Hyundai Azera 2006

cobrazera

I have debadged my '06 Azera, under the "Hyundai" on the rear, mine was painted glossy body color. The badges are just tape, so why would it not be painted like the rest of the body? Maybe yours is just dirty?
I replaced the "Limited" badge with "S380" and the big "H" on the decklid with a "TG Grandeur" badge. The front was debadged by going with the Road Runs Mesh Grille. The car is no longer " luggied " in parking lots ( I live in a GM town ).
The Azera is pretty obscure, and without badges, it sure gets people guessing.

Pics of the car are on my Carspace site.

allmet33

How do you like the K&N filter, do you notice a difference? I've been considering one for my Azera.

The calipers will look good painted, but would look even better if you were to change your wheels to a more open design so you can really see the calipers better. I know wheel upgrades aren't for everyone though.

As far as the bulb upgrade...I had that problem before, but when I started using the Sylvania Silverstar Ultras, I haven't had that problem. Also, I had replaced the fog lights with hyper yellow bulbs (before hearing about the yellow film) and I haven't had any issues with those bulbs (Nokya) either.

I spoke to someone that did install the strut brace and he has noticed more sure turns with the strut brace on. I think it really serves to add some rigidity up front and lessen any front body flex in turns.

I debaged mine, but I have left the circled "H" on the back for now. I haven't decided which aftermarket emblem to go with as of yet. The paint under the lettering isn't flat, that's the adhesive...all you need to do is spray some WD-40 on it and wipe it off, then go over it with some wax and it should be clean and shiny.

I am also considering blacking out the rear tail lights with some of that tinted film and putting the smoked tint on the headlights. I'm also trying to figure out a way to install some LED's in the headlights so that I will have a sort of daytime running light.

ricwhite

I like the K&N filters. I think there is a subtle difference in engine performance and fuel economy. It is slight, however, maybe 5% or so.

I'm on the bubble about getting new wheels. I know my stock wheels won't show the painted calipers as well, but they're not bad. I thinking about the cost, mainly.

I think I will de-badge the back. Does anybody know the legality involved with putting badges of other brands or models on your vehicle? Is that legal? Also, is it legal to put LED lights on various parts of the car? Is it legal to shade over the rear lights? I thought they have to be a certain brightness. Just wondering.

On another topic . . . I had my windows tinted when I first bought the Azera. My front windshield has since been replaced. (In the winter the front windshield suddenly cracked from one side to the other close to the bottom). I didn't get the replacement windshield re-tinted. It's odd, but you really can't tell it's not. Anyway, I just wanted to say that the replacement windshield for the Azera was almost $800 discounted. I just about fell over when I heard how much it costs to replace. It's a heated windshield and it has the rain sensor -- very costly replacement items.

allmet33

In this day and age, a 5% increase is GREAT!

Well...weigh the cost of getting 4 new tires as opposed to looking around for a complete wheel & tire package. Sometimes the difference is only a few hundred dollars. In the end, it boils down to what you feel is really for you. Personally, I like having a 2nd set of wheels & tires. I take my chrome ones off in the fall and put the OEM wheels on for the winter. Come middle of spring, I put the bling back on.

There's no legal issues with removing badging and replacing it with anything else. The car is yours, you own it. I've seen an Acura Integra running around my area with Lexus symbols on it. Another guy took a '02-'05 Sonata and put the Jaguar hood ornament on it.

Check with your state laws concerning adding lights to the exterior of your car. Side marker lights are okay (I believe), you can also do the angle eye treatment. There are also LED's you can get installed in your headlights (don't think you can put red in though).

Shading the tail lights...tricky, but with the brightness of the LED's in the Azera tail lights, it shouldn't be an issue if you simply smoke them out and not do a dark tint.

