[kc66]

Hi All,
This is my first post.
Time to send my 2005 Elantra GLS for its 60k service.
Here is the breakdown of my local dealer's quote:

timing belt & drive belts $399.99
fuel injector svc $106.99 [why do I need this? Not mentioned in my Hyundai maintenance log book]
trans svc $84.99
coolant svc $74.99 [does it cost that much to flush the coolant?]
power steering flush $85.99 (if needed)
rotate & balance $39.99 [don't need it, comes with tire purchase]
air filter $13.12 [do it myself]
pcv valve $38.00 [pcv valve is cheap on rockauto.com. I feel like doing this myself but am scared of breaking something]
throttle body svc $39.99 [what is this? Again, not mentioned in the maintenance log]
spark plugs & wires $125.00 [looks like a rip-off to me. Will buy spark plugs and try to change them myself]
clean, lube, adjust rear brakes $44.99
(same for front if needed)
a/c system check $41.25


My comments are in [...]
All advice/comments are welcome!
One question:
Is a spark plug cable = spark plug wire?
My Elantra is a 2.0 CVVT
Do I have to change my spark plug wires?
On rockauto.com a set of 4 spark plug wires cost any where from ～$30 to
~$40. Looks pricey to me for a bunch of wires...
Any brand recommendation is very welcome.

I live in the East Stroudsburg area in PA right next to NJ not far from I-80.
Will be very grateful for any recommendation for a good mechanic in the area who can do the job for somewhat less $$$!

Thanks!
kc

This is to follow up my previous post. What are the tools that I need to
replace the spark plugs and the PCV valve?

I am really new this. I should be able to buy them at Sears right?

kc

 

[steev-o]

Holy f-in balls dude!! that is a lot of stuff they're trying to seel you:

Here is my opinion (and more will follow for sure haha)

timing belt & drive belts $399.99 (can be done, 90k is recommended, but never hurts)
fuel injector svc $106.99 (not neccesary i think)
trans svc $84.99 (about right, good price too)
coolant svc $74.99 (rip-off imo)
power steering flush $85.99 (rip-off imo)
rotate & balance $39.99 9if it comes with the tire purchase, why do they charge you?)
air filter $13.12 (DIY)
pcv valve $38.00 (dont know about this)
throttle body svc $39.99 (cleaning TB i think, and just checking -> DIY imo)
spark plugs & wires $125.00 (always good, never hurts, but easier, and cheaper to DIY)
clean, lube, adjust rear brakes $44.99 (up to you)
a/c system check $41.25 (is ok, cuz if AC breaks your f-ed)

 

[ori11]

Hi All,
timing belt & drive belts $399.99
fuel injector svc $106.99 [why do I need this? Not mentioned in my Hyundai maintenance log book]
trans svc $84.99
coolant svc $74.99 [does it cost that much to flush the coolant?]
power steering flush $85.99 (if needed)
rotate & balance $39.99 [don't need it, comes with tire purchase]
air filter $13.12 [do it myself]
pcv valve $38.00 [pcv valve is cheap on rockauto.com. I feel like doing this myself but am scared of breaking something]
throttle body svc $39.99 [what is this? Again, not mentioned in the maintenance log]
spark plugs & wires $125.00 [looks like a rip-off to me. Will buy spark plugs and try to change them myself]
clean, lube, adjust rear brakes $44.99
(same for front if needed)
a/c system check $41.25

Here are the list of things I recommend you do on your own for your 60K service:

(1) Change engine oil and oil filter. I like synthetic 0W-30 for my car and the K&N oil filter. This is a simple but messy job.

(2) Replace air filter. I used to use the K&N air filter but I'm currently using a dry-flow air filter that came with my CAI system.

(3) Replace spark plugs. I bought my Denso platinum-tipped spark plugs for around $24.00. If your spark plug cables aren't old and weak, then you don't need to replace them just yet. Just be sure to make sure the spark plug gap is correct and use some anti-seize before installing the new spark plugs.

