Hyundai Elantra Maintenance and Repair

backy

I expect you mean cruise is no longer available as a dealer option. Strange they would turn down a customer's money like that. Maybe it's their way of forcing people into an option package.

icehawk5

I am currently having my 2003 Elantra GT serviced for excessive wind noise. When the service technician test drove the car, he found the wind noise to be excessive on both front doors. He will be replacing the weatherstripping for both doors. The service dept. is also going to fix the vinyl door trim. They actually had to sub it out to a body shop for the work. According to the technician, apparently a lot of manufacturers are going the vinyl trim route - including Toyota, Honda, Nissan. (This dealership is a Honda, Kia, Nissan, Hyundai franchise.) By the way, this dealership's service dept. has always provided excellent service for me. I have been going to this dealership for service for the past 15 years. (Since my Honda, Nissan days).
Anyway, I will let you all know of the results.

ellandry

Ice take a look at my post 744 if you havent already

icehawk5

Well, I've got some good news and bad news. The good news is that the new weatherstripping did the trick and the car is very quiet. The bad news is, the trim that they had a body shop work on screwed it up! Now it looks worse than it did when I brought it in. Now the trim has bubbles all through it. I showed it to the service manager and now they have to reorder new trim. They actually replaced the trim on both doors, but I only had the problem with the driver's door. Now both sides are screwed up!

icehawk5

I haven't had any problems with my new Kenwood deck. As a matter of fact, I have never heard my stock speakers sound so good. The Kenwood puts out very good bass response. Great Deck!

icehawk5

Make: HYUNDAI
Model: ELANTRA
Year: 2001, 2002, 2003: Produced between 6/30/2000 - 12/15/2002.
Recall Number: 03V257000
Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR BRAKE TUBES PASS BEHIND THE FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER. TWO STEERING GEARBOX MOUNTING BRACKETS ARE WELDED TO THE CROSSMEMBER. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS), THE REAR BRAKE TUBES COULD CONTACT BOTH STEERING GEARBOX MOUNTING BRACKETS. ON VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH ABS, THE REAR BRAKE TUBES MAY CONTACT ONLY THE LEFT MOUNTING BRACKET. CONTACT BETWEEN THE REAR BRAKE TUBES AND THE STEERING BRACKETS COULD CAUSE WEAR AND CORROSION THAT COULD RESULT IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE.
Consequence:
FLUID LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKING CAPABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPOSITION THE REAR BRAKE TUBES SO THEY DO NOT CONTACT THE MOUNTING BRACKETS, INSTALL BRAKE TUBE CLIPS TO CONTROL THE LOCATION OF THE REAR BRAKE TUBES, AND APPLY ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE TUBES IN THE AREAS WHERE CONTACT WITH THE MOUNTING BRACKETS MAY HAVE OCCURRED. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Notes:
HYUNDAI RECALL NO. 061. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

ellandry

I just had the weatherstripping replaced a few days ago and they completed that very same TSB on my 03 GLS at the same time. Better safe than sorry I always say and I was impressed that my dealer was looking out for me so early in the game

jpryba

For my 2002 Elantra, it's interesting how my door trim was replaced with a "paint" of sorts while basically the rest of you have been getting the trim replaced with the same thing. Perhaps Hyundai had some dealerships test out the paint solution and then decided on new black vinyl trim for everyone else instead. Mine looks pretty good even after about 6 months, but here and there you can tell that it's different than the regular vinyl trim. I don't think someone looking at the car at random would be able to tell the difference unless told to look for it, though.