It's legal to tint the front winshield where you are??? I wish that were the case here. You can get it done only if you have a doctor's note saying that it's required. Yeah...I expect the windshield to be costly due to it having the heating elements to thaw out the wipers so they don't stay stuck in icy conditions. It would sound like you needed to put in a claim with your auto insurance to get it replaced and just pay the deductible (unless you have a high deductible).

windycity7

I had a squealing sound while driving but would stop when braking. They said it was my rear brakes. How can my rear brakes wear out before the front brakes? They said the squealing was from the wear indicators. Is it reasonable for rear brakes to wear before front brakes?

jerrybiker

Could the stabilization system have helped wear out the rear break pads before the front? I believe that the stabilization system uses the rear brakes to stabilize the car during sharp turns.
Jerry

allmet33

I guess it depends on your driving habits. I do know that before my Azera, the rear brake pads would typically last twice as long as the front pads (seemed to be the case with all my past cars). However, with the ESC system on the Azera...it employs the rear brakes at times it feels correction is needed. I don't know how sensitive the system is, but it would seem to be a major player in the fact of the rear pads wearing so quickly.

I replaced my front pads (with OEM Hyundai pads) at around 35K miles and th rear pads (Monroe ceramic) at about 37K miles. I recently replaced the fronts again with Akebono ceramic pads from www.rockauto.com. So the 2nd stint I only got about 20-25K miles, but the rear pads seem to be going strong as I'm just over 57K miles now.

windycity7

i guess i didn't think ESC would impact the rear brake wear. I guess i'm good at 45,000 miles before my first brake pads on my 06 Azera!

allmet33

I didn't either, but after understanding how the system works...one thing it does is use the rear brakes to assist in keeping the car on course. Again, I don't know how sensitive the system is and how much of an effect it actually has on brake wear, but it's the only thing different between this Azera and cars I've had in the past.

As far as the mileage you'll get out of the pads, it all depends on the type of driving one does. Me, I'm a little heavy on the foot and I do a lot 85-90% city driving, so my brakes are used regularly and often on a daily basis. The weekends are when they get a "brake"! LOL Okay, I couldn't help that one.

nvbanker

How can my rear brakes wear out before the front brakes?

That can easily happen, depends mostly on the size differential of the brakes. Generally the rear brakes are smaller than the front ones, and if they are substantially smaller, they can wear out before the front ones do. It's all in the design of the car.

jerrybiker

The rear brake pads can also wear out because of the ESC (Stability system). When you drive hard in a curved road, the ESC may activate the rear brakes to stabilize the car. I usually turn the ESC off when driving around town. There is an ESC switch on the lower left side of the dash. The ESC sensitivity may be set to be too sensitive and activate the rear brakes when its not necessary?
Hope this helps.

windycity7

Thanks. I don't know if this issue of rear brakes is well known with ESC systems on most new cars

allmet33

Thanks. I don't know if this issue of rear brakes is well known with ESC systems on most new cars

Don't really know if it's an issue, but with ESC systems employ the use of rear brakes so it makes sense that they don't last as long as cars that don't have them. I guess it all boils down to how sensitive the ESC system is, coupled with one's driving habits as to how long the rear pads will last.

144tap

Question? Does anyone know about upgrading to the improved radio remote that's available say at dreamka4u. I would like to change channels from the steering wheel. Is this something that I could switch out or my local Hyundai body shop ?
P.S. I think I'll turn my ESC off for awhile, see how it handles.

allmet33

There are posts covering the upgraded steering wheel remote swap out. One post even has detailed pics showing you everything.

Please note, you will have to turn your ESC off every single time you start your car. Once the engine is shut of, it automatically comes back on the next time you start your car.

cobrazera

it employs the rear brakes at times it feels correction is needed
ESC, according to everything I have read, brakes opposite wheels ( right front and left rear, or left front and right rear ) when the software detects a potential spin. It functions using yaw sensors and wheel speed sensors.
IMO, one would have to be driving very agressively in order to activate the ESC, and when it does activate - an instument panel light indicates as such.
In the two years I have had my Azera, the ESC has activated only once, and that was on a rutted, snowy road.
I would look elsewhere as to the cause of rapid rear brake pad wear.

allmet33

I would look elsewhere as to the cause of rapid rear brake pad wear.