(4) Bleed and replace with new brake fluid. This is a simple but time-consuming job. I like the ATE Super Blue DOT4 brake fluid.

(5) Replace your P/S fluid. You can use a siphon pump to take some old fluid out of the reservoir and then put some new fluid in. Repeat this procedure around 3-4 times throughout a one-week period. If you want to be more thorough, disconnect the P/S fluid return line from the reservoir, drain your old P/S fluid, and replenish with new fluid. Check your service manual for the exact procedure steps if you're gonna go with the second method.

(6) Drain and replenish your coolant. I bought the pre-mixed 50/50 Prestone coolant. I also used the Prestone flush fluid as well. The directions for flushing and replacement are behind the Prestone flush fluid bottle as well as at Prestone's online page. They have a video tutorial.

(7) Replace cabin air filter. For my car, I bought the part from Hyundai and accessed it by removing the glove department first.

(8) Fuel filters. This one is a bit dangerous and time-consuming but I replaced the two fuel filters on my car--the one that surrounds the fuel pump and the one that plugs into the bottom of the fuel pump. Don't smoke around your car when you have the fuel tank open.

(9) Change your PCV valve. It's a very simple job. The part cost me ~$5.00 at the local Autozone and you might gain back some MPG after you do this. I did!!

(10) Clean the throttle body. You have to take apart your intake near the throttle body and the intake manifold and clean the inside of the throttle body and its butterfly plate. You can buy the throttle body cleaner spray at an auto store. I was gonna clean mine when I was installing my CAI but didn't b/c it still looked clean.
As for the fuel injectors, I don't think it's necessary with only 60K miles. Most likely, the dealer will NOT take out the fuel injectors and clean them. They'll just probably use some fuel injector cleaning fluid. I recommend that you just buy some Chevron Techron fuel injector cleaner and use it when you fill up your gas tank. I use this every time I do my oil change (every 3,000 to 5,000 miles).

(11) Rotate your tires and while you have the tires off, visually inspect your brake pads to see how many millimeters of thickness you have left.

(12) Drain and replenish your transmission fluid. For my car, it was simple. Unplug the drain bolt, let the transmission fluid drain out, close the drain bolt, open the fill bolt, and refill with new transmission fluid using a pump. For an automatic car, the procedure is a bit different but not difficult unless you also change out the transmission fluid filter. If you change the filter too, it's gonna be a more messy job and time-consuming b/c you'll have to scrape the gasket material and put on a new gasket.

Here are the things I let the dealer do and how much I paid for the service:

(1) Replace the timing belt, water pump, and other drive belts such as the water pump belt, A/C belt, and P/S belt. I paid ~$545.00.

(2) Safety inspection. Cost me around ~$90.00. This is different from a basic 34-point inspection.

If you do decide to do the majority of the 60K service yourself, be sure you keep all of your receipts for warranty purposes. For my next timing belt service, I'm planning to do it myself and save some money.

You'll learn a lot by doing these yourself and hopefully, fun as well.

 

[kc66]

Thank you so much ori11 and steev-o for your very helpful tips.
I am already learning a lot!

I came across this 2005-2006 HYUNDAI ELANTRA CAR WORKSHOP MANUAL
by Factory Repair Service Manuals that you can download in PDF
for $24.99:

http://store.payloadz.com/str-asp-i..._WORKSHOP_MANUAL_Other_Files_-end-detail.html

The price is very good compared to Haynes' $79.99. However, is it any good? Does anyone out there have any experience with this particular manual?

Thanks!
ps. for those who are clueless about changing spark plugs on an Elantra there is a video on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9f6qbr6CEc

 

[2003GT]

You mean 10W-30. He lives in PA so he needs some form of winter oil.

 

[wopgenius]

for the fuel injector service go to Wal-Mart (yes i know they are the devil but they do have some cheap stuff) it is 19.99 for the fuel cleaning service. I did it at 15,000 on my previous car and plan to do that interval on my new elantra. i figure it cant hurt and for 20 bucks it is worth it.

