Port, Starboard, Forward and Aft

Hyundai Matrix petrol filter replacement

2011-12-11T16:37:00.000+08:00

After clocking 102,0000km...its rather overdue to replace the petrol filter. The standart period to replace the petrol filter is at every 45,0000km. For matrix the petrol filter can only be access by folding the rear seat. There a couple of bolt and nuts to be removed.

Once the filter are removed from the tank, it looks like a...wow...its big. But in actual fact,the whole unit consist of the petrol filter, petrol pump and float level switch.

Once the whole unit strip down...

By looking at the housing... I say that it does look quite old, scared the plastic housing will give way or break, then die la... But anyway under the hand of a compitent E-kar technician, he does it very well.

A fully assemble unit with new petrol filter

Not only petrol filer was replace, i had the throttle body clean, engine bay wash and engine oil cap replace.

Windscreen polishing...

2011-12-09T07:34:00.000+08:00

Polish up my windscreen at Hypercoat Enterprise in USJ1, it cost RM150 and they polish not only front and rear screen but also all 4 door window screen...not bad right!

Some of the product being used...I also wash my car..cost me RM15.

Finally day got myself a piece of water magnet cloth from Meguiar's ...RM79 a piece...not cheap but I have seen this cloth perform...very very good!

Talking to a stranger

2011-12-06T09:51:00.000+08:00

Do you always talk to stranger? How do you find talking to them..comfortable or uncomfortable? What if you dont know their names and start talking with them..do you think its wise to talk to them? What should a stranger do before talking to you....introduce ..right? Well I notice not many want to introduce but they like to talk...I think that is how a stranger are and will behave...friendly but unknown! They are good in striking a conversation..something that people like to talk...its a strange world and strange character of what a stranger are capable with..somehow I wish you would at least introduce yourself...make me comfortable to whom Im talking too..

Tweeter pods..another DIY

2011-11-30T12:55:00.000+08:00

I want the tweeter pod to look different...not those common pods you find in the accessory shops or custom design on the A-pillars...its tedious job and expensive. So, I opt for Christmas deco! A can of clear aerosal spray was used, this is to keep the glossy and decoration intact. I applied 2 layer of clear coat and use a hair dryer for quick drying in order to apply the 2nd coat.

It is then hang up to dry for 24 hours..

After 24 hours, its time to bore a hole for the tweeters. Using a hand drill will help to finish the work much faster but must be careful with the speed or else it migh bore thru and injured your hand.

A small hole at the rear for the tweeter cable to pass thru..

Tadaaaaa....the initial placement.

And finally it is place into my car. I still use the blue tac to place the pods but this time with alot less blue tac then before.

Time taken to complete the work: 3 hours.

Elantra rear rubber spring mounting and bumper screw modification.

2011-11-27T00:41:00.000+08:00

I occupied half of my day at my regular workshop. The matrix and elantra need an oil change. Brought my own oil and oil filters but my elantra needs further attention.

I have discovered the rear rubber mounting for the eibach spring fitted about 6 months ago begin to show serious sign of fatigue. See below photos..it does looks scary. One would wonder..what if the spring jump out from the mounting!!!!

After dismantling..this is how it looks....long cracks in the spring groove.

My mechanic manage to source for a replacement..instead of using a single rubber mounting..it is now comes in 2 pcs. Meaning both lower and upper spring will have a rubber mounting. The idea is to increase the height to prevent the tyre from touching any parts of the inner fender when the car is fully loaded or when going thru speed bumps.

New lower section spring rubber mounting as compare with the original lower mounting.

Finally fitted...it looks good!

Then follow by checking the left side spring mounting discover the same senario, crack on the rubber spring groove. I had them replace as well.

Finally the left side suspension spring sits firmly.

And since I've fitted the elantra with an 18inch tyre, once a while the tyre would touch the bumber screw whenever going over speed bump or slopes on the highway at fully loaded condition. It took me a while to discover which area is affected. Until I saw the bumper screw which strike my mind!...why in the first place they fixed a screw in such position that will cause bigger tyre to strike.

Removed the screw and replace with another new screw, placing it further back and cut-off the tip of the old bracket.

Test run by driving over the the speed hums with 2 adults. The outcome is excellent , the tyre is not touching any part of the bumper.

Listen to her song....then go get them!!!

2011-11-20T21:08:00.000+08:00

I was wondering...why her album is moving off the shelf like no tomorrow..thought its sound sucks until I listen to it....Its just wonderful!!!

How to get out of the car...

2011-11-17T15:56:00.000+08:00

Here is a good lesson, will be useful for those with a mini skirts...

THM( Team Hyundai Malaysia) is going down South!