My dealership replaced another piece of trim for me last weekend. This time it's the beige trim (with a black rubber gasket around it) that goes around the inside of the door sill. It was discoloring and pitting in one area (some of the black rubber was starting to show up through it), and then the rubber was torn in another. I noticed that in the 03 and 04 Elantras on the lot, this beige colored trim was all black instead. If the same trim in my car goes bad again, I'm going to ask them to replace all the trim with this newer trim because it looks more durable and less prone to discoloration.

firemanjack

I have a 2002 Elantra presently with 24,000 miles on it. It has a shimmy in the front end/steering wheel since new..Starts at around 55-60 mph and is intermittent(comes and goes), but most of the time the wheel is shimmying slightly. The dealer..Healy Bros in Beacon,N.Y. said initially to have the rotors cut(cost me $140). No difference..Next I was advised to go to an expert wheel balancing oufit(I installed Amer Racing Rims)..He advised that the original equipment Michelin tires were no good (19,000 mi's), so, I put on 4 new Toyo Touring tires($380). He had a super balancing machine and I had them super balanced...No difference.
 Went back to Healey Bros. Hyundai and they said they were going to replace the drive shafts...seemed a tad overkillish...but..what the heck..it's their $1000 . No difference.
 Just took it back and left it for 2 days..they removed every front end part and replaced it..plus tranny mounts spindles...you name it..
 Guess what folks...No effin difference.
 I was told i would have to see the hyundai rep...I guess to discuss compensation/ replacement vehicle.
 By the way..this is the onlt problem i have with this car. It is a beautiful little car..
 If only i didn't have to go over 55 I'd keep the little bugger forever,gets up to 37 mpg and rifes like a little dream .
 I'll keep you guys advised.
 Anyone else out there have this terminal shimmy problem? Regards Jack

jpryba

Be careful when you replace your wipers! I was changing the passenger-side wiper today, and I accidentally knocked the wiper arm back into place without a wiper on it. So, there is a small chip with a few cracks coming out of it.

I think it can be repaired, so I'll have the Dent Doctor look at it when they fix a ding in one of my doors (caused by a little girl riding her bike into my car).

The crack is in the middle layer of the windshield, though, so I guess they would have to drill a small hole to get to it in order to fill it up.

Anyone here have any sort of glass-related story to tell about their Elantra?

mnorsworthy

I have the same problem with my 2001 Elantra. The dealer has tried everything with no results. The shimmy in the steering wheel, and a general car-wide vibration have been the only flaw in the car. I have had the car for 2.5 years and the vibration has no obvious solution.

Mark Norsworthy

elantraman

Posted sometime ago on the "Shimmy." Dealer replaced warped front rotors at no charge after 14 months. Has fixed problem for now (4 months ago)One tire is now about shot. Right front after 15K miles. Will have to replace all by 20K. Again that is standard in W. PA area.

firemanjack

Hey Norsworthy...This has been going on for 2.5 years and the company has not offered you a rebate/replacement vehicle..How long do they get to fix it in Canada? When it's worn out? Sheesh
 Here in New York we have a lemon law..I'm not too sure about the particulars , but I believe they get 3 shots at fixing a particular problem and then it goes to some sort of fiscal resolution..money or replacement, I guess. Funny; I've read a lot of post here and have come across none relating to lemon law resolutions. Guess that's a good thing..
 At any rate, the dealer told me he would contact me when the Hyundai Rep. comes to his shop so we can sit down and discuss some sort of resolution. Keep you guys posted...Tks Jack

mnorsworthy

Firemanjack We don't have a lemon law in Ontario, Canada, only arbitration which is funded by the auto manufacturers. A third party (supposedly unbiased) looked at the car and experienced the vibration and has reported that it is normal for the model and year, so I guess that I've 'hit the wall' on finding a solution. The process is not perfect, that is certain. I do not have any hope now of finding a remedy. I will likely give up on Hyundai and get rid of the car.

firemanjack

Sorry to hear about the dead end on the negotiations with the Provincial Authorities(I guess). What sort of vibrations are normal on a 2 1/2 year old car, I wonder? Does make you wonder how impartial these guys are.
 Anyhow..yesterday I took little Betsy over to the dealer and took a test ride with a factory rep..He noticed the vibration(shimmy)and he said he'll report it to his superior for further action..whatever that is..Maybe it will be deemed normal for the model and year...eh?
 Funny..I still love this car..It really is fun to drive. Wish they could fix it..
 Thanks for yakking bro..I'll follow this up with any particulars from Hyundai Corp.
                    Jack
By the way, I was born in Sydney,N.S. and lived in Brantford and London as a kid.