I doubt it...everything you said is correct and what you don't account for his how sensitive the ESC system on the Azera may be. Not to mention, the smaller pads on the back would wear faster than the larger ones up front as well. Coupled with one's driving habits...I think the ESC would be the very reason the rear pads don't wear as long as a car without ESC. I say that because there is no indicator as to when the ESC kicks in, unlike the traction control system. That is probably due to the fact that it would light up more often than you might think.

tenpin288

I say that because there is no indicator as to when the ESC kicks in, unlike the traction control system

Actually there is. This is direct from the 2006 Azera owner's manual

When the ESC is operating, the ESC indicator
in the instrument cluster will blink.
If you turn the system off by pressing the
ESC switch, the ESC-OFF indicator will
come on and stay on. In the ESC-OFF
mode, the stability control will be deactivated.
Adjust your driving accordingly. To
turn the system back on, press the switch
again. The ESC-OFF indicator should go
off.
NOTE:
o The ESC mode will automatically be
turned ON after the engine is turned
off and restarted.
o A click sound may be heard in the
engine compartment when the vehicle
begins to move after the engine
is started. These conditions are normal
and indicate that the Electronic
Stability Control System is functioning
properly.

I live in south-central PA in the Laurel Highlands and believe me, we get road conditions in the winter that will trigger ESC. I have had a few Hyundai's with ESC and any time it kicks in, there is an ESC warning light in the IP cluster that lights up.

cobrazera

Since the ESC brakes the front as well as the rear, why would only the rear wear be affected by ESC activation?
BTW, magazine tests of the Azera did not mention an overly sensitive ESC - they did mention, however, that Charger and Avalon systems are.
IMO, you're on the right track with the idea of smaller pads, though.

144tap

Mike, thanks for the search direction. I found what I was looking for in the early pages (below 7) in the audio/entertainment posts. I ordered the gray radio remote from Dreamka4u and learned from the different posts proper R/R. My T40 is on a socket which reduces my depth, so to speak. Gots to get a different one. Thanks,Tim.

alymac

Hi,
I de-badged my 2006 Azera,,,a chap who does terrific work in making new
badges....is Thomas Luscher..his company is think 3D..its on the internet.
He made me the word" Azera" which I used to replace the" Hyundai" on the trunk, and
3 Azera emblems....one on each fender and one made for the grill..the grill that doesnot have the H on it.I am going to send him a disc with the pictures so he can post on his site..but check out his site ..great work.I wanted some subtle changes and have had lots of compliments

alymac

Allmet33
Re the "H" on the trunk...............I had Thomas Luscher of Think3D..its on the internet...... make me an Azera "A" on the same size emblem GT sold by Koreanautoimports..fits just fine.Looks great
Alymac

alymac

Hi,
Bought my switch from dreamka4u..its simple to change..just plug and play..the H yundai was obviously goinf to offer it on the 2007 as it was , as I said, just a simple
switch on my 2006.
Do you know of anyone whose has lowered the Azera using coilovers or lowering springs
alymac

144tap

I don't know about lowering the Zerra. Personally, I don.t think there's much travel in the suspension as is. It's great on the high speed freeways, but there's too many complaints in these forums and car magazines about bumpy/uneven road surfaces and the Zerra. Oh, I bought a T40 with a longer reach. Now I'm waiting for the part from Dreamka4u.

allmet33

Okie dokie...I did some driving this weekend to find out about the whole ESC thing.

The ESC does not indicate when the system is activated in terms of the braking system.

The ESC system DOES light up when the traction control kicks in as it is a part of the ESC program.

I have pushed the Azera into turns aggressively that would force the ESC to kick in to help make corrections and not one time did the ESC light up. However, mashing the gas pedal and making the tires break loose causes the traction control to kick in, thus lighting the ESC up on the dash.

Not trying to make an argument here, just providing real world testing information. Again, I do believe the braking portion of the ESC program is meant to be as inobtrusive as possible. Think about how many curves or turns people make at too high a speed sometimes (in this area...regularly and often) and the ESC would most likely feel that assistance is needed. I do believe that the reason the rear brakes wear out more quickly has to do with a combination of ESC, as well as the fact that the rear pads are smaller than the front ones.