2011-11-02T18:48:00.000+08:00

THMers,
Let's convoy and have fun on the upcoming THM event.

THM Southern Trip 2011.

Date: 26th - 27th November 2011
Destination: Johor Bahru, Johor.
Accomodation: Nouvelle Hotel Kulai.

Trip itinerary: -

Day 1
- 0800hrs : Meet-up and flagoff at Shell station after Sg. Besi toll.
   - Stops:
   1. Ayer Keroh - (30mins max)
   2. Pagoh - Lunch (up to 1hr)
-1600hrs - Regroup at Hotel and meet-up with Southern Members.
-1700hrs - Dinner at Restoran Mandella Seafood, Tanjung Bin, Pontian. - Depart at 1700hrs from Hotel. (est. 40mins).
-2100hrs - Free at leisure - Hangout at Danga bay / Back to the hotel.

Day 2
-0700-1000hrs - Breakfast is served at the hotel cafe
-1000hrs - Check-out after breakfast (Breakfast is served from 0700-1000hrs)
-1100hrs - Arriving Ayer Hitam - Window shopping and lunch (own)
-1400hrs - Heading back to KL with refreshing stop in Ayer Keroh.
Please visit here for further details:
http://www.teamhyundaimalaysia.com/forum/index.php/topic,3395.45.html

V-Kool Extreme on my Elantra!!

2011-10-29T21:02:00.000+08:00

Finally got my Elantra front windscreen tinted with V-Kool Extreme. It has 65% light transmission compare to V-kool elite with 73% light transmission. Having experince using v-kool elite, I feel there is just too much light , so with v-kool extreme is just perfect. No problem with Smart Tag at all. Comes complete with 5 years warranty.

My Elantra Windscreen Replacement

2011-10-27T06:55:00.000+08:00

Being busy this whole week...looks like never ending maintenance work...next is my windscreen. Found a shop in Tmn Indsutri Batu Caves, the boss says replacement wok only takes about 2 hours and windscreen are ready stock. Oh man...he has plenty of windscreen in his shop for various cars!

They have to removed the wiper, the plastic piece in front of the windscreen and what ever items place near the windscreen. Then they will insert a thin wire cutter to cut the sealant under the windscreen, then push the windscreen out.

All rubber linings will have to be pull out as well.

Finally...this is how naked it looks without any screen!

My brand new and original windscreen from Hyundai..

The windscreen will have to be clean before install and at the same time they applied a new sealant.

And finally the most important steps...to install the windscreen. Its one time placement and no taking out for 2nd time or else the whole process have to be repeat all over again. This guys are good..the guy in yellow is the boss!

Finally...I have my new windscreen.

The original windscreen comes with a shade...similar to the new Hyundai YF.

So for 2 days, no washing and no tinted on the windscreen... anyway not to worry, all are inclusive in the insurance claim. Will get it done soon.

Mcintosh MCC404M...speaker connection.

2011-10-26T07:19:00.000+08:00

Been searching high and low for a free user manual and finally manage to get a copy. I have yet to go thru in details of the user manual but what caught me by surprise is the speaker connection. This amp can support speaker with 2,4 and 8ohm impedance. So no issue of using home hifi speakers which is cheaper than car audio speaker, need to customize the passive x-over only or get direct from the hifi-shop!! Aint that wonderful. Now have to select from Madisound its range of speakers.

If you want the copy of the manual, will gladly email to you. Just drop me an email!

My Elantra 1st aircond service.

2011-10-20T22:44:00.001+08:00

The elantra has clocked 67,300km and its coming to 4 years old by Feb 2012. Best to have the aircond system service by my regular workshop. I do learn something new ...it wasn't easy. Work together with the technician was fun... it help me to understand how aircond system component has change over the years.

I requested the dryer to be replace and aircond compressor oil to be renewed with fresh oil. The aircond compressor was removed from the mounting and all the oil was drained out. About 200ml compressor oil was fill up.

In the process, it was discover that the aircond belt has many cracks along the v-grooved, immediately I request it to be replace.

The original aircond belt marking

The belt was replace with new belt..it seem you can use 4PK 845 or 855 belt.

In order to removed the aircond belt, need to slacken the alternator belt as the main pulley share 2 v- grooved, for alternator and aircond compressor. Check on the alternator belt, all seems to be in good condition, should be able to last till 90,000km

Next...the dryer...normally we see the dryer as a canister that is separated from the condenser. Whenever we service our aircond system, should the dryer is choked, only the dryer canister is replace. But with new design on the elantra, whereby the dryer shell is welded to the condenser. Example as see below

With this design , it allowed only the dryer element to be replace. By removing the bottom cap, will exposed the element. But more work need to be carryout..the aircond fan need to be removed.