ellandry

Backy I called the dealer again and was told that If I ordered the car then I could choose an option package that included cruise control but If I didnt and the new car I bought did not have it already then I would have to buy it aftermarket from someone else. All the quotes im getting from accessory stores is$325 to $350 which personally I think is outragous. Cruise on my 95 Galant cost $150

ellandry

you know some to think of it I really was never asked if I wanted a package, but I only had one car on the lot to choose from since I wanted a manual transmission.

jimbeaumi

Fireman Jack, mine too is Betsy!! (Actually Betsy III).

mnorsworthy

Firemanjack. Thanx for the letter back. I took the Elantra to a big tire and fix it place, and the owner took the car for a ride. He will write a report on his experience and I'll take the report to my next meeting (if they give me one). I hate to say it, 'cause otherwise I like the car, but the experts are saying that the vibration and shimmy are normal on the Elantra.

firemanjack

The statement in your last post,"experts are saying that the vibration and shimmy are normal on the Elantra", makes me think the experts aren't too overwheelmed by the Elantra..if vibrations and shimmys are "normal".
 In my driving experience, no shimmy or vibration is normal in a car. At least not acceptable by my standards. And I have driven some pretty crummy cars. Any shimmy or vibration that cannot be cured by wheel balance or alignment is a defect, and hence a possible candidate for recompense from the manufacturer.
 Let me get down off this soapbox...Hehe.
 Let's hope for the best..Talk to you later.
                            Jack

jlflemmons

02 model GLS with 5spd. 24K miles and smooth as glass up to 90MPH.

Jim

coloradonj

I have a 2002 Elantra GT and bought and self installed as directed the Hyundai brand roof rack shortly after the purchase of my car. The way the instructions read are that you are to pull down the weather stripping from the body and place the metal clips for the roof rack onto the car and then replace the weather stripping where it was. Well since it is no longer a completely smooth surface, the weather stripping has cracked and broken. The dealership will not do anything since in their minds, the roof rack (even though it is Hyundai brand) voids the warranty. The weather stripping around the trunk has also worn and they are willing to replace that.

I was directed by the dealership to contact Hyundai's Corp. Service Dept, where the lady told me that the weather stripping is only guaranteed for 12 mo. or 12,000 miles which it exceeds! The last I checked Hyundai has a 5yr,100,000 mile warranty! Any suggestions?? No one will address the fact that their produce(roof rack) has damaged the weather stripping and no one will take any responsibility for it!! HELP

backy

Re the shimmy being "normal" on an Elantra... what a crock! I hate it when a service rep uses that excuse. My dealer did that to me on a rattle in the instrument panel. I had it in the shop three times for the rattle, and they toned it down a lot but then gave up, saying "it's normal for a small-engined stick-shift car." At least they didn't say it's "normal for an Elantra."

firemanjack

Thanks Backy..By the way, what's the transmission got to do with a rattle in the dash?
 I can understand the 4 cylinder part( not so much today with all the balance shaft damping), but would the noise go away if it were an automatic? Hehe..Anyhow..just waiting for Hyundai to make their offer; if they do.
 As I said before, I love this car despite the shimmy. Wish they could fix it..Jack

desg

In reality most cases of wheel shimmy are not that hard to isolate and fix, it does require some logic and perseverence however if the usual simple fixes don't work, this is where most service departments fall down though. Here is what I think are the likely possibilities - starting at the easiest

1. Bad wheel balance, yep we all know this one, all 4 wheels should be balanced and properly, at the very least it should be a dynamic balance. Oh I also make sure all 4 wheels are aligned properly as well, the car feels real skittish if the alignment is out

In my opinion this fixes most cases, but if it doesn't:

2. Faulty tyre, this could be things like the tread not being on straight, yes I've seen this happen - or some form of misformed tyre, rare but can happen

3. A Bent wheel, more common with steel wheels but possible with alloys

These are easy for dealer to check - he can borrow a set of wheels from another car that is known to not have any problems.

