Kia branded technical centers is carried out using press equipment, which guarantees the quality of their installation and reliable operation.

Replacing shock absorbers, thrust bearing

The condition of shock absorbers directly affects traffic safety. So a car with faulty shock absorbers increases the length of the braking distance, which is especially critical in emergency situations.

Therefore, the replacement of shock absorbers for Kia Optima should be done immediately after the discovery of their malfunction. In this case, both shock absorbers on the same axle of the car must be replaced to maintain the characteristics of the suspension.

The support bearing of the struts on the Optima is replaced when signs of its malfunction are detected. it can be a creak when turning the wheels, coming from both the bearing itself, and a characteristic sound from jamming the strut spring.

To replace the thrust bearing, Kia auto center mechanics use original parts, or a replica from trusted manufacturers.

For all installed spare parts and the service itself, a mandatory quality guarantee is given.

Prices for repair and diagnostics of the Kia Optima suspension

Suspension Diagnostics

from 500 rub.

Support bearing replacement

from 1"300 rub.

Replacing the front / rear arm

from 800 rub.

Replacing the silent block of the front / rear arm

from 600 rub.

Hub replacement, ball Kia Optima

The operation to replace the hub on the Kia Optima is performed in cases where the bearing play has appeared, or it has buzzed. To determine which hub needs to be replaced, it is recommended to contact the company Kia car services, where the mechanics will determine the faulty unit and perform its replacement.

Operating a car with a faulty hub is fraught with unpredictable consequences, since the hub bearing can simply fall apart, which will lead to jamming.

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 entire hub is replaced.

When the models have ABS system, then the sensor can come with a hub or separately.

Front hub bearing original

Manufacturer: HYUNDAI

Article: 5172038110

Hub Optima, original

Manufacturer: HYUNDAI

Article: 527303S200 - rear axle

517202G000 - front axle

Replacing stabilizer struts

Structurally, the body of the stabilizer is attached with bushings to the elements of the body, and the stabilizer struts to the suspension parts. Therefore, it is recommended to replace the stabilizer struts immediately after detecting their malfunctions, as the suspension elements associated with them will be unnecessarily loaded.

Stabilizer bar, original

Manufacturer: HYUNDAI

Article: 555301R000 - rear axle

548302T000 - front axle

Replacement of the ball joint, CV joint

The ball joint is replaced with a Kia Optima when a support backlash is detected or its protective cover is torn.

Ball joint, original

Manufacturer: HYUNDAI

Article: 545302T010

Premature failure of CV joints is caused by a violation of the integrity of their protective covers. The CV joint is replaced when a crunch appears in turns, jerks when picking up speed and extraneous noise.

To replace the mechanics of car services, they use original parts, or a replica from trusted manufacturers.

CV joint, original

Manufacturer: HYUNDAI

Article: 495833S000 - CV joint boot

4950738D00 - outer

For all installed spare parts and the service itself, a mandatory quality guarantee is given.