 

[2003GT]

I noticed that last time I was there. You notice any difference before/after.

 

[Cypher]

Also, don't listen to steev-o. Timing belt must be done at 60k miles!

 

[wopgenius]

I noticed that last time I was there. You notice any difference before/after.

um, not really. I mean i did it to my impreza at 15,000 miles so I am sure the injectors,tb, etc were not too gunked up. I just figure it can't hurt to keep that stuff somewhat clean. Supposedly it is the same thing as the $50 and up ones found at all other repair shops and dealers. maybe some one can do it to their car that has a few more miles on it.

 

[Beto0707]

Here's the breakdown I received from my dealer via email.

The 60,000 service is very extensive. Here’s what I would recommend you do at this mileage interval.

• The Engine timing belt is due at 60,000 miles the cost including tax, labor and the timing belt is $423.00
• Transmission flush (all 12 quarts installed $167.00)
• Engine coolant flush ($99.95 installed)
• Engine air filter if needed is $24.00 installed.
• We will also perform a multi-point inspection---visual check of brakes, belt, fluid levels at not cost.

This list is shorter than some I've seen (ori11), but it's still pricey at $715. I'm also not sure if the dealer is aware that my Elantra is a standard transmission. He may though, because I had my 30k service at his shop.

 

[cobase]

timing belt & drive belts $399.99 [About right, and probably worth it.]
fuel injector svc $106.99 [Probably some $20 bottle you dump into the fuel]
trans svc $84.99 [For an automatic that's sensitive to fluid type and pressure and still has a warranty... yeah, ok]
coolant svc $74.99 [About what I paid too, for a 'flush']
power steering flush $85.99 [I haven't done this yet, maybe should soon]
rotate & balance $39.99 [Not bad for balancing, I guess]
air filter $13.12 [That's close to the parts cost, as it should be.]
pcv valve $38.00 [That's also close to the parts cost, as it should be.]
throttle body svc $39.99 [Not sure what that is...]
spark plugs & wires $125.00 [Maybe $50 DIY and pretty easy w/ right tools]
clean, lube, adjust rear brakes $44.99 [?]
a/c system check $41.25 [Is it cold? Let me check...]

I don't know if my PCV valve has ever been changed. I might do that. What about this throttle body service and injector cleaning stuff? What is that, is it worth it, can I do it myself?

 

[BobMs_wht2k2]

A small observation. . . if you have to ask this question:

What is it and can I do it myself?

I think you already know the answer.

 

[sciphi]

If you don't know how to do it, find a friend who does. Then take a nice Saturday, crack open a brewski or two (don't forget a case for your friend to take home!), order some pizza and make a day out of learning how to work on your Elantra. You'll have learned some new skills, learned more about your car, boosted your fuel economy, and saved a couple hundred bucks.

The Elantra is a pretty easy car to work on for the basics, such as plugs, wires, belts (except timing), oil, and fluids. Just make sure you have a good metric socket set and metric wrenches. $40 at Harbor Freight will give you enough tools to do basic maintenance.

Don't forget, if you don't know how, SEARCH! Most likely somebody has done it before, and has the pictures to show how.

 

[pangea]

I did everything you listed myself. Wow I must have saved more than $800 per your dealer's quote. That would be more than $2000 with my local dealer. They would charge me $1300 for the timing belt change alone. That price doesn't even include water pump replacement. LOL. But then again, I wasted my time on doing them myself over weekends.

Anyway, learn to do them yourself. Elantra is a good practice car to learn maintenance skill. You will gain confidence by working on it and you will be able to tackle your next cars to save more. It's fun to work on it too. Buy basic tools and shop manual. I buy factory shop manuals for every car that I own. Hyundai shop manual is somewhat crappy though. Tools and shop manual pay for themselves. I mean it! Probably all the saving from my DIY must have gone to tool purchase. LOL