Now if it is still a problem then it gets more serious (and harder to find) as it implies there is something not quite true on the vehicle.

4. Slightly misformed rotor i.e. not quite square

5. Perhaps something like the arm the rotor is mounted on is not quite true.

Some of these things you might see if car is raised off ground and the wheels spun

My attitiude is man made it man can fix it.

Thats my 2 cents worth on the topic

obsidianblack

If these "shimmys" were normal, then we'd all be experiencing them. They'd all do it. It's just the mechanic's excuse. What he's really saying is, "I don't know what causing it."
  It's gotta be something very logical, and following the steps Desg outlined would be the steps I'd follow, too. A car just doesn't "shimmy" for the heck of it. Something's causing it!
  Bet if those of you with "shimmys" would follow Desg's outline,or have the mechanics do so, your "shimmy's" would be history.
  My car runs as "smooth as glass", as someone else noted.
   Good luck to you "shimmy-ers"!!

firemanjack

Thanks for the tips Desq, and just to prove their validity, all of your mentioned steps have been taken toward fixing this shimmy problem..All of them, and more..It seems to be an inherent misalignment/imbalance with this engine/transaxle..Thats my guess..
 We have reached an impasse on this...I am now at the mercy of the Hyundai Motor Company..
 Keep you posted........Jack

kev02gt

Ran across this post on the Tiburon board, hope it helps; srz948 "Hyundai Tiburon" Oct 28, 2003 8:57pm Long time reader, first post. Also bought my 02 GT at Healey.

firemanjack

Thanks for the info brother Kevin..He mentions a shimmy between 60-70 mph..Mine continues..intermitently up to 80,..smooth after that..hehe. Funny...there is mention of comparison between stock OEM wheels and Amer Racings with Toyo tires..That is exactly what I have on my car..AR rims with Toyo Touring tires.
 However...No matter what wheels are on it..the shimmy remains the same. Unfortunately.
 By the way...I have been giving some consideration to an 03 GT V-6...Healey has some leftovers, I believe..Might just check this out...after all I am into my second childhood..sheeit..maybe my third..How do you like your GT? I've had pleasant experiences with Healey's fixit guys..too many...but pleasant..
 Seeya neighbor............Jack

kev02gt

Two more weeks until the 1 year mark for my GT, and nearly 25K. Just did a Mobil 1 oil change, love the car so far- no shimmys, only one blown foglight bulb, only complaint is no traction on sheets of ice! Last Christmas after 6 weeks of ownership I drove home from N.C. in that snowstorm. No problem at all driving through the snow/slush until 20 miles from home I hit an interstate overpass that was a sheet of ice and lost control , turning nose first into the jersey barrier. $8K worth of damage including engine cradle (front frame), no injuries at all- although the airbags did not go off. Sorry so long winded- but I am very satisfied with my GT. Have only been to dealer service for the first oil change.

keziah

My car is up for the 30k Maintence, anyone give me an idea of the cost?

drmp

My 2000 elantra is already making high pitch noise when braking at 46K miles. I am thinking of ordering replacement pads. For those who already replaced their pads, wjhat was the mileage upon replacing the pads? When did you replace your rear brake linings?

Thanks a lot.

firemanjack

Hey..who needs airbags? Hehe..Like they say..most accidents happen within 20 miles of home(or was that 10 miles? Hehe).At any rate..problem free for 25K miles..Good deal..
 You must have given it a good shot to bend the
motor cradle..I'm amazed it wasn't totalled..
 Bizarre..I have a mint Elantra..never hit anything with a nasty high speed shimmy.. You whack the begeezuz out of the front end and have a smooth, shimmy free ride..What the ??
 Good talking to you bro..Did you have a good buying experience with the Healey Bros.?
                               Jack

starriver

check my post 717

firemanjack

Checked post 717..I have aftermarket rims..American racing rims..But they have been super balanced..and regular balanced 3 times..changed the rims and tires also..to no avail..It is not the tires or rims..Thanks anyway bro..interesting...Jack

hekst5

Hi all,
I have a one-year old '03 GLS with 8000 miles on it, and it has driven pretty well for the most part. I am also a first-time car owner, so maybe the questions I am asking is silly and ignorant, but I appreciate any advice you guys could give:)

