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Hyundai Santa Fe Maintenance and Repair (2006 and earlier)

1931 messages,  Last post on May 10, 2013 at 9:18 AM

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Messages Page 136 of 193

#1351 of 1931 Frequent Serpentine Belt Replacement 2002 SF by seasmoke14

Jul 14, 2006 (9:10 am)

I own a 2002 Santa Fe GLS 4WD, mileage 10,685 (NOT a typo!). 95% of my driving is considered highway (14 miles from town on a 2-lane road, no stoplights). Almost NO stop-and-start driving.
 
I had to have the serpentine belt replaced at 8,100 miles (July 2004); it was 'jingling'. The jingling noise was present when I bought the car new from a Hyundai dealer. Dealer said, "Oh, that's just a noise the Hyundais make, no need for concern." (Right!) Now just over 2,500 miles after replacing the belt, I need to replace it again. This time the minor jingling sound went to full screech the last time I drove the car.
 
I'm going to have to have it towed; I'm afraid to drive it. The nearest dealer is 40+ miles away; I live in the boondocks. I would rather not attempt to get it to a dealer, as I would have difficulty getting home again and returning to pick up the car (unless they will give me a loaner), since I assume the dealer won't do a "quick change" while I wait. So I'll bite the bullet and pay to have it towed somewhere relatively local (15-20 miles instead of 40).
 
The car is still under warranty and the Hyundai Roadside Assistance program would cover towing to a dealer. In the end, I'd spend as much because of other issues (like having to rent a car).
 
It's pretty much a given that the mechanic who changes the belt will not have much familiarity with Hyundais. Is there something I should have the mechanic look for that might be causing this problem? A serpentine belt should have a longer life-expectancy. Is it possible I am doing something to cause the problem (or not doing something I should be doing)? Aside from this annoying problem, I LOVE the car. One obvious mistake I made, but would probably do it again... I purchased the car in Virginia two weeks before moving to Maine. Was unaware that there are few Hyundai dealerships in Maine, all distant from my home.
 
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thank you! Linda

#1352 of 1931 Re: Frequent Serpentine Belt Replacement 2002 SF [seasmoke14] by targettuning

Jul 14, 2006 (10:03 am)

Replying to: seasmoke14 (Jul 14, 2006 9:10 am)
Linda, there is an idler pulley that the belt rides on. It simply is a guide for the belt as it drives accessories such as power steering pump, alternator, AC compressor. The belt DOES ride on this pulley and it does have bearings although it drives nothing but simply provides a guide or path for the belt as it twists between other driven items. If the bearings start to fail within this idler it will 1.) drag and prematurely damage the serpentine belt causing the need for it to be replaced before its time and 2.)if the bearings completely fail it will squeal and it will not freely spin causing the belt to drag over it so maybe the belt will start to smoke slightly from friction. Either way this could be the cause OR a driven accessory could be in the process of failing and since all of those also have bearings that could be the cause of the noise. But, I have heard of the idler pulley failing before so that would be my first choise.

#1353 of 1931 Re: Frequent Serpentine Belt Replacement 2002 SF [targettuning] by seasmoke14

Jul 14, 2006 (10:16 am)

Replying to: targettuning (Jul 14, 2006 10:03 am)
targettuning, thank you soooo much! I will make a note of the information you provided and make sure the idler pulley and other possibilities are checked. I may just go ahead and let the dealer do this, even if it costs me $$$. I assume their service techs are trained in Hyundai repair, which I know will not be the case if I take it to someone closer to me.
 
I didn't see any smoking, but I was freaking out a bit over the squeal. So a minimal amount of smoke might have escaped my notice. I was pretty close to home when the squeal started, maybe 1/4 mile or less. Linda

#1354 of 1931 Re: Frequent Serpentine Belt Replacement 2002 SF [seasmoke14] by jpanozzo1

Jul 14, 2006 (11:38 am)

Replying to: seasmoke14 (Jul 14, 2006 10:16 am)
Linda..if you had the first belt replaced at the dealer you should argue they didn't do a thorough analysis of why the belt failed so soon. It also appears you are still within the 5 year warranty. If they give you a hard time tell them you will contact Hyundai and your local Better Business Bureau. Don't argue but don't back down... just state what you will do if they don't fix a problem THEY caused.
 
In the future, when a dealer tells you ALL vehicles have some problem, get it in writing signed by the service manager... even if you have to prepare the letter. Usually, you will be surprised how quick they will address your problem rather than sign a letter. If they don't sign, send the letter with another letter to Hyundai and the BBB with your attempts to get the problem fixed.
 
Hate to say it but this is a sexist issue. Dealers know women are usually not mechanics and they blow you off with phony excuses.
 
Joe in Texarkana

#1355 of 1931 Re: Frequent Serpentine Belt Replacement 2002 SF [jpanozzo1] by seasmoke14

Jul 21, 2006 (7:34 am)

Replying to: jpanozzo1 (Jul 14, 2006 11:38 am)
Thanks, Joe!
My car is now at the dealer's; I had it towed 7/19, HRA. Very nice service advisor. (I realize nice doesn’t = thorough or knowledgeable.) SA seems to genuinely want to correct the problem.
 
Service tech has inspected serpentine belt, idler pulley, components driven by pulley, bearings for all related parts. No problem found. No noise detected. The high-pitched screech I experienced hasn’t been replicated, nor does anyone hear the 'jingling' noise.
 
The jingling I hear sounds rather like the sound made by a tambourine when shaken. It's definitely audible, but not a harsh or loud sound. The screech occurred following a drive of about 35 miles, a half-hour rest with the engine off, and another 35 mile drive. The screech was a one-time occurrence, after which I did not drive the car. So I'm thinking maybe the screech only occurs when the engine or something else is well heated after a somewhat lengthy drive time. The screech and jingling are not velocity related (i.e., doesn't occur at a particular speed). The jingling is audible to me as long is the engine is running, even after just starting the car with the engine cold.
 
