Timing Belt Replacement
 

I don't know if this is addressed elsewhere. We are getting ready to change the timing belt and water pump on my 2004 Santa Fe, 3.5L, 4WD. It is still under warrenty, so we are trying to make sure we don't void the warranty by purchasing non-Hyundai approved parts. Do you have to buy the parts at a dealership, or can you purchase Hyundai approved parts elsewhere?

I would check the dealer's pricing and get the part numbers and prices. Then
google it and you'll be able to see if you can get them cheaper.

I only use OEM parts on my vehicles so that's what I would suggest
you do. A site you can check out is www.shophyundaiparts.com
I believe they advertise here. I looked it up and for the belt for
your vehicle it's $64.41 and the pump is $104.62. Don't forget any
gaskets you may need. Don't try to use the old one.

As I said, check with the dealership first. Believe it or not, there
have been times that their price has been comparable or just
slightly more that it doesn't really make a difference. It's a rarity
but it does happen from time to time. Good luck with the job.

John

Thanks
 

Thanks for your response. If you don't mind, what is your opinion about changing the tensioner and water pump while I am in there? I am getting conflicting views about this.

It doesn't appear necessary. I did it on my Tundra because in order to
replace the timing belt you had to drain the coolant and remove the
radiator. I would have to do all that and remove the belt to get to the
pump, so I had it all done at once. I also had 90K miles on the truck
and figured the pump would go sooner than later.

It seems like you plan on doing the job yourself, so I guess you would
have to ask yourself whether or not you want to go through just
about the whole process again to replace the pump at a later date.
If you were paying someone to do it I would definitely do it now while
they're already in the area, rather than pay them down the line again
to do just about the same thing to get to it.

John