I'll let you know if the ceramic pads make a difference in pad life. I'm creeping up on the 35K mile mark for the rear pads I replaced at around 37K miles. If I get to 70K and they need replacing then it's definitely an issue since ceramics are supposed to last longer.

gamleged

Does the parking brake engage the rear brake calipers, or is there a separate mechanism? People do accidently leave their parking brake on, from time to time...

allmet33

The parking brake does indeed engage the rear brakes, but the effect that would have is negligible at best. Not unless you drove off with the parking brake on regularly! If the parking brake is applied correctly, then there should be pretty good resistance to the car moving at all when you apply the gas. If you are able to pull off easily with the p-brake engaged, you didn't have it engaged fully.

nvbanker

That's amazing....you have a beautiful car, extraordinary for the money, yet youi're afraid to be seen in a Hyundai, so you rebadge the car?? I'm sure a good psychotherapist could find a host of insecurities in there somewhere. You could put Lexus badges on the car, but it won't change what it is. Personally, I don't think there is anything wrong with driving a Hyundai - it says you are smart enough to get value for your dollar and are still getting a nice car, which the Azera is in spades. Changing the badges, says you are ashamed to be driving a Hyundai. And that's too bad.

allmet33

Nvbanker...we've had this discussion before and to be honest...debadging a car doesn't mean you're ashamed of it at all. It's just some folks like to personalize a car completely. I can assure you, there are plenty of folks riding around in the DC Metro area with MB's and they have debadged them as well, not to mention a few BMW's as well...are they ashamed??? To be honest, all that badging clutters up the look of a vehicle.

The other line of thinking too...why should we be rolling advertising for the company when we get nothing out of it? Ever think about that? You pay for and continuously lose money every day you own a car just to be free advertising for the company, right? When I purchase a car, I don't even let the dealership put their name anywhere on the car, no badge, sticker or even license plate frame...zip, nada...NOTHING!!! If they want to pay me a monthly fee, then I might do it.

Anyway, go easy on the guy because removing the badging doesn't mean squat. Just because you might not do it, don't knock the next guy that does. I'm sure he loves his car with his custom badging as much as you do with your OEM badging.

144tap

I'm only responding cause I wanna be post #201, but I agree with Mike. WE DON"T NEED NO STINKING BADGES!!!, So, Nvbanker I think it simply boils down to preference, I like the clean look, so I've removed all but the H and Azera on the rear trunk lid and installed an H less front grill. On the other hand my father-in-law could care less and hasn't done squat to his '08. Oh, why did he buy one? ME, of course!

gamleged

I read a post a year or so back that said there was an owner of a Bentley who had de-badged his ride and had placed Hyundai badges on it as a little quiet understatement, or maybe to help ensure that it remained parked where he left it.

One or two folks expressed outrage that he would do such a thing!...

allmet33

Somewhere, in the northern VA area, there's a red Acura Integra running around with Lexus badges on it. I kid you not...I was sitting behind it at a light and I'm looking at it, seeing the Lexus "L", but not recognizing the car. So I finally get beside it and see it's the Integra. Not sure what he was trying to accomplish, but is he ashamed to own an Acura?

Also in northern VA, there's a Hyundai Sonata running around (02-05 body style) with the Jaguar hood ornament on the hood. He left the Hyundai badging on, but added the leaping Jag on the hood. Wishful thinking on his part?

I don't know why folks get in an uproar when they read or hear about someone debadging their car. Last time I checked, once someone purchases a car, it's theirs to do with what they please. Considering there are so many of a particular model on the road, there are plenty that desire to do a little something to stand apart from the crowd and individualize their car. What exactly is wrong with that? :confuse:

pat

I think some folks debadge or switch badges because it amuses them to confuse people. Sounds like fun to me, actually!

allmet33

In the case of the new Genesis, I can see that. I mean...in passing it could easily be mistaken for the Lexus LS or the Infiniti M.

pat

Right, but the Integra had you puzzled to the point where you had to figure it out for yourself. That's what I meant by amusing to the owner, creating a puzzle for others to solve.

allmet33

Oh...by all means, I'm not arguing that fact at all. I'm sure that it's one of the reasons some folks debadge their car.

nvbanker

Just think debadging makes a statement - it does to me. Last time I checked, I could still think that in America. And, you have the option to hide or change your car's identity if you wish. Probably my reaction comes from a colleague who bought an Isuzu Trooper a few years back, and took the Isuzu off, so people wouldn't know she bought a Japanese car. Clearly, there was an issue there, as she had never taken off her Ford, Chevy or Dodge emblems before. Thank you all for enlightening me on the counter-disciplines apparent in this act that I had totally missed.