The dealer (service advisor) is sending someone (service manager) on a lengthier drive this morning. I told them to ensure radio turned off and all 4 windows open 2 or 3 inches. I can hear the 'jingle' if the engine is running and I am outside the car; I can also hear it when I am driving the car (with or without the radio on; more audible with passenger-side windows open a bit). It is definitely not as obvious if other sounds interfere. I can't tell for certain whether the noise is coming from under the hood or beneath the car. When driving past solid objects (curbs, building walls, etc.) the noise ricochets back and is much more audible than if it doesn’t have the opportunity to bounce off something.
 
I know all about sexist issues where women and cars are concerned. I do not blow off easily. I did tell the service advisor I was returning to this forum to see if anyone had suggestions. He was pleased. Happy to have assistance.
 
If all else fails, I am going to return to the dealer and take a ride with one of their mechanics (or service manager). I would prefer not to go that route, as I am 45 miles from the dealer.
 
If anyone has suggestions as to another likely source of the noise, or if you think there might be a drive component that has been overlooked, please. . . HELP!
 
Thanks! Linda

#1356 of 1931 Re: Frequent Serpentine Belt Replacement 2002 SF [seasmoke14] by jpanozzo1

Jul 21, 2006 (12:45 pm)

Replying to: seasmoke14 (Jul 21, 2006 7:34 am)
Linda
If you can hear the jingling noise even at idle, others should hear the same sound, especially if standing outside the vehicle. Although it may be a pain, arrange to get to the dealer first thing in the morning before other customers. Sometimes other sounds, such as engines running or others talking in the garage, can disrupt hearing minor sounds.
 
You indicated the sound has existed since the vehicle was new, so I would take some significant steps in the short run to get the problem out of my life because it will continue to aggravate the hell out of you.
 
Does anybody else, including non-mechanic friends, hear the sound? Having others substantiate your experience helps to bolster your mental attitude, in other words you ain't just some crazy person with strange hearing.
 
The only sound I have heard that is somewhat similiar is when combustion is not correct, but that is more like loose marbles in a tin can.
 
Best of luck...
 
Joe in Texarkana

#1357 of 1931 Re: Problems with my Santa Fe [pattyrobbins] by astone11

Jul 21, 2006 (4:45 pm)

Replying to: pattyrobbins (Jun 20, 2006 11:31 am)
I am having the EXACT same problem!! So I took it to the hyundai dealership on Wednesday and what did they say?? "after conducting all of our tests we couldn't find anything wrong. What you do need though is a transmission flush...that should clear everything up." So I spent the money on the flush, which I knew I needed anyway even though the dealership charged me twice as much as places like Jiffy Lube because they have "specific fluids for the hyundai" and guess what...I still have the problem! I haven't called them back yet because I'm so annoyed. I guess I will tomorrow with a print out of this website.

#1358 of 1931 Re: Problems with my Santa Fe [astone11] by jpanozzo1

Jul 21, 2006 (6:41 pm)

Replying to: astone11 (Jul 21, 2006 4:45 pm)
They do have a specific fluid to assure your money flows from your wallet to their cashier...a slippery substance called BS. Ask the service manager how a flush would fix a rattling sound and document his answer. Write it down as he talks because you want to make sure in your letter to Hyundai that you are quoting him.
 
Also, point out that they assured you the flush "would clear everything up" and it HAS NOT. That statement is ludicrous. Flushes can replaced worn out fluids and are good preventative maintenance to avoid future problems, but they usually cannot cure an existing ill, especially odd noises. A tranny flush is no different than changing the oil in your car; it prevents problems but won't fix a worn part.
 
The sound that I am referring to may be a problem with an oxygen sensor...anybody at this forum please correct me if I am wrong. However, that should have been easily caught with the diagnostics they performed.
 
If the vehicle was making the same sound when you picked it up, you should have dragged the service manager to the vehicle at that point. Can ANYBODY else hear the sound you are referring to?
 
Joe in Texarkana

#1359 of 1931 Re: Problems with my Santa Fe [jpanozzo1] by astone11

Jul 22, 2006 (4:43 am)

Replying to: jpanozzo1 (Jul 21, 2006 6:41 pm)
My problem isn't a noise...my problem is that my transmission is slipping and when it shifts it jerks forward. I have 87,000 miles on my 03 santa fe and this started about a month ago. Luckily it is still under warranty so we'll see what they say when I go back. But I'm starting to learn some good lessons when taking my car to the dealership!!! Thanks for your help!!

#1360 of 1931 Re: Frequent Serpentine Belt Replacement 2002 SF [seasmoke14] by targettuning

Jul 22, 2006 (4:52 am)

Replying to: seasmoke14 (Jul 21, 2006 7:34 am)
OK a jingling noise at idle and also while driven. I think Joe suggested an oxygen sensor but I think not. More likely a heat shield somewhere around the exhaust/cat. converter. A faulty oxygen sensor will trigger a fault code...turn on the "check engine lamp" and you will probably know if and when it happens by these symptoms. If heard at idle does the frequency or amplitude (loudness) of this noise change if the engine is revved somewhat in park? Is it a constant regardless of engine and vehicle speed? You realize, of course, long distance diagnostics is an "iffy" thing and there are plenty of nooks and crannys in a complex vehicle where thing that "jingle" can lurk? Regardless if it obvious to you the tech. needs to "isolate" that particular noise while riding along with you. If it is more obvious with the passenger window open while driving past noise reflectors such as buildings do that and take as long as needed until he/she at least acknowledges they hear it.

Messages Page 136 of 193

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