1. When I start the car on a rainy day and start driving (as normal), the first couple of times when I hit the brakes, it squeals a high pitch; it eventually is gone as I continue driving during the day, and it only happens when I hit the breaks on a rainy day. Does this make sense, or is it something I have to worry about?

2. I have also noticed that I have small pieces of paint that have peeled off, and I learned that this could have been due to bird droppings from the tree that I normally park under. It seems like what is exposed now is the paint primer (about the size of a quarter), so I am wondering if I should immediatedly request a paint job, or is this not as serious as I think it should be? I don't think this is covered in the warranty, but I haven't asked the dealer yet; thought I get some feedback from you all first.

3. finally, I had tire rotations done for my car when it hit 6000 miles, and for the first few weeks, I noticed that the car would drift slightly to the right when I am driving straight. Is this normal for a recent tire rotation? The problem seemed to have died down , but I am worried that it could be some kind of misalignment.

Sorry for the long questions, but I appreciate any help and advice.

-- Car novice

jlflemmons

Brake squeal after sitting in humid conditions is normal. You are hearing the small amount of surface rust that accumulates on the shiny part of the disc when the car isn't driven for a while. This usually goes away after you use the brakes once or twice.
Get the paint seen by the dealer right away. There have been issues with some Elantras having defective paint that separates with chemical contact, like bird droppings. I believe several on this board have had their cars repainted under warranty due to this.
Sometimes a tire rotation can cause a change in the way a car handles. If the pulling is not strong, and there are no vibrations in the ride, I wouldn't worry about it. Now, if the pull is very strong to one side or the other, and/or you start getting a vibration or noise from the tires like a speed variable wah-wah sound, have the tires checked by a reputable tire store. These are signs that the tire tread may be separating and demands immediate attention.

Jim

jeffs900s

Hello all, I'm new to this Hyundai thing, and having read a bunch of the previous posts, its at least a little comforting to know my elantra is not alone in being a piece of junk.

I am impressed that some of you can actually isolate where rattles are coming from. Over every bump, mine sounds like somebody threw a 50-piece set of tupperware down the stairs.

Oh, and the car vibrates on the highway, idles irratically, wont start warm, brakes are terrible, gas mileage is in the low 20's...

If this is what its like with 1,500 miles, whats going to happen by 15,000?

I want my ford back!

jlflemmons

I am sorry you are having problems with your elantra, and that you think we all are. My '02 has 25K miles on it and is tight, rattle free, and the most trouble free car I have ever owned. If you are having that many problems with the car and cannot get the dealer to address them, you need to find another dealer.
Mine, and most folks' Elantras I have talked with, gets 28MPG in traffic, 32-36 highway, will stop on a dime and give 7 cents change. No vibrations from 0 to 90. I will say this, Elantras and most small unibody cars are VERY sensitive to tire vibration and road noise. But any tire shop worth it's salt should be able to balance a tire or figure out why it won't. Do you mind me asking what you were driving before the Elantra?

Jim

ellandry

Jeff I mean no offense but that is kinda weak basing whether or not a car is a "piece of junk" based on 1500 miles of driving it. All cars are pieces of machinery (inherently imperfect) and like any piece of machinery must be tweaked slightly from time to time. Even the almighty Hondas, Volvos, and BMWs have there share of noises etc. LOL and dont even get me started on Fords

jeffs900s

after re-reading my message, i realize it was a bit of a rant, and I mean no offense to any happy elantra owners...

I have owned many cars in the past including many small unibody cars (civics to subarus). I worked as a toyota tech for 8 years, so I am very familiar with machinery, and cars in general.

