Technical Service Bulletin - Drift/Left Pull Issue

d12d · 03-16-2011, 05:21 PM

There is now a Technical Service Bulletin on Kia Global Information System (KGIS) for the left pull issue that some people have been having. It shows how to tell if your car has the issue and what the dealer should do to fix it. Also this is for all KIA's not just Optima's. It looks like KIA is admitting there is a problem and actually trying to fix it instead of just sweeping it under the rug.

rogersmj · 03-16-2011, 05:49 PM

Do you have any text from the bulletin you can post here? Or the reference number?

TE2 · 03-16-2011, 06:23 PM

That's some great info, especially for those having the problem.

It includes test procedures to diagnose/confirm the problem as well.

I have not had the left pull issue but there are times that I think the car wants to wander both left and right when on the highway at speed. I just checked my air pressure and like many others have found, they were overinflated as delivered. I lowered them from 36+ to 33 as spec-ed on the door plate.

I'll test drive later or tomorrow to see how it feels.

JC

JRider · 03-16-2011, 06:23 PM

Here you go...

TE2 · 03-16-2011, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rogersmj

do you have any text from the bulletin you can post here? Or the reference number?

TSB CHA 032

JC

edit - JRIDER just attached it - now why didn't I think of that?

d12d · 03-16-2011, 06:29 PM

There doesn't seem to be any reference number other than 032 and is classified under Chassis. I tried to copy and paste the text but I get a too many characters error. The TSB is 12 pages to it. I also tried to pm you the pdf but I don't see any options to attach it. I can email it to you if you would like.

Edit -
Thanks guys you both beat me to it.

Arctic · 03-16-2011, 06:36 PM

Good to see a TSB which should help folks out. Not mentioned is the software fix which is supposed to be in the works for the electric assist.

Codger · 03-16-2011, 07:10 PM

Great news and thanks for posting and the link. It has more caster angle than I thought but what TE2 posted is the kind of thing that not enough caster will exhibit. For sure tire pressures contribute slightly too but these Nexens act like bias plys.

cpurick · 03-17-2011, 07:46 AM

Just looks like alignment instructions. Doesn't look like there's a single smoking gun.

TE2 · 03-17-2011, 08:26 AM

Well, I lowered the air pressure to the factory recommended 33 psi and it appears to have improved the driving experience.

Ride seems a little quieter and less harsh on bumps/road joints.

The drift (either direction) I described above seems better as well. It may be road related because sometimes the car is total centered and focused and other times it seemed like very small corrections were needed at highway speeds. Seems that adjusting the air pressure down to spec has eliminated the slightly "busy" feel.

Only more drive time will tell.

JC