The whole condensor unit to be lift out.

And whole condenser with dryer is removed from the engine bay

The condenser is place on the working bench and you need an allen key to open the bottom caps of the dryer. However the caps are made of plastic...need time to removed.

Finally manage to removed the plastic cap

This is the dryer element...being packed nicely. Inside it contains dry silica gel to absorb any moisture of the aircond gas.

The condition of the plastic caps was terrible as need to apply force to moved the caps. I was worry it might not fitted during installation. However lucky managed to do it slowly and carefully.

The old silica gel was replace Denso silica gel..

Fyi..some dryer caps are made of aluminium however my elantra are made of plastic....those caps are unfortunately are not universal size. If the plastic caps snaps or damage, the whole condenser will have to be replace!!

And finally, pressure test the condensor found no leaks and the condenser is washed with solvent to removed all the dust and dirt sticking to its cooling fins.

Overall check, found all system working good...

Breakdown charges:
1. Aircond belt = RM 35.00
2. Dryer element = RM 85.00
3. Refill R134 = RM 50.00
4. 200ml comp.oil = RM25.00
5. Labour = RM65.00

Total = RM260.00

Mcintosh MCC404M...such a sweet amplifier

2011-10-19T12:30:00.000+08:00

Mcintosh has been building home audio for many years and its a well known American brand. Handmade and built to last with quality that put its competitor at the edge. Recently I got hold of a Mcintosh MCC404M ...a single amp to power up all 4 speakers and 2 tweeters. Check the specs and photos: http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/us/Products/pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=CarAudioAmps&ProductId=MCC404M

Its a heavy amp...weights about 10kg! It has 2 cooling fan and will activate once the amp gets very hot. If you wanna know the pricing...visit Audio Creation @ http://www.audio-creations.com/. The sound quality produce by this amp is superb...the sound have energy and its lively!. You can get them at ebay but after custom tax etc...its will be very very expensive.

Castrol Magnatec Promotion

2011-10-19T09:57:00.002+08:00

Castrol Magnatec promotion for the month of October 2011....

For any promotional pack of Castrol Magnatec 5W30 A5 (4L); get a FREE Castrol Thermal Food Jar.

For any promotional pack of Castrol GTX Modern Engine (4L), GTX Professional (4L) & GTX M-Tec (3L/4L); get a FREE Castrol Sports Towel.

Offer valid only in Malaysia with PROMOTIONAL PACKS of Castrol Magnatec 5W30 A5, GTX Range from 1st October until 31 October 2011 or WHILE STOCKS LAST.

Get them at Castrol Auto Service workshops and Castrol outlets.

DIY Tweeter Pods for my Elantra...

2011-10-17T09:37:00.006+08:00

I just cant stay quarantine at home for 2 weeks watching dvd's or FB's ... die man if like thats....so I decided to try my hand to diy a tweeter pod and same time replace the old tweeter with a much better tweeter. Buy the way the 1st diy installation as seen below...cable are place on the outside..thinking it will looks sexy and blue tac all over...instead got bashing from my wife and fellow friends too..hu hu...

So here is it...a tennis ball. It cheap...3pcs for RM10 only!

Skinned off the tennis ball..

Then cut to the size of the tweeter based to mount the tweeter..

Round off any sharp edges before mounting the tweeeter and same time using emery paper to sand of the surface. At the rear make a hole for the tweeter cable passage

Then mount the tweeter into the pod . I apply some blue tac to place the tweeter properly in the pod and wrapped with a sound proofing foam on its peripheral

And final result look like this .....

I still use a blue tac to position the tweeter pods, no future intention to permanently fixed to the pillars....I like it being adjustable.

Chicken.....chicken pox!

2011-10-16T20:48:00.002+08:00

My daughter had her chicken pox recently and completed her ordeal in about 12 days. But somehow, this chicken doesn't know or care whom is the next person they wish to infect it and somehow, Im the unlucky fellow to get infected with chicken pox!!

Its itchy and I do have a slight fever. Overall I have now about 70 spots all over my body...will be on MC for 2 weeks....today is my 5th day of MC.

My Matrix tyre change and fuel injector replacement

2011-08-01T23:18:00.008+08:00

As per the long list of maintenance...the maintenance work continues

http://ritzzuan.blogspot.com/2011/02/my-hyundai-matrix-2005-long-list-of.html

The fuel injector no.3 was finally replace. Had been waiting for months..this is the new injector and as you can see ..its very small! It only takes about an hour to complete the replacement work.

The old fuel injector.