I understand that any car can have problems. And for the price I paid for the Hyundai I did not expect perfection. I also did NOT expect a laundry list of problems in the first month. My prior post hit the highlights of problems, the list is actually twice as long. (CD player skips, horn is a joke, trunk lid fits poorly etc...)

I sincerely hope that I am wrong about this car...but I'm not holding out much hope.

backy

It appears your car has at least two serious problems (vibration, brakes) and several others. But some of the problems you mention (gas mileage in low 20s and the joke horn) don't seem like problems to me, but unmet expectations. I've seen many new Elantra owners (myself included) reporting mpg in the low 20s when the car was new; it improved as the car got some miles on it. As for the horn, well, it ain't no Mack truck horn, so if you were expecting a lustier horn, I could see how you'd be disappointed--but there are aftermarket horns available. As for the trunk, that should be an easy fix by your dealer. If they aren't being responsive to these problems, then as was suggested, you should find another dealer.

themanx

Curious what year and model Elantra do you have?

ElantraStan

monsterdog2

My 2003 Elantra has a really loud wind whistling noise on the highway (particularly when it is windy) that my dealer says is from the moonroof deflector. It can be on the driver or passenger side and is a really loud whistling as opposed to a whoosing kind of wind sound that you would get if the window wasn't shutting properly. Has anyone experienced this problem? Should I press the dealer about the weather stripping or should I have the deflector uninstalled and tested before moving to the weather stripping solution? Thanks for your help.

ellandry

Monster dog take a look at my post 744. If you have the same crosswinds noise problem I had on my 03 gls then those parts will fix you up

monsterdog2

Thanks. I found the TSB for the weather strip problem so hopefully the dealer will agree that is what is going on. I'm still curious though if anyone has had wind noise because of the sunroof wind deflector? My dealer seemed pretty confident the deflector was the problem when I called about it.

thebun

Jack,

Have your dealer run the car up to 65 - 70 on the lift, without the front wheels. My shimmy can be felt slightly in the steering wheel in this speed range. But, it vibrates the the lift and if I keep my arm resting on the roof I can feel it there as well. Custom wheels and new tires have corrected 90% of my shimmy. I suspect on of the rotors is causing the rest. Have an appointment this Thursday to have dealer try to locate remaining cause of vibration. FYI: I did have my front rotors cut to correct a brake pedal pulsation condition. However, one of the rotors makes a noticeable shudder noise when braking from 70 down to 60. There was a reply to me in the Hyundai newsgroup that said to replace the rotors as they probably have some hotspot variation to their dimensions causing an out of balance situation.

Hope this may help you.

Paul

themanx

Paul, keep us posted on your shimmy fix.

Hope the dealer can find it for you.

good luck!

ElantraStan

firemanjack

Yeah paul..You and i share a few things in common.
 I put American racing rims on the car and new Toyo touring tires..i have 24,000 miles on the car right now..I have had a noticable shimmy in the wheel since the car was new between 60 and 80 MPH..and it is intermittent(bizarre). However most of the time it is shimmying.I had the rotors cut about 5,000 miles ago..had the front end aligned twice and all front end parts replaced..including the drive shafts. The tranny mount was closely checked.All these things have been done and it still has the same symptoms as since new. The Hyundai rep. took a ride with me awhile ago and said they will get back to me as to a resolution(?)..whatever that is..Still waiting for word from Hyundai..By the way..all else having to do with this car has been positive...good dealer etc.They have worked their asses off trying to resolve this, and I love the car.. I t's just that the shimmy is very annoying..Anyhow..Keep us apprised in your quest for the quiet steering wheel , and thanks for the input bro.....Jack

dfuller4

I bought a new Elantra VE in 2000 and have put 178000KM (110000 miles) of fast highway driving on it to date. The only problem was a left front wheel bearing at 150000KM (about 90000 miles). The only other car I've owned in 45 years that approached this reliability was a 94 Excel!

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Hyundai to anyone.