Meanwhile, I have left my Thunderbird, Lexus and Mercury emblems on my own cars.

carolinabob

Definitely a personal right, that's why I don't let dealers put their names on my cars.
On the other hand, it does help Hyundai to build its brand recognition base if more people see Hyundais, particularly Azeras, Genesis' and Veracruzs. That might increase sales and help with resale values and lowered production costs in the future.

gamleged

The "outrage" that I'd earlier referred to was implied by party or parties who saw the act of putting Hyundai badges on a Bentley as a form of sacrilege to the esteemed Bentley! The Bentley owner also has the right to alter the badging and to thus cleverly "downplay" his ride, if he choses, and as mentioned above, to maybe have a little fun in the process, tweaking the sensibilities of those who would reverently remove their hats in hushed admiration for a $100+k auto as it passes by... :shades:

101649

Allmet

Have you seen a front splitter or air dam for the '06 Azzy??? I've seen a lot of rear deck spoilers, but haven't run across a front dam....

allmet33

101649

Well...if you look on Korean Auto Imports...they have a few different body kits for the Azera, if you contact James (info@koreanautoimports.com) he can tell you how much it would be to just buy the front air dam.

If you go with splitters, you may have to find one that's sorta universal and have them custom fit to your car.

Good luck!

ilikelittlecar

disc brakes? if they are they will out because of the dirt that gets on them from the car spray. You should only use drums on the back of a cheap car.

allmet33

If dirt were an issue (which it's not), you would hear the squealing when the brakes are applied. If you hear a squealing sound while driving, it's more than likely the brake pad sensor letting you know it's time for a new set of pads.

Please explain why drum brakes should only be used on cheap cars, I'm sure there are plenty dying to hear this explanation.

gilbertla63

Hi, all. I am new to this forum. I have a 2006 Sonata that, upon start up, makes, what I believe is either a ticking noise. The noise stays around for 5 to 7 minutes and does go away. If the car is restarted around 1.5 or 2 hours after being run, the noise comes back. I have also learned that around 1700 to 2000 rpm's, I have like a ticking noise that is constant. I use Valvoline oil in the vehicle, and it's non-synthetic. I think at my next oil change, I will go with completely synthetic. The car has 48,700 miles on it and was a previous rental car. Is using a completely non-synthetic a good idea, or should I use half synthetic, or regular oil? I don't know, but, from what I have read, it may be valve lash. Any advice would be extremely helpful and welcome.

Thanks!

Derek

nvbanker

Synthetic oil is always a good idea, and will never hurt your car. However, it may not fix your problem either, as it is not likely a lubrication issue, even though better lubrication may mitigate the problem for a while.

allmet33

I know in some cases when you start a cold engine, there's no oil in the upper part of the motor and it's usually the lifters that click until they're lubricated. I've heard that same thing, usually with cold morning starts...rarely when it's warm out though.

As far as the ticking at 1700-2000 rpm...don't know.

Synthetic is truly a good choice, especially with today's engines. I ran synthetic blend in my '02 Sonata, but with my '06 Azera, it's been all synthetic.

allmet33

Okay...you want a Genesis, but financially it just doesn't look like the numbers will work for you. Don't fret, I feel your pain. Well...for those that want one, get the next best thing!



KIA - Azera Genesis Grille

fourteen14

Very nice!

But what is with the rudder on the hood!??!

PS: I asked my wife, (since it is primarily her car), if she would like to get rid of the 'H' on the grill. To which she replied: "What 'H'???!"

grayfox

The "Rudder" on the hood is a part used on Korean models of the Azera called the Grandeur.

144tap

Say Mike, I was interested with the replacement Genesis grill UNTIL I found out the price tag. WOW, it was over twice the price of my "H" less replacement grill, which by the way, looks pretty good for $100. Now, in all fairness if I hadn't gone "H"less last Jan., this is one sweet grill I would go for.