The next item are the rear tyres which is 75% bald. Bridgestone Turanza 15inch was the best choice as its within my budget. The tyre cost me RM190 per tyre...not that cheap anymore.

The new tyres

From the looks of the tyre tread..this tyre is not noisy. With 3 deep groove water channel its should perform well on the wet surface.

With new sets of tyre and new injector...the ride feels much better than before.

After intallation : Hyundai Matrix Mountings and Drive Shaft

2011-07-04T11:24:00.005+08:00

All ends well, I did an inspection once again to view the condition of the mountings and bushes, plus did a short test drive before the petrol light ON!

The drive shaft CV rubber boot, clean and no traces of grease.

Both side of the lower arm rubber mounting was replace..looks good.

New front absorber mountings are well place...

Forward engine mounting just behind the radiator

Engine mounting beside timing belt

Engine mounting above gear box

And finally, rear engine mounting near the steering rack.

Now my 6 year old Matrix feel like a new MPV...

LED 881 bulb for my Elantra fog lamp

2011-07-02T10:16:00.006+08:00

There was nothing wrong with Phillips 881 bulb, its just that this LED 881 has been on my radar for quite sometime and finally I decided to give it a try. With a total of 13 smd LED..that should smack off the old Phillip 881 bulb.

Order it from ebay, arrived in 9 days and its from Hong Kong! It's emitting white bluish ray instead of the phillip 881 with white yellowish.

This is how bright the 881 led's...quite acceptable.

A closer look..

When compare the brightness between DRL and 881 led...the DRL is way much brighter.

Philip 881 bulb brightness test during day time

881 LED brightness test during day time

As I have a DRL..the fog light wont be use most of the time. Its just that in term of colour, its not far different from DRL as compare with Philips 881 bulb. As an added precaution, I have stick some blue tac to prevent any water from sipping through the rubber gasket as this fog light does not comes with waterproof cover like on my Matrix. The rubber gaskets on the 881 bulb is not that realiable either.

My Matrix minor repair

2011-06-30T15:51:00.007+08:00

My wife say...now the Matrix's ride is so comfortable and handling has much improved!!..yeah why not coz that was the idea to change wear and tear item. There are few more to go..but I have to undertake one step at a time.

The front absorber was replace with original Hyundai absorber. Got it for RM150/pc and its absorber mounting was also replace.

Both drive shaft CV rubber boot as shown sign of wear and some grease has begin to leak off from the rubber...and luckily Matrix drive shaft is very easy to replace its CV rubber. So before the old rubber rupture and dirt get into the bearing, I decided to replace the rubber boots, both inner and outer of the drive shaft...per CV boot rubber cost me RM50/pc .

Unexpected does happen...the drive shaft oil seal dented. The mechanic didn't say how it got dented but my guess is during installation of the drive shaft. Anyway the oil seal is not that expensive to replace.

Now, the engine mounting....every year I will check whenever the car is raise during routine service. However this time, there is no escape...the mounting has shown sign of failure. All 4 engine mounting was replace..RM550/- inclusive of labour. Further than that the stabilizer bushing was replace...replace them all! and put the end of knocking noise when going over uneven road surface or bumbs.

Also the central locking actuator on the driver side was faulty, all this while need to manually lock. After inspection, the mechanic replace the actuator for RM60..he says that's the modified version, if original will cost around RM150.00. Oh well, now its working, lets see how long it can last.

Total damage RM1399.00 inclusive of wheel alignment...

My "groceries" !

2011-06-11T05:58:00.006+08:00

I call them "groceries" as it for my car..oh well...that's their daily food! Instead of buying per bottle, its much cheaper to buy them in cartons. I find Bardahl is really suitable for both my ride, this is the 2nd carton. I did give some bottles away to my in laws for them to try as well.

Per bottle is around RM95-RM120, but if you buy in carton...its about RM85-RM90 per bottle. When added with X-1R... the engine becomes much smoother and more responsive!!!

So with that as well, it require better ignition quality...Denso Iridium Tough! Its in a Toyota box...strange but true!.. seller says its original and after checking around...found that its packed for Toyota...RM200 for 4pcs, after bargaining it settle for RM180.00

In the another packaging it should look like this

All item bought at PhAuto, Seapark PJ.

Ipad in my car

2011-06-06T11:17:00.002+08:00

Watch the video...

Wild Garden

2011-06-02T21:07:00.002+08:00

One of the song in the Dali cd vol.2

Looking from the rear

2011-05-21T02:02:00.012+08:00

Who has the most sexy butt...my elantra or the sonata yf ? Click on the photo for better view of the image.

Qawali Dhun

2011-05-17T03:43:00.001+08:00

Such a complicated song ....but I enjoy it